Location: Coastal Plain Soil, Water and Plant Conservation Research
2022 Annual Report
Objectives
1. Develop and test improved tillage, cover crops, and biomass management to enhance soil health and resiliency and improve long-term agricultural sustainability and productivity in the Southeastern Coastal Plain.
2. Develop manure treatment and handling systems that minimize the emissions of greenhouse gases, antimicrobial resistance genes, odors, nutrients, and pathogens to improve soil health and water quality outcomes.
2.A. Develop new, affordable treatment technologies for removal/recovery of manure nutrients from swine, poultry, and dairy operations and industrial/municipal wastes.
2.B. Conduct multiscale assessment of the impact of manure treatment and nutrient management systems on agricultural ecosystem services for soil conservation and water quality protection.
2.C. Increase the value of agricultural residuals using hydro- and thermal technologies.
2.D. Develop improved techniques for quantifying ammonia deposition near livestock production sites.
3. Develop biostimulants and other soil amendments and assess their ability to improve soil health, nutrient cycling, and soil fertility and resiliency.
3.A. Develop and assess microbial inoculants and other soil amendments for their ability to enhance revegetation and improve drought resistance in remediated and degraded soils.
3.B. Develop biochar and hydrochar applications to improve their use in agricultural and non-agricultural settings.
Approach
New management practices and treatment technologies are required to help crop and animal producers increase soil productivity and health; reduce unwanted atmospheric emissions, excessive nutrients, and pathogens; and improve affordability of animal waste treatment. To meet these needs, we aim to develop in this project: i) knowledge of the impact of crop systems and novel soil amendments on the soil ecosystem and nutrient and carbon cycling; ii) new manure treatment technologies; iii) model-based approaches to evaluate nutrient and gas emission reduction strategies; iv) management strategies to reclaim degraded soils; v) management practices to reduce pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes in agricultural wastes; and vi) knowledge of and metrics for properties that make a soil more productive. The project has three objectives. Improved tillage, cover crops, and biomass management will be developed to enhance soil health and resiliency and improve long-term agricultural sustainability and productivity in the Southeastern Coastal Plain. Innovative manure treatment systems will be developed to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce antimicrobial resistance genes and pathogens, odors, and excess nutrients, to improve soil health and water quality outcomes. The manure treatment technologies include recovery of ammonia using gas-permeable membranes, enhanced deammonification treatment, and engineered biochar and hydrochar systems to valorize agricultural residuals. Manure management's beneficial impact will be assessed using multiscale models, and improved techniques will be used to assess ammonia emissions from manure, including deposition near livestock operations. Biostimulants and other soil amendments will be investigated for their ability to improve soil health, nutrient cycling, soil fertility, and resiliency. Research methods include laboratory, pilot-scale, and field-scale experiments using modern analytical equipment. Research products will advance the state-of-the-science for more effective conservation and management of soil resources, innovative animal waste treatment technologies as environmentally safe alternatives to traditional land application, and guidelines for beneficial byproduct utilization.
Progress Report
Initial soil samples were collected at the depths specified in the experimental procedures. Cover crops planted to a mixture of ryegrass, crimson clover, forage rape, and hairy vetch. Following cover crops, planted drought-tolerant varieties of cotton and soybean. Collected and process biomass, nutrient uptake, and yield of cover crops. (Obj 1a)
Assembled and installed the LICOR soil carbon dioxide flux continuous monitoring in the field. The LICOR system takes continuous daily measurements of soil carbon dioxide fluxes. (Obj 1b)
Completed collection of soil samples before crop harvesting for nitrogen and phosphorus analysis to determine their distribution in the soil profile. (Obj 1c)
Microbial function was measured by beta-glucosidase enzyme activity, to examine microbial C cycling, in preplant soils. Preparation is underway to pull and compare samples from soils collected prior to crop harvest. (Obj 1d)
Tests were conducted to assess anammox-based soil filters. The testing used two South Carolina soils, and anammox biomass with various media consisting of zeolites (granular or powder) and biochar media. (Obj 2a.1)
Testing of enhanced biogas, phophorus and protein extraction from manure using fruit wastes. Testing was done to evaluate a new method of biogas production enhancement. (Obj 2a.3)
We collected municipal and lagoon sludge, and characterized for nutrients and metal content. Conducted acidification experiments of municipal and anaerobic lagoon sludge to determine acid consumption for phosphorus dissolution in the first step of the USDA patented Quick Wash method for extraction and recovery of phosphorus from organic wastes. (Obj 2a.4)
A data dictionary is being created, and it consists of one-meter resolution red-green-blue (RGB) and near-infrared (NIR) aerial terrain images. The images were initially retrieved from the National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) database then restructured at the level of Hydrologic Unit Code 12 (HUC 12) watersheds. Efforts are in progress to compile RGB and NIR images for all HUC 12 watersheds of the Cape Fear River basin in North Carolina and to develop machine learning algorithms that identify properties of swine CAFO lagoons based on the images. (Obj 2b)
Cotton gin trash and wrapping plastic film samples were obtained from a cooperator and prepared for pyrolysis. We conducted thermogravimetric analysis pyrolysis kinetic experiments to determine the design co-pyrolysis temperature and time for the mixed wastes to produce plastichar. An Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) was established to provide plastichar samples made from co-pyrolyzing cotton gin trash and wrapping plastic film wastes to Louisiana State University to evaluate its use for tomato growth and environmental parameters in a greenhouse study. – MTA# 18201. (Obj 2c.1)
A 18.5-L HTC reactor system was set up and ready for hydrothermal carbonization experiments, and a sample process protocol was developed to separate the reactor mixture into liquid and solid using the tube-sock filtration technique. Protocols for gas and liquid sample analysis and anaerobic digestion of process liquid are being developed (Obj 2c.2)
We identified a swine producer in Ames, Iowa, to establish an agreement to set up sensors to measure wind turbulence and concentrations. The ADAPT team (Ammonia Deposition from Animal Production Team) meets monthly with EPA scientists to develop protocols for sensor installation, data collection, and processing. (Obj 2d)
Remediated sites were chosen for revegetation in Webb City, Missouri, and covered with compost at 160 or 80 tons per acre. Microbial inoculant were prepared in Florence, SC, and shipped to Webb City, Missouri. Subplots were mapped and microbial inoculant was applied in early spring. Pre-application samples were collected, and plans for further sample collection in the fall were formulated with EPA, Colorado State University collaborators, and Webb City, Missouri, officials. (Obj 3a.1)
Soil management for the microbial inoculation drought study were implemented under a center pivot at the location, sub-plots were established, and samples were collected to determine baseline microbial activity levels by measurement of beta-glucosidase enzyme and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis prior to the start of the drought portion of the study. (Obj 3a.2)
Aged poultry litter (1 year, 3-5 year, and 7-10 year old) was collected by cooperating producers and shipped to the Coastal Plain Soil, Water, and Plant Research Center. The litter was air dried and thoroughly mixed. Representative samples were sent to a contract laboratory for ultimate and proximate analyses. Electrical Conductivity (EC) and pH were determined on each feedstock. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were obtained for each feedstock. Hydrochar was produced from swine manure and sent to ARS-Bowling Green for activation and P sorption experiments. (Obj 3b.1)
Aged poultry collected by cooperating producers in Obj. 3.B.2 was characterized for elemental composition. Representative samples were digested and analyzed for ten different elements (phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, iron, sulfur, and sodium) utilizing ICP-OES. (Obj 3b.2)
Accomplishments
1. Safe operation of hydrothermal reactors for animal waste treatment. Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) technology employs high pressure and temperature for converting wet biomass feedstock such as swine manure into energy and hydrochar. Because the HTC reactor must withstand high pressure and temperature, it is crucial to predict reactor pressure for proper safety and reactor body material requirements. ARS researchers in Florence, South Carolina, developed a procedure for predicting reactor pressure based on feedstock properties, desired reaction temperatures, and water-to-biomass ratios. A step-by-step procedure for predicting reactor pressure was developed and validated with experimental HTC reactor pressure and temperature data. The developed procedure was able to predict HTC reactor pressure with high accuracy. This new procedure helps practicing engineers design HTC reactor systems correctly and safe for operators.
Review Publications
Szogi, A.A., Shumaker, P.D., Billman, E.D., Bauer, P.J. 2021. Leaching potential of phosphite fertilizer in sandy soils of the Southern Coastal Plain, USA. Environments. 8(11):126. https://doi.org/10.3390/environments8110126.
Arlo, L., Beretta, A., Szogi, A.A., Pino, A. 2022. Biomass production, metal and nutrient content in sorghum plants grown on soils amended with sewage sludge. Heliyon. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08658.
Ro, K.S., Jackson, M.A., Szogi, A.A., Compton, D.L., Moser, B.R., Berge, N.D. 2022. Sub- and near-critical hydrothermal carbonization of animal manures. Sustainability. 14(9). Article 5052. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095052.
Bagnall, D.K., Morgan, C.L., Cope, M., Bean, G.M., Cappellazzi, S.B., Greub, K.L., Liptzin, D., Baumhardt, R.L., Dell, C.J., Derner, J.D., Ducey, T.F., Dungan, R.S., Fortuna, A., Kautz, M.A., Kitchen, N.R., Leytem, A.B., Liebig, M.A., Moore Jr, P.A., Osborne, S.L., Sainju, U.M., Sherrod, L.A., Watts, D.B., Ashworth, A.J., Owens, P.R., et al. 2022. Carbon-sensitive pedotransfer functions for plant-available water. Soil Science Society of America Journal. 86(3):612-629. https://doi.org/10.1002/saj2.20395.
Ducey, T.F., Sigua, G.C., Novak, J.M., Ippolito, J.A., Spokas, K.A., Johnson, M.G. 2021. Microbial response to phytostabilization in mining impacted soils using maize in conjunction with biochar and compost. Microorganisms. 9(12), Article 2545. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9122545.
Liptzin, D., Norris, C.E., Cappellazzi, S.B., Bean, G.M., Cope, M., Greub, K.L., Rieke, E.L., Tracy, P.W., Aberle, E., Ashworth, A.J., Baumhardt, R.L., Dell, C.J., Derner, J.D., Ducey, T.F., Novak, J.M., Dungan, R.S., Fortuna, A., Kautz, M.A., Kitchen, N.R., Leytem, A.B., Liebig, M.A., Moore Jr., P.A., Osborne, S.L., Owens, P.R., Sainju, U.M., Sherrod, L.A., Watts, D.B. 2022. An evaluation of carbon indicators of soil health in long-term agricultural experiments. Soil Biology and Biochemistry. 172. Article 108708. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2022.108708.
Reike, E., Cappellazzi, S.B., Cope, M., Liptzin, D., Bean, G.M., Greub, K.L., Norris, C.E., Tracy, P.W., Aberle, E., Ashworth, A.J., Baumhardt, R.L., Dell, C.J., Derner, J.D., Ducey, T.F., Fortuna, A., Kautz, M.A., Kitchen, N.R., Moore Jr., P.A., Osborne, S.L., Owens, P.R., Sainju, U.M., Sherrod, L.A., Watts, D.B., et al. 2022. Linking soil microbial community structure to potential carbon mineralization: A continental scale assessment of reduced tillage. Soil Biology and Biochemistry. 168. Article 108618. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2022.108618.
Ducey, T.F., Jeong, C., Ro, K.S. 2022. Renewable energy, cleaner environments, and sustainable agriculture from pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization of residuals. Academic Press. 401-409. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-85343-9.00009-4.
Harrison, J., Fullerton, K., Whitefield, E., Bowers, K., Church, C., Dube, P.J., Vanotti, M.B. 2022. Struvite production at commercial dairies with use of a mobile system and comparisons to alternative nutrient recovery systems. Journal of Environmental Quality. 38(2):361-373. https://doi.org/10.13031/aea.14836.
Ahn, J., Briers, G., Baker, M., Price, E., Sohoulande Djebou, D.C., Strong, R., Piña, M., Kibriya, S. 2022. Food security and agricultural challenges in West African rural communities: a machine learning analysis. International Journal of Food Properties. 25:827-844. https://doi.org/10.1080/10942912.2022.2066124.
Katuwal, S., Ashworth, A.J., Moore Jr, P.A., Brye, K., Schmidt, M.D., Vanotti, M.B., Owens, P.R. 2022. Preferential transport of phosphorus from surface-applied poultry litter in soils from karst and non-karst landscapes. Soil Science Society of America Journal. 86:1002-1014. https://doi.org/10.1002/saj2.20424.
Nut, N., Reyes, M., Sigua, G.C., Mihara, M., Chan, S., Sourn, T. 2022. Application of APEX Model in evaluating streamflow and sediment yield in Stung Chinit Catchment. International Journal of Environmental and Rural Development. 12(2):161-170.
Hollas, C.E., Bolsan, A.C., Venturin, B., Bonassa, G., Tapparo, D.C., Candido, D., Antes, F.G., Vanotti, M.B., Szogi, A.A., Kunz, A. 2021. Second-generation phosphorus: recovery from wastes towards the sustainability of production chains. Sustainability. 13(11):5919. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13115919.
Riano, B., Molinuevo-Salces, B., Vanotti, M.B., Garcia-Gonzalez, M. 2022. Effect of operational conditions on ammonia recovery from simulated livestock wastewater using gas-permeable membrane technology. Environments. 9(6):70. https://doi.org/10.3390/environments9060070.
Riano, B., Molinuevo-Salces, B., Hernandez-Gonzalez, D., Vanotti, M.B., Garcia-Gonzalez, M. 2021. Ammonia recovery from digestate using gas-permeable membranes: a pilot-scale study. Environments. 8(12):133. https://doi.org/10.3390/environments8120133.
Sohoulande Djebou, D.C., Awoye, H., Nouwakpo, S.K., Dogan, S., Szogi, A.A., Stone, K.C., Martin, J.H. 2022. A global-scale assessment of water resources and vegetation cover dynamics in relation with the earth climate gradient. Remote Sensing in Earth Systems Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41976-021-00063-0.
