Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Farmers, composters, Extension agents, students, Environmentalists, regulators Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? A workshop on "Systems Thinking" was held in 2013 in Washington DC that was attended by the Multi State group. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The results of this project were disseminated through a number means including workshops, presentations, internet communications, fact sheets, and publications many of which are described below. Ohio Compost Operator Education Course. Held annually since 2000, the 2-day course provides an in-depth understanding of the composting process and the means to address operational issues involved in the production of compost at large scale facilities It is taught primarily by OARDC faculty with research and engineering expertise in composting systems with additional input from industry experts. The class size, which is limited to 28 to facilitate discussion and hands-on activities, has been filled to capacity each year. Manure Science Review (MSR.) is an educational program that provides research-based information on manure handling, management , and utilization. It has been held annually throughout Ohio since 2001 and is a collaboration between the Ohio Composting and Manure Management program (OCAMM), OSU Extension, Soil & Water Conservation Districts, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Locations and attendance from 2007 to present area as follows: (1) 2007 held in Celina and Massillon with 124 and 58 attendees, respectively; (2) 2008, hosted the Great Lake Manure Expo in lieu of MSR (see below); (3) 2009 held in St. Marys and Strasburg with 81 and 24 attendees, respectively; (4) 2010 held in Continental with 130 attendees; (5) 2011 held in DeGraff with 135 attendees; (6) held in Grover Hill with 140 attendees; (6) 2013 held Bucyrus with 175 attendees. Composting in Ohio Tours. OCAMM organizes a 1-day tour of 2-4 composting facilities in Ohio to provide opportunities for a real-world view of composting practices and systems. Presentations by OARDC/OSU faculty during lunch provide updates on current composting research. Total attendance (2007 to 2013): 245. Additional educational programs: (1) Great Lakes Manure Expo. Held in July 2008 at London, Ohio, the 1-day program included educational presentations on best practices for manure management, field demonstrations, and exhibitors and was attended by 750 people from Ohio and surrounding states. (2) OARDC Science of Ag and school tours. Compost pad tour and presentation on the basics of compost for k-12 classess with total attendance 2007-13 of over 1500. (3) Manure Technology Workshop. Held in 2011 and 2012, it provided information for farmers on technologies with the potential to help reduce P loading in impaired watersheds. Total attendance: 290. (4) Anaerobic Digestion Training Course, 2012. Developed and taught by OARDC faculty, with addition presentations by industry experts the course was filled to its capacity of 29, Presentations have been given at numerous venues including national conferences, state Extension programs, and local workshops. Examples: (1) 8th National Composting Technology and Engineering Conference in Nanning China and at the China Agricultural University on the environmental benefits of manure composting. (2) Family Farm Field day in Sugar Creek attended by more than 1500 Amish farmers. Presented talks on small scale anaerobic digestion of food waste and manure and a display on organic wastes by composting. (3) ORBIT International Symposium in Rennes, France and at the US Composting Council annual meeting in Austin, TX. Presented research on bioplastic degradation during composting and persistent herbicides in composts. Publications. In addition to publications in professional journals and fact sheets (‘Other Products’ section), articles have been published for lay audiences in the Ohio Country Journal. The “OCAMM odds & ends”, a bi-weekly e-newsletter that focuses on manure management and composting related news and events is sent to a listserv with over 350 members and the OCAMM website provides information on events related to manure and refuse management. Other. OARDC/OSU faculty and staff have served for the following organizations (1) Board member, Organics Recycling Association of Ohio. (2) Editor, Compost Science & Utilization. (3) 10-State Extension Team. (4) Food, Fuel and Fiber SARE meeting planning team, 2012. (5) Midwest Professional Nutrient Applicators Association. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Most of the Accomplishments for OSU fell under Goal 2: “Continue the development and performance evaluation of process-level strategies and tactics to reduce environmental pollution at the process level from confined animal feeding operations.” Details of these studies can be found in the publications and presentation listed under “Products”. Improving Water Use and Management on Large Dairy Farms Begun in 2005, a water use study was implemented to evaluate more accurate total water use on dairies and to identify mitigation options for minimizing usage. During 2009, data were collected from four Ohio farms to assess the volume of water being pumped from the ground and the volume of waste water going into manure storage. Data were compiled and evaluated. The study was funded by the Ohio Water Development Authority. Herbicide persistence in Manure Dairy and horse manure composts are often used for organic agriculture and as constituents of nursery plant growth media. These composts may contain residual levels of herbicides that can result in composts with phytotoxic effects. Experiments were conducted on the effects of composts made from feed stocks containing aminocyclopyrachlor, glyphosate and clopyralid. Composts from a composting facility containing 10-40 ppb of aminopyralid (widely used on pastures to control broadleaf weeds) and clopyralid were also tested. In addition, tests were conducted on the effects of low concentrations of these herbicides added to the potting media containing composts. Bioassays using tomato and bean were developed and used to assess the effects on plant growth and development. Results showed that concentrations as low as 10 ppb of aminopyralid, aminocyclopyrachlor and clopyralid added to potting media can lead to phytotoxic effects. Feed stocks to which glyphosate was been applied as directed (4 kg AI/acre), exhibited phytotoxic effects after the feedstocks were composted when the compost was used as a 20% potting media amendment. The same composts made from untreated feed stocks showed no phytotoxicity. Concentrations in composts made from feed stocks to which the compounds were applied, contained more than 1 ppm of these compounds. These studies indicate that careful attention must be paid to the source and types of manure used for composting. Contaminated manure feedstocks can result in composts that are phytotoxic to many food crops. Bedded pack evaluation study The compost bedded pack dairy barn is an alternative to free stall and tie stall housing that allows manure management as a solid. It is a loose-housing system that uses sawdust, straw or other dry organics as bedding and incorporates periodic mechanical stirring of the bedded area to enhance the decomposition of manure much like composting. The system has the potential to generate positive impacts on milk production and manure management. The objectives of this study were to analyze recommendations for bedded pack housing developed in Minnesota to determine if they meet animal needs and can be applied in Ohio’s climate, to evaluate compost bedded pack systems in Ohio and document current practices and assess their effectiveness, and to develop design and management guidelines for Ohio dairy bedded pack systems. Four Ohio farms currently using the bedded pack system were evaluated. Monitors were installed at each facility, three in the barn and one outside, to record temperature and humidity every 30 minutes throughout a 10 week study period. During weekly site visits, concentrations of CO2, NH3, and H2S and the temperature and relative humidity were measured at cow nose height (approximately 30-36 inches). Samples of the pack were collected from depths of 6 in, 12 in, and 18 in at six locations. Other operational data such as milk production, somatic cell counts and animal health were also recorded. The bedded pack studies documented how these systems can be a viable alternative to conventional liquid storage systems that provides many benefits in Ohio. Antibiotic Resistance in Animal manure Animal manure from animal agriculture constitutes the single largest source of antibiotic resistance (AR) in the environment and can pose a potentially serious threat to the health and well-being of both humans and animals. The efficiency of three different on-farm waste treatment systems in reducing AR were evaluated in a multi-disciplinary study. Three classes of erm genes (B, F, and X) conferring resistances to macrolide–lincosamides–streptogramin B (MLSB) and one class of tet gene (G) conferring resistance to tetracyclines were used as models. Real-time PCR assays were used to determine the reservoir sizes of these AR genes present in entire microbiome. These classes of AR genes varied considerably in abundance, with erm(B) being more predominant than erm(F), erm(X), and tet(G). These AR genes also varied in persistence in different waste treatment systems. Aerobic biofiltration reduced erm(X) more effectively than other AR genes, while mesophilic anaerobic digestion and lagoon storage did not appreciably reduce any of these AR genes. Unlike chemical pollutants, some AR genes could increase after reduction in a preceding stage of the treatment processes. Season might also affect the persistence of AR. These results indicated that AR arising from swine feeding operations can survive typical swine waste treatment processes and thus treatments that are more effective in destructing AR on farms are required. Methods to reduce ammonia emissions from poultry animal housing. Particulate matter (PM) and ammonia emissions have long been a great concern at animal feeding operations (AFOs), especially in poultry facilities. Research focused on the development of electrostatic precipitation (ESP) technologies for mitigation of PM emissions from poultry facilities. A unit was developed, evaluated and tested at a commercial poultry farm. The performance of the unit was 81.8 ± 6.5% for the total PM during a continuous 10-day operation. This study confirmed that ESP is a very promising technology for mitigating poultry PM pollution. Additional studies were conducted on ammonia recovery. Developing manure processing technology (MPT) assessment manual and spreadsheet.In addition an USDA-NRCS-CIG funded project, “Technical, Environmental and Economic Assessment of Alternative Manure Handling and Processing Technologies” involved development of fact sheets and decision tools for livestock farmers that determine the best options for utilizing manure nutrients or creating value added products. Result is a decision strategy to help livestock farmers evaluate the feasibility of manure handling and processing products and systems. The MPT manual provides information on using the MPT excel workbook, 4 farm examples, questions for further evaluation, and fact sheets on land application and six technologies: separation, composting, anaerobic digestion, p recovery, pyrolysis and hydrothermal liquefaction. The MPT excel workbook calculates nutrient balance and determines the feasibility of six manure processing technologies using a farmer’s input on livestock and crop production.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Brown, D., Li, Y. B. 2012. Solid state anaerobic co-digestion of yard waste and food waste for biogas production. Bioresource Technology. 127:275-280. IF: 4.98
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Liew L., Shi, J., Li, Y. B. 2012. Methane production from solid-state anaerobic digestion of lignocellulosic biomass. Biomass and Bioenergy 46:125-132. IF: 3.65
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Cai, T, Park S, Li, Y. B. 2013. Nutrient recovery from wastewater streams by microalgae: status and prospects. Sustainable and Renewable Energy Reviews. In press. IF: 6.02
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Park, S., Li, Y. B. 2012. Evaluation of methane production and macronutrient degradation in the anaerobic co-digestion of algae biomass residue and lipid waste. Bioresource Technology. 111:42-48. IF: 4.98
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2009 Citation: Michel Jr. FC. 2009. Environmental Benefits of Manure Composting [Abstract]. BioCycle 2009 International Conference proceedings.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2009 Citation: Wang, L, Sukhbir Grewal, Yukiko Oda, Frederick C. Michel Jr., Mark Morrison and Zhongtang Yu. 2009. Composting as an Effective Means to Reduce Antibiotic Resistances Present in Animal Manures [Abstract].http://www.kompost.at/pages/news/letter/2009/FORBIT2009_090511.pdf. [Peer Reviewed] ORBIT 2009 Extended abstracts. Beijng, China. (November)
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2010 Citation: Michel, F.C., S.V. Mu�oz-Castaneda, D. Hurak, A. Pentz, S. C.Nanita, and R. Baker. 2010. Biodegradation of Aminocyclopyrachlor and Clopyralid during Yard Trimmings Composting [Abstract]. Abstracts of the ORBIT Annual Meeting. Proceedings of the ORBIT 2010 ed. (May) [Peer Reviewed]
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2010 Citation: Gomez, E., Jay Martin, Frederick Michel. 2010. Effect of Organic Loading Rate On Reactor Performance and Archaeal Community Structure in Mesophilic Anaerobic Digesters Treating Biosolids [Abstract]. Proceedings of ORBIT 2010. (June) [Peer Reviewed] (In press)
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2009 Citation: Michel Jr., F.C. 2009. Farm Scale Composting: Environmental Benefits, Challenges, and Economics. In: Proceedings of the 2009 Midwest Manure Summit. Green Bay, WI: University of Wisconsin Extension. (March) http://www.uwex.edu/ces/cty/fonddulac/ag/documents/2MichelCompost.pdf. (Published)
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2009 Citation: Wang, S., L.Zhao, X. Wang, R. Manuzon, M. Darr, H.M. Keener A. Heber, J. Ni. 2009. Estimation of Ammonia emission from manure belt poultry layer barns using an alternative mass-balance method. Presented at 2009 ASAE Annual International Meeting. Reno, NV, USA. (June 21 - 24)
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2009 Citation: Manuzon R.B. and L.Y. Zhao. 2009. Laboratory Evaluation and Modeling of Electrostatic Precipitation of PM Emissions from Poultry Buildings. ASHRAE Transactions. Vol. 115, no. 2: 850-886.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2009 Citation: Manuzon, R.B. and L. Y. Zhao. 2009. Are wet scrubbers applicable for controlling ammonia and particulate emissions from AFOs? ? A Review. In: Proceedings of the 2009 AWMA Annual Conference Symposium. Detroit, MI, USA [Peer Reviewed] (Published)
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2009 Citation: Wang, S., L.Y. Zhao, X. Wang, R. Manuzon, M. Darr, H. Li, H. Keener, A. Heber, and J. Ni. 2009. Estimation of Ammonia Emission from Manure Belt Poultry Layer Houses Using an Alternative Mass-Balance Method. In: 2009 ASABE Annual International Meeting (Published)
• Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2010 Citation: G�mez, E.F. 2010. Fffects of organic loading rate on reactor performance and archaeal community structure in mesophilic anaerobic digesters. M.S. thesis. The Ohio State University.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Wang, L, Y Oda, S Grewal, M Morrison, FC Michel Jr., Z Yu. 2012. Persistence of Resistance to Erythromycin and Tetracycline in Swine Manure During Simulated Composting and Lagoon Treatments. Microbial Ecology 63(1): 32-40.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2009 Citation: Chaoui, H. I.; Keener, H. M. 2009. Separating earthworms from organic media using an electric field (vol 100, pg 409, 2008). Biosystems Engineering. Vol. 103, no. 3: 395.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2009 Citation: Li, Y. and H.M. Keener. 2009. County-Level Analysis of Crop Residues Availability for Fuel Ethanol Production in Ohio. Transactions of the ASABE. Vol. 52(1): 313-318.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Harris, L.J., E.D. Berry, T.Blessington, M.Erickson, M.Jay-Russell, X.Jiang, K.Killinger, F.C.Michel, Jr., P.Millner, K.Schneider, M.Sharma, T.V. Suslow, L.Wang, and R.W. Worobo. 2013. A Framework for Developing Research Protocols for Evaluation of Microbial Hazards and Controls during Production That Pertain to the Application of Untreated Soil Amendments of Animal Origin on Land Used To Grow Produce That May Be Consumed Raw. Journal of Food Protection, 76(6):10621084.

Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Experiments conducted on the phytotoxic effects of composts made from feed stocks containing aminocyclopyrachlor, glyphosate and clopyralid. Note-Dairy and horse manure composts are often used as constituents of nursery plant growth media and may contain residual levels of herbicides. Effect of composts from a composting facility containing 10-40 ppb of aminopyralid and clopyralid were tested. In addition, effects of low concentrations of these herbicides added to potting media containing composts were evaluated. Bioassays using tomato and bean were used to assess the effects on plant growth and development. Work on USDA-NRCS-CIG funded project, "Technical, Environ., and Econ. Assessment of Alternative Manure Handling and Processing Tech.", continued and involved development of fact sheets and a decision tool for livestock farmers that determine the best option(s) for utilizing manure nutrients or creating value added products. Project personnel organized and conducted: (1) Ohio Compost Operator training course, both classroom and laboratory, covering composting principles, Ohio EPA regulations, etc.; (2) composting facility tour in conjunction with the Organics Recycling Association of Ohio (ORAO), touring three facilities; (3) Manure Science Review in Grover Hill, OH, a 1-day workshop with presentations and field demonstrations on best manure handling and application practices; (4) Manure Technology Workshop in Maria Stein and Wooster, OH, a 1-day workshop that highlighted manure runoff issues, including impacts of dissolved P, and manure processing technologies, such as anaerobic digestion; (5) OSU, UKY, UTN "Multi-State Workshop: Compost Bedded Pack Dairy Barns" at Wooster, OH and Hopkinsville, KY, a 1-day workshop on the design, management, and impacts of utilizing a dry manure handling system for small dairies; (6) composting educational tours for k-12 students during OARDC's Science of Ag 2-day program. Other activities included: (1) presented on small scale anaerobic digestion of food waste and manure at the Family Farm Field Day in Sugar Creek, OH; (2) produced "OCAMM odds & ends", a bi-weekly e-newsletter that focuses on manure management and composting related news and events; (3) maintained OCAMM website which provides information on events related to manure and refuse management; (4) participated (invited) at the FDA Western States Food Safety Center meeting, advising the group on pathogen destruction during composting and developing research protocols for variances in manure application for fresh produce crops; (5) drafted a paper on pathogen destruction that was submitted to Food Protection Journal; (6) presented on the environmental benefits of manure composting at the 8th National Composting Tech. and Eng. Conf. in Nanning, China and at the China Agricultural Univ.; (7) presented on compost production for urban gardening course in Cleveland, OH; (8) presented research on bioplastic degradation during composting and persistent herbicides in composts at the ORBIT International Symposium in Rennes, France and at the US Composting Council mtg. in Austin, TX; (9) served on Board of ORAO; (10) published 2 articles. PARTICIPANTS: OSU Dept. Food, Agric. & Bio. Engineering: Mary Wicks, Program Coordinator for OCAMM (Ohio Compost & Manure Mgmt. Program); Harold M. Keener, Prof.; Fred Michel, Assoc. Professor; Lingying Zhao, Assoc. Professor; Amanda Douridas, Coordinator for Environ. Mgmt. Program; Sukhbir Grewal, Research Associate. TARGET AUDIENCES: Compost producers, livestock producers, regulators of composting facilities, compost educators, students PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Results of herbicide test showed that concentrations as low as 10 ppb of aminopyralid, aminocyclopyrachlor and clopyralid added to potting media can lead to phytotoxic effects. Composted feed stocks, to which glyphosate was been applied as directed (4 kg AI/acre), exhibited phytotoxic effects when the compost was used as a 20% potting media amendment. The same composts made from untreated feed stocks showed no phytotoxicity. Concentrations in composts made from feed stocks to which the compounds were applied, contained more than 1 ppm of these compounds. Result of research on persistent herbicides has led to the creation of a joint US EPA/USCC Bio-Persistent Herbicides Policy Working Group on which Dr. Michel serves. The groups' task is to develop tests and policies for persistent herbicides in composts and to advise the US EPA on use restrictions for these compounds that will reduce their impact on compost products. Results for outreach programs were: (1) 29 students completing the Ohio Compost Operator Education Course. All demonstrated an improvement in knowledge as indicated by improved test scores. (2) 50 participants on compost tour. Participants rated relevance of the 3 sites to their work/interests 3.0-4.4/5.0 and the usefulness of information provided 4.0-4.7/5.0. (3) 135 attendees at Manure Science Review. All indicated improvement in knowledge based on evaluations. Overall program evaluation was 4.3/5.0. (4) 150 attendees at Manure Technology Workshop. (5) 50 attendees at Multi-State Workshop on Compost Bedded Pack Dairy Barns. (6) 274 school children and teachers attending OARDC's Science of Ag program on composting. (7) 1500+ Amish farmers attending the Family Farm Field Day and being educated on manure handling practices. (8) 350 subscribers receiving OCAMM's odds & ends electronic newsletter.

Publications

• Grewal, SK, YM Li, and F C Michel Jr. 2012. Long-term persistence of aminocyclopyrachlor and clopyralid during composting. Proceedings of the 8th International ORBIT Conference. Rennes, France, June 12-15, 2012. 8 pgs.
• Gomez, E, FC Michel Jr. 2012. Biodegradation of bioplastics and natural fibers during composting, anaerobic digestion and in soil. Proceedings of the 8th International Conference ORBIT 2012. 6 pgs.

Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Dairy and horse manure composts are often used for organic agriculture and as constituents of nursery plant growth media. These composts may contain residual levels of herbicides. Experiments were conducted on the biodegradability of the persistent herbicides aminocyclopyrachlor and clopyralid during dairy manure composting. In addition, tests were conducted on the effects of composts containing low concentrations of these herbicides plus trifluralin and aminopyralid (widely used on pastures to control broadleaf weeds) on tomato, bean and cucumber plant growth and development. Other experiments tested the rate of biodegradation of bioplastics and natural fibers used for nursery pot production during dairy and yard waste composting and anaerobic digestion. The results of these studies were presented at various local and national events. Events - Organized the Ohio Compost Operator training course. Three sections of the course including composting principles, compost and disease suppression and compost contaminants were taught. Also taught laboratory sections of the course on compost sampling, turning and aeration. Organized a composting facility tour for members of the Organics Recycling Association of Ohio. Three facilities were toured and presented a talk on composting research. More than 100 participated. Served as an invited participant to the FDA Western States Food Safety center meeting. Helped to review and develop research protocols for variances in manure application and foliar water and advise the group on pathogen destruction during composting. Attended the 2011 Annual meeting of the US Composting Council, Jan 24-26 in San Jose, CA. Accepted the Rufus Chaney award for composting research and summarized Composting Research. Presented research on bioplastic degradation during composting and persistent herbicides in composts at the BioCycle Annual meeting in San Diego, CA. April 11-14 and as an invited speaker at the Organics Recycling Association of Ohio annual meeting. Nov 4. Columbus, OH. Services - Advised the Ohio EPA on revised Composting Rules for the State of Ohio with members of the Organics Recycling Association of Ohio, Feb 9. Served as a Board member of the Organics Recycling Association of Ohio. Products - Recorded a video using Camtasia of a presentation on research and issues related to persistent herbicides in composts. Aug 4. Supervised the creation of the Ohio Composting and Manure Management website (http://oardc.osu.edu/ocamm). A paper on composting broiler manure presented at 1st International Poultry Meat Congress, Antalya, Turkey. PARTICIPANTS: Mary Wicks, Program Coordinator for OCAMM (Ohio Compost & Manure Mgmt. Program), Harold M. Keener, Prof Food, Agric. & Bio Engineering, Fred Michel, Assoc. Professor Food, Agric. & Bio Engineering. TARGET AUDIENCES: Compost producers, livestock producers, regulators of composting facilities, compost educators, students. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Over 28 students completed the Ohio Compost Operator Education course. All demonstrated an improvement in knowledge as indicated by improved test scores. Overal course evaluation scores for the course were 4.7/5.0. Instructor evaluations were 4.5 for composting principles, 4.5 for value added use of composts and 4.3 for the course laboratory exercises. A member advisory notification was developed with the US Composting Council related to the use of feed stocks treated with the persistent herbicide imprelis. This notified composters around the country about the problems caused by a new persistent herbicide. Results of herbicide composting research have led to the development of tests for testing laboratories, nursery producers, farmers and compost operators/producers that can determine whether composts are contaminated with persistent herbicides. Results of bioplastic degradation studies during composting have been used by nursery pot manufacturers to choose appropriate materials for biodegradable pot production.

Publications

• Degradation of Pyridine Carboxylic Acid Herbicides Herbicides during Composting. Abstracts of the 2011 BioCycle 2011 annual meeting, San Diego, CA.
• Investigation of the Biodegradability of Bioplastics and Natural Fibers during Composting and Soil incubation. Abstracts of the 2011 BioCycle 2011 annual meeting, San Diego, CA.
• Keener,H.M., M.H. Wicks, F.C. Michel, Kamil Eckinci. 2011. New Technologies and Approaches for Composting Broiler Manure. Presented at 1st International Meat Congress. Antalya, Turkey (May 12). http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/ocamm/images/New_Technologies_Compost _Broiler_Manure_May_2011.pdf

Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Research in 2010 included: (1) Fate of antibiotic resistance genes during swine manure treatment. (2) Assessment of impacts of loading rate on high solids anerobic digestion. (1)Animal manure constitutes a large reservoir of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the environment. In this study AMR present in swine manure were measured during manure treatments. Laboratory simulations were run using conditions present during composting (55C with modest aeration) and lagoon storage (25C with surface aeration). Selective plate counting was used to enumerate culturable bacteria resistant to MLSB or tetracyclines, while class-specific real-time PCR assays were used to quantify abundance of individual classes of erm and tet genes. Over a 48-day period, the total cultured bacteria counts remained relatively constant in both treatments. However, cultured MLSB-resistant bacteria and tetracycline-resistant bacteria decreased by 4 to 5 logs and 7 to 8 logs, respectively, in the composting treatment, but by only 1 to 2 logs for both groups in the simulated lagoon treatments. Among the six quantified classes of individual erm and tet genes, erm(A), erm(C), erm(F), erm(X), tet(G), tet(M), tet(O), tet(T), and tet(W) decreased dramatically during composting, but not appreciably in the simulated lagoons. Results confirmed that composting was more efficacious than lagoon storage in reducing AMR arising from food animals within the time course of manure stabilization by composting. (2)High-solids anaerobic digestion (HSAD) is a method for wastewater and manure treatment and renewable energy production. Effects of organic loading rates on reactor performance and stability is lacking. A laboratory simulation of a full-scale AD process was conducted using continuously stirred-tank mesophilic reactors with 3.5 L working volumes. Four treatments were imposed, one of which was replicated (T1, n=3). The treatments (T1-T4) had OLR's of 3.4, 4.0, 4.5 and 5.0 gVS L-1d-1, respectively(3.4 was equal to a full-scale HSAD OLR). Results showed all reactors maintained stable conditions during the experiment. Organic matter conversion increased with increasing OLR, resulting in higher organic matter removal and volumetric methane production rates. T4 showed the highest VS removal and volumetric methane production results of 54+-2% and 1.4+-0.1 LCH4 L-1d-1, respectively. Despite the increase in OLR, efficiency of organic matter conversion to methane was similar in all the treatments with an average value of 0.57 +- 0.07 LCH4 gVS-1 removed. Archaeal DNA markers remained stable during the experiment. The markers with the greatest abundance were consistent with members of both the Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota phyla, including acetoclastic metabolic groups (which utilize acetate to produce CH4) and hydrogenotrophs (which utilize hydrogen as an electron acceptor to produce CH4). Orders of Euryarchaeota consistent with the markers were Methanomicrobiales, Methanosarcinales and Methanobacteriales. Researchers held OH's Manure Science Review in 2010 with focus on proper handling and application to protect water resource while providing nutrients for plant growth and organic matter to soil. PARTICIPANTS: F.C. Michel Jr., Associate Professor; Harold M. Keener, Professor; Zhongtang Yu, Associate Professor; Jon Rausch, Sukhbir Grewal, Mike Klingman, Mary Wicks. TARGET AUDIENCES: University researchers, agency professionals, livestock and poultry environmental managers, livestock and poultry producer, extension educator, regulatory staff and engineers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
1. Work on antibiotic resistance gene dissemination confirmed that composting is effective in reducing AR in manure. 2. Anaerobic digestion organic loading rates were increased in a full scale digestor resulting in significant increase in gas production and treatment.This laboratory-scale study suggests that performance and stability as well as the archaeal community structure in a HSAD system is unaffected by increasing the OLR by nearly 50% and that this increase results in a similar increase in the amount of methane gas generated. This may enable smaller reactor sizes to be used to treat manure than those currently used, thereby reducing capital costs.

Publications

• Gomez, E., J. Martin, F.C. Michel. 2010. Effects of organic loading rate on reactor performance and archaeal community structure in mesophilic anaerobic digesters. Proceedings of the 2010 International ORBIT conference, June 29 to July 3. Heraklion Crete, Greece.
• Gomez, E.F. 2010. Fffects of organic loading rate on reactor performance and archaeal community structure in mesophilic anaerobic digesters. M.S. thesis. The Ohio State University.

Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Research progress was made in three areas: (1)dairy bedded pack system (DBPS), (2)the fate of antibiotic resistance genes in manure treatment systems (3) water usage at Ohio dairies. Outreach activities included (4)manure science review program. The DBPS is a loose-housing alternative to free and tie stall dairy housing that allows manure management as a solid. It uses sawdust, straw or other dry organics as bedding and incorporates periodic mechanical stirring of the bedded area to enhance the decomposition of manure much like composting. Temperatures, humidity, CO2, NH3 and H2S levels were measured in 4 Ohio DBPS over four seasons. Results showed all DBPS's environments were environmentally safe and did not impact animal production or health. Recommendations for bedded pack housing developed in Minnesota met animal needs and can be applied in Ohio's climate. Availability of sawdust bedding was identified as a limitation of this system. Animal manure from animal agriculture constitutes the single largest source of antibiotic resistance (AR) in the environment and can pose a potentially serious threat to the health and well-being of both humans and animals. The efficiency of three different on-farm waste treatment systems in reducing AR was evaluated. Three classes of erm genes (B, F, and X) conferring resistances to macrolide-lincosamides-streptogramin B (MLSB) and one class of tet gene (G) conferring resistance to tetracyclines were used as models. Real-time PCR assays were used to determine the reservoir sizes of these AR genes present in entire microbiome. These classes of AR genes varied considerably in abundance, with erm(B) being more predominant than erm(F), erm(X), and tet(G). These AR genes also varied in persistence in different waste treatment systems. Aerobic biofiltration reduced erm(X) more effectively than other AR genes, while mesophilic anaerobic digestion and lagoon storage did not appreciably reduce any of these AR genes. Unlike chemical pollutants, some AR genes could increase after reduction in a preceding stage of the treatment processes. Season might also affect the persistence of AR. These results indicated that AR arising from swine feeding operations can survive typical swine waste treatment processes and thus treatments that are more effective in destructing AR on farms are required. Total water usage measured on four Ohio dairies identified mitigation options for minimizing usage. Volume of water pumped from the ground and the volume of waste water going into manure storage was monitored. Data is currently being compiled and evaluated. Manure Science Review in 2009 provided hands-on training using the Nutrient Management Workbook to determine crop nutrient needs, manure application rates and crop nutrient balance an in depth look at nutrient management issues and an on-farm site assessment to identify specific areas of concern and mitigation options. The program was a collaboration between the Ohio Composting and Manure Management program (OCAMM), OSU Extension, Soil & Water Conservation Districts, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Ohio Department of Agriculture. PARTICIPANTS: F.C. Michel Jr., Associate Professor; Harold M. Keener, Professor; Zhongtang Yu, Associate Professor, Lingying Zhao, Associate Professor; Jon Rausch; Mike Brugger, Professor, Mike Klingman, Mary Wicks. TARGET AUDIENCES: University researchers, agency professionals, livestock and poultry environmental managers, livestock and poultry producer, extension educator, regulatory staff and engineers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
1. Dairy bedded pack studies showed that these systems are not detrimental to cow health or production and can be a viable alternative to conventional liquid storage systems for Ohio Dairy farmers. 2. Minnesota recommendations for building design, manure and bedding management, and manure application are applicable to designing systems in Ohio. 3. Work on antibiotic resistance gene dissemination indicated that advanced manure treatment systems may be needed to reduce AR in manure. 4. The eighth annual Manure Science Review, held in Wayne and Auglaize counties, was attended by 128 people. The program provided 6 education credits for 38 Certified Livestock Managers (CLM) and a full day of training credit for an additional 28 new CLMs. The program also provided 6 continuing education units for Certified Crop Consultants.

Publications

• Keener,H.M., L. Zhao, M. Wicks, M. Brugger, S. Wang, J. Rausch, A. Meddles, M. Klingman, R. Manuzon, J. Upadhyay. 2009. FINAL REPORT: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Dairy Bedded Pack Systems in Ohio. Research Agreement #68-5E34-08-030. FABE. The Ohio State University

Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Keener et al. developed system equations for evaluating fossil energy used during the production of food energy and protein by intensive livestock enterprises. Analysis included fossil energy in feed and conversion efficiency of animals, the fossil energy of housing, equipment, labor, supplies, electrical and liquid fuel inputs, resource recovery (manure management and energy production) and reproductive efficiency of breeding stock. Five U.S. Midwest livestock systems, Beef I, Beef II (grazing), Pork I(farrow to finish), Pork II (I + manure recycling) and Chicken I (broiler) were analyzed. Results indicated 54-59% of fossil energy input is associated with feeding program when manure not recycled. Recycling manure to crops lowered fossil energy input for swine by 40%. Order of fossil energy efficiency without recycling manure of species was poultry, swine, beef II (grazing) and beef I. Edible meat per fossil energy input was highest for swine production. Chaoui published mathematical models describing earthworm movement as function of electric field. Results can be used to design an electric earthworm separator. Tubail published data on use of mixing gypsum with dairy manure or biosolids. Results showed combining organic wastes, especially N-rich streams with by-product gypsum would produce a quality product while decreasing the loss of N and reducing odors associated with the composting process. Keener published theory on mass balance method for predicting upper limits on NH3 emissions from livestock systems. As a follow-up, field studies to validate model began on three layer facilities. Brugger reported on water use on a modern dairy farm. Reported waste water usage ranged from 5.6 to 7.6 gal/cow/day with an average usage of 6.3 gal/cow/day. Darr and Zhao published results on wireless data acquisition system for monitoring temperature variations in livestock facilities. Results showed significant path loss was caused by free space, animal cages, animal presence, and concrete floor separations. A two-dimensional path loss prediction model was developed. The model was able to predict 86% of the system variability. Zhao et al. reported on ammonia emissions from a commercial poultry manure composting facility. Baseline air emission rates for NH3, PM, pathogens, and odor for twelve months at two representative egg laying facilities summarized. Studies on runoff of manure nutrients from fall/winter application of manure conducted at OARDC Wooster, OH using instrumented field plots. Results showed a 200 ft setback did reduce the risk of nutrient transport by overland flow for some period of time after the manure application, but eventually (required nearly three months to occur) the nutrients did make their way down the slope. A higher rainfall event shortly after thawing could have significantly sped up the process of nutrient movement down the slope. Studies on impact of turning frequency of windrows when composting dairy manure showed infrequent (every 10 days) turning did not significantly affect time to compost or compost properties, but did reduce cost (Tirado). PARTICIPANTS: Harold M. Keener, Professor; F.C. Michel Jr., Associate Professor; Lingying Zhao, Associate Professor; Jon Rausch; Warren Dick, Professor; Robert Mullen, Associate Professor; William P Weiss, Professor; David Latshaw, Professor; Roderick Manuzon, Graduate Research Associate, The Ohio State University TARGET AUDIENCES: University researchers, agency professionals, livestock and poultry environmental managers, livestock and poultry producer, extension educator, regulatory staff and engineers PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
1. The generalized equations for predicting fossil energy use in livestock enterprises can be applied to livestock production concepts to predict expected outcomes as management strategies change. Equations can serve as a tool to minimize livestock's carbon footprint. 2. Reduced risk of nitrogen loss during composting of animal manures or biosolids by showing that addition of gypsum could be effective as an ammonia control agent. 3. Reduced water usage on Ohio's dairy farms by identifying ways to conserve water. 4. Enabled farmers to protect environment against nutrient runoff from livestock manures by documenting effect of applying manure in fall/winter. 5. Showed infrequent (every 10 days) turning during windrow composting would not significantly affect time to compost or compost properties, but would lead to lower composting production cost.

Publications

• Brugger, M.F. 2008 . Water use on a modern dairy farm: three years of data. ASAE Paper No. 084397. 2008 ASABE Annual International Meeting, Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence, RI. June 29-July 2. (Published on CD (search at asae.frymulti.com))
• Chaoui, H. and H.M. Keener. 2008. Separating earthworms from organic media using an electric field. Biosystems Engineering. 100(2008): 409-421.
• Darr, M.J., L. Zhao. 2008. A Model for Predicting Signal Transmission Performance of Wireless Sensors in Poultry Layer Facilities. Transactions of the ASABE. 51(5): 1817-1827.
• Keener, H.M. and L.Y. Zhao. 2008 . A modified mass balance for predicting ammonia emissions from manure nitrogen for livestock and storage facilities. Biosystems Engineering. 99(1):81-87.
• Keener, H.M., M.H. Wicks, J.A. Skora. 2008 . Measurment of volumes at Ohio Class IV composting facilities: Part I. Biocycle 49(7):42-45
• Keener, H.M., M.H. Wicks, J.A. Skora. 2008 . Measuring material volumes at composting sites: Part II. Biocycle 49(7):42-45
• Tirado, S.M. 2008. Effects of turning frequency, pile size and season on physical, chaemical, and biological properties dfuring composting of dairy manure/sawdust. M.S. Thesis. The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.
• Tubail, K., L. Chen, F.C. Michel, H.M. Keener, J. Rigot, M. Klingman, D. Kost and W.A. Dick. 2009. Gypsum additions reduce ammonia nitrogen losses during composting of dairy manure and biosolids. Compost Science and Utilization. 16(4):285-293.
• Zhao, L.Y., R. Manuzon, M. Darr, H. Keener, A. J. Heber, and J.-Q. Ni. 2008. Ammonia emissions from a commercial poultry manure composting facility. In Proc. 8th International Livestock Environment Symposium, xxx-xxx. St. Joseph, Mich: ASABE.
• Michel, Jr., F.C., J. Chen, S. Sreevatsan, M. Morrison and Z. Yu. 2008. Application of Real-Time PCR Assays for the Quantification of Genes Encoding Resistance to Antibiotics in Composted, Liquid stored and Anaerobically Digested Manure. ORBIT 2008 proceedings, Wageningen, Netherlands.