Dissertation
Reactive Nitrogen and Cattle Feedings Systems in the United States: Sources, Sinks, Solutions
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Washington State University
01/2015
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/117075
Abstract
The goal of this research was to describe the sources, transformations, and sinks of reactive nitrogen (Nr), specifically ammonia (NH3), associated with cattle production. Three topics were examined: 1) emission measurement methods for NH3 from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), 2) analysis of air quality model results for CAFO emissions and deposition in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), and 3) policy analysis of two case studies representative of different levels of scientific certainty. First, a new measurement technique to address the NH3 emissions of a CAFO was examined. The relaxed eddy accumulation approach and the atmospheric gradient method were each coupled to an NH3 analyzer using cavity ring-down spectroscopy. Ammonia flux measurements were made with both instruments. The REA system proved to be not feasible. Second, the AIRPACT-4 modeling system was evaluated for its ability to predict wet N-deposition by comparing weekly, seasonal, and annual averages to the National Atmospheric Deposition Program data within the PNW. AIRPACT-4 under-predicted wet N-deposition, although the performance statistics showed overall acceptable performance. The seasonality of AIRPACT-4 NH3–N emissions predictions and the total wet and dry N-deposition around three Oregon (OR) and three Washington (WA) CAFOs were also analyzed. Because of differences in the methods used by state agencies, the emissions used in the model were treated differently. Peak June – July emissions occurred in the OR sites while WA areas sources had peak August – September emissions. In OR, 79 to >100% of emitted NH3-N was deposited within a 7,056 km2 area, while in WA 54 to 72% of NH3–N emitted was deposited surrounding each area source. Dry N-deposition for all sites during all seasons was higher than wet N-deposition, except in the spring for one OR CAFO. Third, a policy network analysis was used to describe the role of scientific knowledge as a resource in policy development. A novel tool that determines the stage of policy-making was established. To solve complex environmental problems, like that of reactive N cycling, trans-disciplinary thought and training are needed. As understanding of complex ecosystems grows, scientific knowledge should be transferred as a resource for scientifically sound policy development.
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Details
- Title
- Reactive Nitrogen and Cattle Feedings Systems in the United States: Sources, Sinks, Solutions
- Creators
- Christopher D. Gambino
- Contributors
- Kristen A Johnson (Advisor)Margaret Benson (Committee Member)Brian K Lamb (Committee Member)Noel Andy Cole (Committee Member)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Animal Sciences, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Washington State University
- Number of pages
- 332
- Identifiers
- 99900581437601842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Dissertation