Working Document Series Open Access 2012 RUF-32679

The Effectiveness of Lignite Coal and Biochar in Reducing Nitrogen (N) Losses from Cattle Feedlot Manure

F.M. KagimboH. SuterA. Weatherley

Download Read online

Abstract

139 words

This study was conducted at the University of Melbourne Burnley campus aimed at investigating the effectiveness of lignite coal and biochar in reducing nitrogen losses from feedlot cattle manure. Forty (40) kg of manure was mixed with either 6kg of biochar or lignite and the other 40kg of manure were used as control. These were put in 220 drum replicated 3 times where 50g of N in form of urea were sprayed in them. The concentration of urea, NH4 + and NO3 -, and emissions of N2O and NH3 were monitored for 21 days in each drum to assess nitrogen loss. At the end of the experiment (3 weeks), biochar and lignite reduced ammonia loss by 38% and 72% respectively as compared to the control. However biochar increased N2O flux 10 fold as compared to that of the control.

Subjects

1 category