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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Bioenergy Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #252360
Title: Borax and Octabor Treatment of Stored Swine Manure: Reduction in Hydrogen Sulfide Emissions and Phytotoxicity to Agronomic Crops

Author
item YOKOYAMA, M - Michigan State University
item HENGEMUEHLE, S - Michigan State University
item PENNER, D - Michigan State University
item MICHAEL, J - Michigan State University
item Spence, Cheryl
item Whitehead, Terence
item VON BERNUTH, R - Michigan State University
item ROZEBOOM, D - Michigan State University
item Cotta, Michael

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/15/2010
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Gaseous emissions from stored manure have become environmental and health issues for humans and animals as the livestock industry becomes specialized and concentrated. Of particular concern is hydrogen sulfide, which is being targeted for regulatory control in concentrated animal farm operations. There are few technologies to control hydrogen sulfide emissions which are cost effective, safe for farmers and animals, and environmentally sustainable. Borax treatment (1.0%) is effective in reducing hydrogen sulfide emissions from stored swine manure. The objective of this study was to treat stored swine manure with lower amounts to reduce hydrogen sulfide emissions and determine the phytotoxicity of the treated manure as a fertilizer for crops. Ten treatments (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0% Borax and 0.05, 0.1, 0.125, 0.25, and 0.5% Octabor and negative control, 0.0%) were evaluated in plastic carboys (19 L) with swine manure and monitored for hydrogen sulfide emissions for 30 d. 16S and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to quantify total bacteria and sulfate reducing bacteria. Treated manures were used as fertilizer for growing corn, wheat, soybean, alfalfa, and dry beans for 42 d in a greenhouse. Hydrogen sulfide emissions decreased (25-50%) with Borax and Octabor treatments and the decrease was dose dependent. Significant interactions (P < 0.05) between plant injury vs plant boron content, plant boron content vs dry wt yield, and plant injury vs dry wt yield were observed. The ranking of crop tolerance to Borax and Octabor treated swine manure was: alfalfa > corn > wheat > soybean > dry beans. Borax and Octabor were bioavailable for plants with no soil accumulation. A significant reduction in total bacteria (P < 0.01) and sulfate reducing bacteria (P < 0.05) was only observed for higher treatments. Borax and Octabor treatments (0.1–0.25%) of stored swine manure were tolerated by crops without injurious effects. Supported by the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES), Corn Marketing Program of Michigan (CMPM)/Michigan Corn Growers Association (MCGA), Animal Agriculture Initiative (AAI), and U.S. Borax, Incorporated.