Accessing the impact of dairy manure on greenhouse gas emissions under biochar and tillage practices

Authors: BRAR, JAIVEER - Texas A&M University; BAATH, GURJINDER - Texas A&M Agrilife; JUNEJA, PULKIT - Texas A&M University; JEONG, JAEHAK - Texas A&M Agrilife; Flynn, Kyle; Krecker-Yost, Jenifer

Submitted to: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/25/2023
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Growers rely on inorganic fertilizers for supplying soil nutrients to obtain high corn yield, but the fertilizers can degrade soil quality, emit significant amounts of greenhouse gases (GHG), and are expensive. Also, the dairy industry is facing the challenge of handling and managing dairy manure (DM) as it is a significant source of GHG emissions. If DM is applied to crops as a nutrient source the application can improve crop performance, soil health, and soil microbial ecosystem, and maintain the long term sustainability of farms. This study will be conducted to investigate GHG emissions resulting from DM application. The field experiment includes two tillage treatments, two dairy manure application levels, and three biochar treatments. To quantify three greenhouse gases, static chamber technique was employed. Other parameters like soil temperature, soil moisture, and air temperature were taken along with gas samples. The study’s findings will be discussed with recommendation for best dairy manure management practices in relation to GHG mitigation.

Technical Abstract: Growers rely on inorganic fertilizers for supplying soil nutrients to obtain high corn (Zea mays) yield, but they can degrade soil quality, emit significant amounts of greenhouse gases (GHG), and are expensive. Also, the dairy industry is facing the challenge of handling and managing dairy manure (DM) is a significant source of GHG emissions. If DM is applied to crops as a nutrient source can improve crop performance, soil health, and soil microbial ecosystem, and maintain the long term sustainability of farms. This study will be conducted to investigate GHG emissions resulting from DM. The field experiment conducted at Blackland Research and Extension Center, Temple, TX, includes two tillage treatments, two dairy manure application levels, and three biochar treatments. To quantify three greenhouse gases (methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide), static chamber technique was employed. Other parameters like soil temperature, soil moisture, and air temperature were taken along with gas samples. GHG samples will be analyzed using a gas chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector, thermal conductivity detector, and flame ionization detector. The study’s findings will be discussed with recommendation for best dairy manure management practices.