Location: Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research
Project Number: 8070-13000-015-006-I
Project Type: Interagency Reimbursable Agreement
Start Date: Apr 14, 2020
End Date: Sep 30, 2024
Objective:
To modify the larger Manure Phosphorus Extraction (MAPHEX) system to apply to the newly-identified Conservation Effects Assessment Program (CEAP) treatment watershed in Vermont. Our objectives are to (a) design a streamlined version that has low input and maintenance requirements and recovers at least half of the P from stored dairy slurries (Simplified MAPHEX System), (b) test the Simplified MAPHEX System on-farm at dairies in Pennsylvania that are representative of dairies in the Vermont CEAP “treatment” watershed that do not have solid separation technologies and (c) develop a plan for further on-farm demonstrations in Vermont at which farmers and interested parties would be invited to see the Simplified MAPHEX System in operation in both the Vermont CEAP “treatment” watershed and in the St. Albans Bay area.
Approach:
The University Park ARS and Pennsylvania State University (PSU) team will design and build a Simplified MAPHEX System. This system will be mounted on a semi-trailer and will include a screw press system, decanter centrifuge, and generator sufficient to supply power for the system. It will also include all ancillary equipment (catchment tank, pumps, chemical injection systems, plumbing, electrical, and control panels) necessary for system operation.
The University Park ARS and PSU team will test the Simplified MAPHEX System on at least one farm in Pennsylvania. The farm (s) will be chosen to represent a range of manure management operations of farms in the Vermont CEAP “treatment” watershed.
