Browsing by Author "Collins, Eldridge R. Jr."

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    Agricultural engineering : environmental quality legal guidelines for Virginia livestock producers
    Collins, Eldridge R. Jr. (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Extension Division, 1976-06)
    This publication should increase the awareness of Virginia livestock producers of the conditions which may lead to involvement in a nuisance lawsuit, and how liability in such cases may be reduced.
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    Biomethane technology
    Ogejo, Jactone Arogo; Wen, Zhiyou; Ignosh, John; Bendfeldt, Eric S.; Collins, Eldridge R. Jr. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2009-05-01)
    This publication provides a general overview of anaerobic digestion and the current status of biomethane technology on livestock farms in the United States. It is part of the Bioenergy Engineering Education Program (BEEP) of the Biological Systems Engineering Department at Virginia Tech. Most of the discussion uses dairy manure as an example of feedstock for an anaerobic digester.
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    Composting Dead Poultry
    Collins, Eldridge R. Jr. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2009)
    Composting offers a convenient and environmentally acceptable method of disposal of normal poultry flock mortality.
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    Evaluation of Nutrient and Pathogen Losses From Various Poultry Litter Storage Methods
    Habersack, Mathew James (Virginia Tech, 2002-07-23)
    Considerable concern has developed over the possible pollution from poultry litter storage methods. This study was conducted to evaluate three different storage scenarios; covered stockpiles, uncovered stockpiles, and litter sheds. The stockpiles were monitored over two rainfall simulation events, in both the Ridge and Valley and the Piedmont physiographic provinces, with both surface and subsurface flows analyzed. An observational study, where subsurface water was sampled for a nine-month period was conducted using six litter sheds, three in each of the above provinces. Samples were analyzed for nutrients, fecal coliforms, and solids. Concentrations of NHx, TKN, OP, TP, VSS, and FC in surface runoff from uncovered litter piles were all statistically higher than that from covered piles, with NO3 being the exception. However, increased runoff volumes originating from the covered litter piles caused mass loadings from both covered and uncovered piles to be similar enough that statistical significance was not obtained, except in the case of FC. Soil water samples from litter stockpiles did not show a statistically significant treatment effect for concentration data, but uncovered piles did exhibit higher nitrogen concentration estimates than the covered piles. Sample collection frequency showed a statistically significant increase in the number of samples that could be obtained from the edge lysimeter under uncovered litter piles from the Piedmont experimental site. This result indicates uncovered piles are releasing the precipitation absorbed during the rainfall simulation into the sub-surface environment. In the storage shed study, a greater number of samples were collected per attempt at the Piedmont sheds compared to those at the Ridge and Valley site. While both areas were undergoing a significant drought, Piedmont porous-cup lysimeters yielded samples 63% of the time, compared to 10% for Ridge and Valley lysimeters. Lysimeters located near the edge of the shed were also more likely to yield a sample than those in the center or a background location. Unknown interferences within the litter shed samples prevented three laboratories from obtaining valid nutrient concentrations.
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    Evaluation of Odor-Reducing Commercial Products for Animal Waste
    Shukla, Shuchi S. (Virginia Tech, 1997-12-12)
    Six odor-reducing commercial products were tested for their efficacy in reducing odors from dairy and swine wastes. A sensory panel method was utilized for odor evaluations, in which the panel played an important part. Comparisons between products were made for agitated and unagitated conditions and effect of storage time (three weeks in which experiments were performed). Cotton pieces tied to the mouth of the sample jars were useful in absorbing the odors. Odor-treated jars were observed and evaluated by panel members. The odors were rated on a discrete scale of 0-5, with '0' being no odor and '5' the highest odor level of dairy or swine waste. The products were analyzed for their effectiveness on dairy and swine wastes separately. The "General Linear Model" was used for data analyses, and all the products were compared for their effectiveness under each waste storage condition and elapsed storage time. Each product was able to reduce odors. For both dairy and swine wastes, one product stood out and was very effective, whereas another product was less successful. Unagitated storage conditions of swine waste favored the product performance. Unagitated storage conditions were also found to be better for most of the products; only two products were slightly better in effectiveness under agitated storage conditions. The effect of storage time on product-effectiveness for each product for both dairy and swine waste varied. Odor levels from unagitated swine waste was very low in the beginning, but became worse with increasing storage time. Dairy waste in unagitated conditions had slightly higher levels of odors in the beginning, but became a little less with increasing storage time. Under the conditions of this study, it can be recommended that: 1) P2 has a better chance in reducing odors, 2) in general, unagitated conditions favor the reduction in odor levels, and 3) dairy waste should be treated in the first few days following collection, whereas swine waste should be treated when it is old. Testing of these products in actual field conditions would provide stronger support for these findings.
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    Groundwater levels as affected by swine waste lagoons in high water table soils
    Bucklew, Oscar Thomas (Virginia Tech, 1976-07-09)
    The popularity of anaerobic lagoons for use with confinement swine operations in Southeast Virginia has been increasing in recent years. These lagoons are not difficult to build and maintain and have served as a feasible method of waste disposal in the region. This area typically has a high water table with sandy loam soils. There has been concern by state officials that these units could possibly cause contamination of groundwater in the surrounding area due to infiltration from the lagoons to the water table. The deep aquifer in this area is a good potable source of water. Its low concentrations of minerals make it feasible for both private and industrial use. This study was initiated to evaluate the possibility of a pollution hazard from anaerobic lagoons.
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    Land Application of Broiler and Turkey Litter for Farming Operations Without a DEQ Permit
    Marsh, Lori S.; Mullins, Gregory L.; Habersack, Mathew James; Collins, Eldridge R. Jr. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2009)
    This publication is intended to provide guidance on land-applying poultry litter in an environmentally-sound manner.
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    Long-term copper availability and adsorption in a sludge-amended Davidson clay loam
    Anderson, Martha Ann (Virginia Tech, 1997-04-04)
    A single application of aerobically digested sewage sludge was applied by Rappaport et al. (1988) in 1984 at rates up to 210 dry Mt ha⁻¹ on a Davidson clay loam (clayey, kaolinitic, thermic, Rhodic KandiuduIts). The heavily contaminated sludge supplied up to 760 kg Cu and 620 kg Zn ha⁻¹, which are below current cumulative limits, but above annual loading limits for these metals (USEPA, 1993). Rappaport et al. (1988) reported an increase in DTPA extractable Cu and Zn with increasing sludge rate. They observed a linear increase in com yields with an increase in sludge rate, which was attributed to high levels of available N supplied by the sludge. In the present residual study, conducted at the same research site, DTPA extractable Cu and Zn followed the trend observed by Rappaport et at. (1988). However, a linear decrease in corn and sorghum yields was observed with increasing sludge rate. The sludge-related decrease in yields was attributed to phytotoxicity (probably a combination of Al, Cu, Mn, and Zn) induced by low soil pH levels. Whole plant tissue concentrations of eu and Zn at the high sludge rates were above the normal range, however grain concentrations were within the normal range. An adsorption study was conducted, in which soils were amended with Ca(OH)₂ and Al₂(S0₄)₃, to ascertain the effect of decreased pH on Cu adsorption on the soil. Copper adsorption maxima decreased with a reduction in soil pH in all treatments. The effect of ionic strength on Cu adsorption was also investigated. Regardless of pH or ionic strength, Cu adsorption increased with an increase in sludge rate. This adsorption increase was attributed to the higher organic matter content of the sludge treatments. The organic matter at the highest sludge rate was approximately double that of the control after 11 years. The adsorption study shows that sludge amendment has long-term effects on metal retention in soils and the field study reveals that careful management of sludge-amended soils is necessary to prevent phytotoxicity.
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    Municipal yard waste composting: process parameters, windrow gases, and leachate quality
    Christian, Archer H. (Virginia Tech, 1995-08-14)
    A Municipal Yard Waste Composting Research and Demonstration Project was conducted to examine the process, quality of leachate, and viability of this technology for large-scale, low-technology application. Project research objectives were: 1) to characterize C/N, temperature, and moisture relationships of yard waste during composting and the elemental composition of the finished compost; 2) to investigate the oxygen (O₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) relationships in the composting yard waste; and 3) to quantify water quality parameters of the leachate from yard waste composting mixes. Mixes of 3 parts leaves/1 part grass, 2 parts woodchips/1 part grass, and leaves alone were composted in windrows. Process control was by a front-end loader/back-hoe according to a 60°C maximum temperature set-point, initially, and by temperature plateaus or moisture conditions following most active composting. Composting was more efficient with the presence of grass clippings. Some CH₄ was observed within windrows microsites, even under overall aerobic conditions. Occasional methane production not in excess of approximately 4x10⁻² mmol/l reflects inconsequential anaerobiosis. Leachate from individual windrows was minimal but contained high concentrations of total Kjehldahl nitrogen (TKN), total phosphorus, and biological oxygen demand. Soil degradation processes should ameliorate these. The leaf/grass mix generated the greatest quantities of carbon dioxide, strongly correlated oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations, steepest temperature profile, and the highest concentrations of plant nutrients in material composted for between 8 and 24 weeks. Low-technology composting of yard wastes can be an effective, low-cost alternative to landfilling, with substantial societal and environmental benefits.
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    Nitrogen values of liquid dairy manure and dry broiler litter as affected by preservation treatment
    Dougherty, Mark (Virginia Tech, 1995-02-05)
    Five liquid dairy manures and five dry broiler litters were tested in the laboratory to determine the effects of four preservation techniques on the forms and concentrations of nitrogen. 300 ml samples of fresh manure from five Virginia dairy and five poultry farms were analyzed for total Kjeldahl, ammonium, and nitrate/nitrite nitrogen within 24 hours of farm sampling, and at the end of seven days. Samples of the fresh manure were analyzed immediately as a control. The four preservation techniques were storage of the samples: at ambient temperature (26°C), by freezing (-22°C), by refrigeration (4°C), and by acidification with sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) to pH < 2 plus refrigeration (4°C). Concentrations of nitrogen fractions were tabulated on a dry-weight basis and statistically analyzed using a randomized block design, with subsampling of each treatment × farm combination. Organic and inorganic nitrogen concentrations from the preserved manures were compared to the corresponding fresh concentrations of nitrogen in each manure control. Ambient storage, freezing, and refrigeration did not significantly affect (α=.05) the 7-day nitrogen concentrations of the ten manures. Acidification reduced most N concentrations due to the aggressive physical action of the acid, which accelerated both mineralization of organic N and volatilization of ammonia. Ambient storage was recommended as the most practical preservative technique because, of the three successful preservation methods, ambient storage provided the simplest procedure for 7-day preservation of nitrogen in liquid dairy manures and dry broiler litters.
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    Pollutant movement to shallow ground water tables from swine waste lagoons
    Ciravolo, T. G.; Martens, David C.; Hallock, D. L.; Collins, Eldridge R. Jr.; Kornegay, Ervin T. (Water Resources Research Center, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1977)
    Th is research investigated the effect of three anaerobic swine-waste lagoons on the quality of nearby ground water. The lagoons, in the Coastal Plain region of Virginia, were located on soils with high water tables and with varying drainage characteristics. Over a 14-month period in 1974 and 1975, ground water samples were taken from wells located at various depths and distances from the lagoons. These samples then were analyzed to determine the extent of contamination due to the lagoons. The biological constituent analyzed was the number of fecal coliform bacteria; chemical constituents analyzed were concentrations of Cl, Cu, Mn, NH4-N, N03-N, P04-P, and Zn. Research findings showed that the quality of ground water was affected least around one lagoon constructed at ground level in a poorly drained soil with a clay subsoil. No ground water contamination was found more than 3 m from this lagoon. In contrast, ground water around two lagoons constructed with embankments above ground level, one in a sandy clay loam subsoil and the other in a sandy subsoil, showed traces of swinewaste components as far away as 30 m. Pollutant levels in ground water around the former lagoon were below U.S. Public Health Service drinking water standards, while pollutant levels around the latter lagoon exceeded those standards on many occasions. These experimental results indicate that seepage may occur from lagoons with embankments above ground level in sandy soil, and that biological sealing in such lagoons may not sufficiently protect shallow aquifers from contamination.
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    Storing and Handling Poultry Litter
    Ogejo, Jactone Arogo; Collins, Eldridge R. Jr. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2009)
    This fact sheet outlines management steps to take advantage of the fertilizer value of poultry litter while minimizing potential damage to water resources.
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    Swine lagoon effluent on a soil-plant environment : an impact assessment
    Collins, Eldridge R. Jr.; Kornegay, Ervin T.; Martens, David C. (Water Resources Research Center, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1978)
    Th is investigation studied the performance of two biological treatment units for a swine production unit. One unit was maintained as an anaerobic system, the other as a mixed aerated unit by means of a floating mechanical aerator. Wastes were flushed into each unit by recirculation of effluent. Analysis of the supernatant of both systems showed that, with time, accumulations of heavy metals and other elements increased. Effluent from both treatment systems was irrigated on fescue plots, and effects on soil, soil water, and plant tissue then were determined. While no visible deleterious effects were noted over a period of one and one half years, both plant tissue and soils recorded accumulation or high uptake of Na, Cu, and Zn; over extended periods, these effects could be serious if not controlled. Nitrate leaching from plots was minimal. Other waste constituents measured did not appear to be limiting in land disposal of swine lagoon effluent.
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    Troubleshooting Poultry Mortality Composters
    Collins, Eldridge R. Jr. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2009)
    Composting of poultry carcasses has become the method of choice for disposal of normal mortality losses on many poultry farms. There are several different versions of composters available.
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    Troubleshooting poultry mortality composters
    Collins, Eldridge R. Jr. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2000)
    Composting of poultry carcasses has become the method of choice for disposal of normal mortality losses on many Virginia poultry farms. Principles of dead poultry composters are presented in VCE Publication 442-037, available from your local VCE Office. There are several different versions of composters...
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    Virginia Farmstead Assessment System. Fact Sheet/Worksheet no. 10, Poultry Litter Management and Carcass Disposal
    Collins, Eldridge R. Jr. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2009-05-01)
    Poultry litter and carcass residues are nutrient-rich materials which can benefit the farmstead. Broiler litter is often used as a feed supplement for cattle. However, improper litter storage, improper disposal of carcasses, or improper land application of litter or compost residues can threaten farmstead water sources with nitrate and bacterial contamination.
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    Virginia Farmstead Assessment System. Fact Sheet/Worksheet no. 11, Milking Center Wastewater Treatment
    Collins, Eldridge R. Jr. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2009-05-01)
    Proper handling and disposal practices are essential to avoid risking water contamination and health problems. From an environmental perspective, delivery of milking center wastewater to a manure storage facility, if available for treatment and eventual land application, makes the most sense. Common methods for milking center wastewater treatment and management are described in this publication.
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    Virginia Farmstead Assessment System. Fact Sheet/Worksheet no. 12, Silage Storage and Management
    Collins, Eldridge R. Jr. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2009-05-01)
    As a part of a nationwide effort, the Virginia Farmstead Assessment System was developed. This voluntary, educational/technical program is mainly a preventive program designed to: (1) provide safe, drinking water and thereby protect the health of Virginia's rural residents; (2) reduce potential land owner liability due to groundwater contamination which may result from farmstead or retail agribusiness activities; and (3) maintain or enhance farm property values throughout Virginia.
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    Virginia Farmstead Assessment System. Fact Sheet/Worksheet no. 8, Livestock and Poultry Yard Management
    Collins, Eldridge R. Jr. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2009-05-01)
    Livestock and poultry yards, such as barnyards, holding areas and feedlots, and areas around production buildings are areas of concentrated animal wastes. This publication reviews the systems necessary to keep nitrate levels within federal and state limits.
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    Virginia Farmstead Assessment System. Fact Sheet/Worksheet no. 9, Livestock Manure Storage and Treatment Facilities
    Collins, Eldridge R. Jr.; Younos, Tamim M. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2009-05-01)
    Livestock wastes if not properly managed can become a source of nitrate and disease-causing organisms to both surface water and groundwater. This publication reviews the systems necessary to keep nitrate levels within federal and state limits.