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Thesis--Auburn University, 2008. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 80-89).

In-house windrow composting of broiler litter has been studied to reduce microbial populations between flocks. Published time-temperature goals are used to determine the success of the composting process for microbial reductions. Spatial and temporal density of temperature measurement can influence the ability to determine what portion of a windrow pile has achieved specified time-temperature goals. Based on this motivation, an investigation of the heating profile in windrowed litter and the identification of the effects of spatial and temporal sampling densities on the prediction of the heating profile in windrowed broiler litter were executed. Likewise, an investigation of the effects of moisture content on heat generation during composting of broiler litter was conducted. Ultimately, the research projects were designed with the goal of determining the efficacy of windrow composting as a treatment method for reducing microbial populations in broiler litter and to produce recommendations for the implementation of future windrow temperature monitoring investigations. While past investigations have reported success of windrow composting for microbial population reductions, a lack of intense spatial and temporal temperature monitoring has likely mis-represented the pile heating profile and resultant effects on microbial populations.

Cover crops and composted broiler litter (CBL) are two organic methods used to improve soils and organic vegetable production. The objectives of this study included determining the extent summer cover crops and CBL alter nutrient availability in soil, determining how summer cover crops and CBL influence fall vegetable crops in organic production systems and identifying which cover crops/ CBL combinations improve fall vegetable crop production best. Four cover crops were tested: sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea), sesame (Sesamum indicum), sorghum sudan grass (Sorghum X drummondii) and a sunn hemp + sesame blend, in combination with four composted broiler litter rates: 0, 2,800, 5,600, 11,200 kg.ha-1 for two years. Few differences were seen among cover crop treatments except for the sorghum sudan grass treatment, which had negative effects on fall broccoli production unless combined with CBL. The CBL increased nutrient availability, percent organic matter, pH and broccoli yield as the rate increased.

Thesis--Auburn University, 2009. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 50-56).

Broilers are raised indoors on high density farms with bedding/litter to trap their manure. Ammonia gas, which is produced as the manure decomposes, has adverse effects on human health, bird welfare and the environment. Using litter amendments can reduce the amount and, consequently, the effects of ammonia emitted from broiler houses. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a biodegradable litter amendment (BLA) in reducing ammonia emitted from a broiler house. A pilot scale test was set up with six adjacent, individually ventilated rooms and a stocking density of 0.07 m² per bird. The birds were fed with a standard commercial, corn and soybean meal based diet and water was provided ad libitum. The first flock was grown on 10 cm of fresh, kiln-dried pine shavings, while subsequent flocks were grown on top-dressed reused litter. The two treatments (control (CTL) and BLA) were randomly assigned to the six rooms after flock 1, to give three replicates per treatment. The exhaust air from the rooms was sampled for ammonia concentration for two days each week starting at four days of age to determine the amount of ammonia emitted. Over three subsequent flocks, the total mass of ammonia emitted from rooms treated with BLA was 31% to 47% lower than the control. Ammonia emitted per bird grown on treated litter and per kg of harvested bird weight was 32% to 44% lower, and the exhaust fans ran 7% to 22% less than CTL over the same period. For both BLA and CTL, the amount of ammonia emitted generally increased with bird age and litter reuse. The study showed that BLA effectively reduced ammonia emitted from a broiler house and that there are potential energy savings from using the amendment. However, ammonia emitted from the BLA rooms during the final flock was 57% higher than CTL, which was attributed to insufficient water (less than 18% moisture by weight) to support the reaction between BLA and ammonia. / Ph. D.

South Africa produces an average of 154 million broilers (Gallus gallus domesticus) annually, arising to an estimated 886 million kg of broiler litter. The largest population of broilers are reared in the North West province. Various applications for this largely underexploited resource have been published, including forming part of ruminant diets and direct land application. This however has several disadvantages, as it could lead to eutrophication of fresh water sources and faecal contamination of produce. Windrow composting of broiler litter has previously been studied, and found to deliver a stabilized product free of pathogenic and phytotoxic effects, therefore making it an excellent soil conditioner. This study aimed to characterize the microbial community present during the windrow composting of broiler litter. Four different formulations of substrate were tested; these being broiler litter (Windrow 1), Windrow 1 with previously composted material (Windrow 2), Windrow 2 amended with woodchips (Windrow 3) and Windrow 3 with an additional 12.5% (w/w) zeolite (Windrow 4). Broiler litter used in this experiment had a C:N ration of 10.3:1, whilst the blue gum woodchips added as an amendment had a C:N ratio of 172:1. Windrow and environmental temperatures were monitored on a regular basis. Windrow 1 largely mimicked environmental temperature, and could not sustain a true thermophilic phase during the experimental period. Windrow 2 did achieve a short lived thermophilic phase during the first few days of the composting process, however could not sustain its temperature over the whole period. In contrast Windrows 3 and 4 sustained temperature above 40°C for the largest part of the experimental period, regardless of environmental temperature. No significant difference (p < 0.05) could be observed between average moisture levels in the 4 windrows. Internal moisture profiles were however found to differ significantly, especially on the surface of the windrows. Moisture was also lost faster in Windrows 1 and 2 compared to Windrows 3 and 4. Chemical analysis showed differences between the four windrows constructed. A higher amount of nitrogen was lost in Windrows 1 and 2, mostly due to a sub-optimal initial C:N ratio in these windrows. Windrow 2 contained the highest values for plant nutrients P, Mg, Ca, Mn and Cu. Microbial population dynamics were observed using PCR-DGGE of samples collected throughout the composting of various treatments. Various commercial DNA extraction kits where tested in a previous study for their ability to remove PCR inhibitory substances, such as humic acids. The Machery-Nagel Soil DNA isolation kit was used as it gave amplifiable DNA from all samples. Samples were amplified using a nested PCR approach primer sets 27f-1492r \ 341f(GC)-907r and EF3-EF4 \ EF4(GC)-fung5 (where “GC” indicates a GC-rich clamp) for prokaryotic and eukaryotic species respectively. The PCR products were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis, and equal amounts of product were subjected to denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Bands obtained from these polyacrylamide gels where then re-amplified using the same secondary primer sets (without the GC-clamp), and sequenced. A total of 454 prokaryotic bands in 55 distinct rf-positions were observed. Seven distinct rf-positions were observed in eukaryotic DGGE profiles. Prokaryotic profiles were aligned and the microbial diversity was analyzed by means of Ward’s clustering algorithm and the dice coefficient of similarity, as well as Simpson’s reciprocal, Shannon-Weaver and Species richness indices. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was also performed on both the banding patterns as well as the bands present, together with the physico-chemical results obtained. Several bands were successfully identified as being influenced by physico-chemical parameters. Temperature, C:N ratio, ash, and moisture showed a correlation on CCA bi-plots. Sixteen bands were sequence identified. These sequences were compared to two different databases. The 16S rRNA database for Bacteria and Archaea gave identities to genus level, however maximum identity scores were low. Of the 16 sequences, 12 sequences were identified as uncultured bacteria when compared to the nucleotide collection database. In comparing the sequences with sequences collected in the nucleotide collection database, 12 were either first described in composts and soils, or animal manures. Results indicated mostly members of the genus Bacillus and Paenibacillus. The addition of a carbon source greatly affected the microbial metabolism, resulting in a thermophilic phase being achieved in amended windrows. As no thermophilic phase was observed in windrows that were not amended with woodchips, it could be concluded that the use of a carbon source is irremissible when composting broiler litter. A zeolite amendment is also strongly advised, as this further increased temperatures within the windrow. / Thesis (MSc (Environmental Sciences))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

South Africa produces an average of 154 million broilers (Gallus gallus domesticus) annually, arising to an estimated 886 million kg of broiler litter. The largest population of broilers are reared in the North West province. Various applications for this largely underexploited resource have been published, including forming part of ruminant diets and direct land application. This however has several disadvantages, as it could lead to eutrophication of fresh water sources and faecal contamination of produce. Windrow composting of broiler litter has previously been studied, and found to deliver a stabilized product free of pathogenic and phytotoxic effects, therefore making it an excellent soil conditioner. This study aimed to characterize the microbial community present during the windrow composting of broiler litter. Four different formulations of substrate were tested; these being broiler litter (Windrow 1), Windrow 1 with previously composted material (Windrow 2), Windrow 2 amended with woodchips (Windrow 3) and Windrow 3 with an additional 12.5% (w/w) zeolite (Windrow 4). Broiler litter used in this experiment had a C:N ration of 10.3:1, whilst the blue gum woodchips added as an amendment had a C:N ratio of 172:1. Windrow and environmental temperatures were monitored on a regular basis. Windrow 1 largely mimicked environmental temperature, and could not sustain a true thermophilic phase during the experimental period. Windrow 2 did achieve a short lived thermophilic phase during the first few days of the composting process, however could not sustain its temperature over the whole period. In contrast Windrows 3 and 4 sustained temperature above 40°C for the largest part of the experimental period, regardless of environmental temperature. No significant difference (p < 0.05) could be observed between average moisture levels in the 4 windrows. Internal moisture profiles were however found to differ significantly, especially on the surface of the windrows. Moisture was also lost faster in Windrows 1 and 2 compared to Windrows 3 and 4. Chemical analysis showed differences between the four windrows constructed. A higher amount of nitrogen was lost in Windrows 1 and 2, mostly due to a sub-optimal initial C:N ratio in these windrows. Windrow 2 contained the highest values for plant nutrients P, Mg, Ca, Mn and Cu. Microbial population dynamics were observed using PCR-DGGE of samples collected throughout the composting of various treatments. Various commercial DNA extraction kits where tested in a previous study for their ability to remove PCR inhibitory substances, such as humic acids. The Machery-Nagel Soil DNA isolation kit was used as it gave amplifiable DNA from all samples. Samples were amplified using a nested PCR approach primer sets 27f-1492r \ 341f(GC)-907r and EF3-EF4 \ EF4(GC)-fung5 (where “GC” indicates a GC-rich clamp) for prokaryotic and eukaryotic species respectively. The PCR products were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis, and equal amounts of product were subjected to denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Bands obtained from these polyacrylamide gels where then re-amplified using the same secondary primer sets (without the GC-clamp), and sequenced. A total of 454 prokaryotic bands in 55 distinct rf-positions were observed. Seven distinct rf-positions were observed in eukaryotic DGGE profiles. Prokaryotic profiles were aligned and the microbial diversity was analyzed by means of Ward’s clustering algorithm and the dice coefficient of similarity, as well as Simpson’s reciprocal, Shannon-Weaver and Species richness indices. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was also performed on both the banding patterns as well as the bands present, together with the physico-chemical results obtained. Several bands were successfully identified as being influenced by physico-chemical parameters. Temperature, C:N ratio, ash, and moisture showed a correlation on CCA bi-plots. Sixteen bands were sequence identified. These sequences were compared to two different databases. The 16S rRNA database for Bacteria and Archaea gave identities to genus level, however maximum identity scores were low. Of the 16 sequences, 12 sequences were identified as uncultured bacteria when compared to the nucleotide collection database. In comparing the sequences with sequences collected in the nucleotide collection database, 12 were either first described in composts and soils, or animal manures. Results indicated mostly members of the genus Bacillus and Paenibacillus. The addition of a carbon source greatly affected the microbial metabolism, resulting in a thermophilic phase being achieved in amended windrows. As no thermophilic phase was observed in windrows that were not amended with woodchips, it could be concluded that the use of a carbon source is irremissible when composting broiler litter. A zeolite amendment is also strongly advised, as this further increased temperatures within the windrow. / Thesis (MSc (Environmental Sciences))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / More contaminated areas with copper were discovered and this had contributed negatively for plants establishment, so more studies are need to reutilize this areas. Thus, the objective of this work is to enable the attenuation of the contamination on native woody seedlings production in contaminated soil with copper. Three experiments were realized. The first involving the evaluation of the growth and quality of Bauhinia forficata Link, Pterogyne nitens Tul and Enterolobium contortisiliquum Vell. seedlings in soil with dosis of copper. On the second work, the effect of broiler litter was evaluated on soil chemical attributes and the growth of E. contortisiliquum seedling. On the third, the effect of broiler litter (CA) and mix of broiler litter with commercial substrate (CA+SC) evaluated to attenuation of copper contamination in soil and E. contortisiliquum potential to descontamination the soil. E. contortisiliquum had more tolerance to high copper dosis than B. forficate and P. nitens. The addition of 36% of CA on the SC and 33% on the peat enables increasing on morphological parameters of E. contortisiliquum seedlings. The utilization of the CA+SC was efficient to attenuation of the copper contamination. The morphological parameters was stimulated by the addition of the mix, with better results in 20 and 30% in contaminated soil with 400 mg of kg-1 of soil. / Tem sido evidenciado um aumento em áreas contaminadas com cobre e este fato tem contribuído negativamente para o estabelecimento de plantas, sendo necessários estudos de alternativas para reutilização destas áreas. Diante disso, o objetivo desse trabalho foi possibilitar o uso de amenizantes de contaminação na produção de mudas de espécies nativas em solo contaminado com cobre. Para atender o objetivo foram realizados três experimentos. O primeiro envolveu a avaliação da interferência de doses crescentes de cobre aplicado ao solo no crescimento e na qualidade de mudas de Bauhinia forficata Link(pata de vaca), Pterogyne nitens Tul (carne de vaca) e Enterolobium contortisiliquum Vell. (timbaúva) No segundo experimento avaliou-se o efeito de proporções de cama de aves nos atributos químicos do solo e morfológicos de crescimento de mudas de timbaúva e o terceiro experimento avaliou-se o efeito da cama de aviário e a mistura de cama de aviário com substrato comercial como amenizante de cobre no solo e o potencial de Enterolobium contortisiliquum para descontaminação. As mudas de timbaúva toleram maiores doses de cobre no solo em relação à pata de vaca e carne de vaca. A adição de aproximadamente 36% de cama de aviário ao substrato comercial e de 33% à turfa possibilita aumento nos parâmetros morfológicos de mudas de timbaúva. A utilização cama de aviário + substrato comercial foi eficiente como amenizante da contaminação do solo com cobre. Os parâmetros morfológicos, foram estimulados com a adição de cama de aviário + substrato comercial, obtendo os melhores resultados com a dição de 20 a 30 % em solo contaminado com 400 mg de Cu Kg -1 de solo.

Broiler litter (BL) is a high value manure available to Kentucky crop producers to utilize as a fertilizer. The rate of BL application, timing of application, and method of application are all important factors to take into account when utilizing BL. A laboratory incubation was conducted to observe nitrogen (N) mineralization rates of BL amended soils over time under different conditions. Different application methods, application rates, watering frequencies, and bedding materials were used to determine their influence on N mineralization. Broiler litter applied on the soil surface, at lower rates, at lower watering frequency resulted in lower mineralization rates than BL that was incorporated, at higher rates and higher watering frequency. The rice hull bedding BL treatments had a significantly higher initial amount of NH4+-N than the wood-based bedding materials. The increased NH4+-N content produced a lower pH due to higher rates of nitrification. The difference in NH4+-N resulted in the rice hull BL treatments containing more inorganic N throughout the incubation. The wood-based BL contained significantly more carbon (C), zinc (Zn), and potassium (K). The results collected will help improve current nutrient recommendations and provide information that will help utilize BL more efficiently and economically.