Preface of animal manure: production, characteristics, environmental concerns and management

Authors: PAGLIARI, PAULO - University Of Minnesota; He, Zhongqi; Waldrip, Heidi

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/28/2020
Publication Date: 2/11/2020
Citation: Pagliari, P., He, Z., Waldrip, H.M. 2020. Preface. In: Waldrip, H.M., Pagliari, P.H., He, Z., editors. Animal Manure: Production, Characteristics, Environmental Concerns and Management. ASA Special Publication 67. Madison, WI: ASA and SSSA. p. i-vii. https://doi.org/10.2134/asaspecpub67.frontmatter.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2134/asaspecpub67.frontmatter

Interpretive Summary: This book is divided into five parts. The first chapter reviews the concept of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and provides estimations for the amount of manure produced in the USA. The second chapter uses data from two service laboratory to analyze the temporal changes in manure chemical composition in the Southern Great Plains. Seven chapters in Part II review the commonly used animal production systems and manure storage methods; nutrient characteristics in beef, dairy, poultry, swine manure, small ruminant and cervid livestock, and also horses and other equids; in addition to a chapter comparing manure produced under organic and conventional management systems. Five chapter in Part III report on how to manage manure to minimize phosphorus losses; one chapter investigate the use of whole farm modeling as an approach to improve manure management for greenhouse gas mitigation and improved environmental quality; the last three chapters in Part III handle the fate and transport of estrogen, antibiotics, and antibiotic resistance to pharmaceuticals. Six chapters in Part IV review the potential for use of manure in the production of compost; the use of animal manure in digestion reactor, and also in thermochemical reactor for the production of bioenergy and biochar; nutrient removal and reutilization from manure; and the last two chapters look at pelletization and production of organomineral fertilizers from manure. Concluding remarks and visions for the future are presented in Part V of the monograph.

Technical Abstract: Animal manure has all nutrients required for optimum plant growth and maximum yield. However, when inappropriately managed animal manure can also pose significant risks and is linked to contamination of water bodies, emission of greenhouse gases, contamination of ecosystems with antibiotic and pathogens, and other health related issues. The goal of this monograph is to address the environmental concerns while looking for beneficial utilization. Topics covered in the book include characteristics of different animal farming practices and corresponding manure productions and managements; emissions of greenhouse gases, transport of nutrients and other contaminants from animal housing and field-applied manure. Content also includes timely information on potential fate and transport of pharmaceutical residues, microbial pathogens and antibiotic resistance from manure. In addition, beneficial utilization practices are reviewed as the positive part of better manure management. The overall objective is the production of a timely, comprehensive reference that is applicable and useful for the scientific community, regulatory agencies, environmental advocacy groups, and animal farm managers. The majority of the content are derived from peer-reviewed scientific publication; however, the editors feel that there is also value in information garnered from the popular press and non-traditional sources. Ideally, this approach results in the publication of a highly accessible, relatively informal, and reader-friendly text for use by anyone interested in optimal management of manure for both environmental quality and soil fertility.