Effect of Sawdust or Acid Application to Pen Surfaces on Nitrogen Losses from Open-Dirt Feedlots

Authors

John Lory, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Julie Adams, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Bahman Eghball, USDA-Agriculture Research Service
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
J. F. Powers, USDA-ARS

Date of this Version

January 2002

Comments

Published in 2002 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Copyright © 2001 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

Two nutrient management treatments (sawdust or sulfuric acid application to pen surface) were compared to conventional management using 12 pens (10 steers/pen) to determine effects on performance and nitrogen losses from pens. Performance and carcass characteristics for treatments were similar to the control. The sawdust treatment retained more nitrogen in manure when removed from the pen surface and after composting. Increasing carbon by sawdust additions reduced nitrogen losses by 21%. Applying acid to the pen surface did not affect quantity of nitrogen or organic carbon conserved in manure and compost.