Factors Affecting Nitrogen Losses as Measured Using Forced-Air Wind Tunnels and Nitrogen Mass Balance

Authors

Dawn M. Sherwood, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Dennis D. Schulte, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Richard R. Stowell, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

January 2006

Comments

Published in 2006 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Copyright © 2005 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

Two experiments using wind tunnels were conducted in conjunction with a N mass balance to evaluate the effect of clinoptilolite zeolite clay on ammonia (NH₃) losses. Ammonia losses were measured using the wind tunnels during the last six weeks of each feeding period and compared to losses calculated using a N mass balance. Nitrogen loss, pH, surface DM and N contents, and soil and surface temperatures were assessed as possible contributing factors. There were no differences in NH₃ volatilization due to dietary treatments. N loss was influenced by date, % DM, surface N and soil temperature. As measured by the wind tunnels, 26.4 to 29.2% of the total N loss (by mass balance) was lost as volatilized NH₃. The wind tunnel is a useful tool for measuring gaseous emissions; however, the short measurement period and small area of measurement may reduce the cumulative accuracy compared to mass balance techniques.