Measuring and modeling nitrous oxide and methane emissions from beef cattle feedlot manure management: First assessments under Brazilian condition

Author(s)

Costa, Jr., Ciniro ^{[1, 2]} ; Li, Changsheng ^[2] ; Cerri, Carlos E. P. ^[3] ; Cerri, Carlos C. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Ctr Nucl Energy Agr, Lab Biogeochem, BR-13400970 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ New Hampshire, Inst Study Earth Ocean & Space, Durham, NH 03824 - USA

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Luiz de Queiroz Coll Agr, BR-13400970 Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH PART B-PESTICIDES FOOD CONTAMIN; v. 49, n. 9, p. 696-711, 2014.
• Web of Science Citations: 8

Abstract

Intensive beef production has increased during recent decades in Brazil and may substantially increase both methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from manure management. However, the quantification of these gases and methods for extrapolating them are scarce in Brazil. A case study examines CH4 and N2O emissions from one typical beef cattle feedlot manure management continuum in Brazil and the applicability of Manure-DNDC model in predicting these emissions for better understand fluxes and mitigation options. Measurements track CH4 and N2O emissions from manure excreted in one housing floor holding 21 animals for 78days, stockpiled for 73days and field spread (360kg N ha(-1)). We found total emissions (CH4 + N2O) of 0.19 +/- 0.10kg CO(2)eq per kg of animal live weight gain; mostly coming from field application (73%), followed housing (25%) and storage (2%). The Manure-DNDC simulations were generally within the statistical deviation ranges of the field data, differing in -28% in total emission. Large uncertainties in measurements showed the model was more accurate estimating the magnitude of gases emissions than replicate results at daily basis. Modeled results suggested increasing the frequency of manure removal from housing, splitting the field application and adopting no-tillage system is the most efficient management for reducing emissions from manure (up to about 75%). Since this work consists in the first assessment under Brazilian conditions, more and continuous field measurements are required for decreasing uncertainties and improving model validations. However, this paper reports promising results and scientific perceptions for the design of further integrated work on farm-scale measurements and Manure-DNDC model development for Brazilian conditions. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/02642-7 - Simulation of greenhouse gas emissions and mitigations by Brazilian beef cattle feedlot manure management using Manure-DNDC mathematic model
• Grantee: Ciniro Costa Junior
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 10/17837-2 - Greenhouse gases balance of cattle breeding activity in the Middle-West Region of Brazil: technical bases for a low carbon husbandry
• Grantee: Carlos Clemente Cerri
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 10/05111-7 - Methane and nitrous oxide emissions from the beef cattle feedlot manure management in Brazil: surveying, measuring and modeling
• Grantee: Ciniro Costa Junior
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate