Efficacy of zeolite in reducing NH3 production in beef cattle manure in an in vitro system

Abstract

<p>Ammonia (NH₃) emissions from manure can contribute to negative welfare outcomes for both humans and animals in livestock industries, and techniques to limit NH₃ volatilisation from the manure pad are being researched (McCrory and Hobbs 2001). Zeolite is a naturally occurring aluminosilicate present in sedimentary rock, compositionally similar to clay minerals but characterised by a unique three-dimensional structure and high cation exchange capacity that can selectively retain ammonium (NH₄⁺) ions (Ramesh and Reddy 2011). The current recommended application rates are highly variable, depending on industry application and particle diameter, and there is opportunity to investigate the capacity for adsorption of ambient NH₃ from the air. This experiment aimed to determine the most effective zeolite application rate for reduction of NH₃ volatilisation from the cattle manure pad, and to test ambient application of zeolite, <i>in vitro</i>.</p>