Aerobic Composting or Anaerobic Stockpiling of Feedlot Manure

Authors

Matt K. Luebbe, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Matthew A. Greenquist, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

January 2008

Comments

Published in 2008 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Copyright © 2007 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

Two manure management and storage methods, manure stockpiled anaerobically or composted aerobically for 104 days were evaluated. Nitrogen recovery was 85.7% and 56.4% for stockpiled and composted manure, respectively. Organic nitrogen concentrations were greater for composted manure while ammonium nitrogen concentrations were greater for stockpiled manure. Simulation of hot, dry conditions during field application indicated the amount of ammonia nitrogen lost from stock¬piled manure was not great enough to offset the total nitrogen recovery advantage of this method. When evaluated on a nutrient basis, stockpiled manure has greater value as a fertilizer compared with composted manure in this study.