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Advancements in Sprinkler Vegetative Treatment Systems for Small and Medium Animal Feeding Operations

Published by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org

Citation:  International Symposium on Air Quality and Manure Management for Agriculture Conference Proceedings, 13-16 September 2010, Dallas, Texas  711P0510cd.(doi:10.13031/2013.32672)
Authors:   Jason Gross, Chris G Henry
Keywords:   Sprinkler Vegetative Treatment System, Vegetative Treatment Area, CAFO, AFO, open lot runoff control

A new method being explored in Nebraska, for managing open lot runoff from small and medium Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs) is the Sprinkler Vegetative Treatment System. Distributing runoff water through a sprinkler system provides more flexibility in the design of the Vegetative Treatment Area and lessens concerns about the uniformity of application, commonly associated with gravity distribution systems. Since 2005 the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension has demonstrated Sprinkler VTS applications on working farms. This project has constructed and demonstrated sprinkler systems on five different farms ranging from 40 head to 800 head of feeder cattle. Adaptations have been tested which lower the cost of Sprinkler VTS systems and improve their reliability. This paper discusses the design, components of two Sprinkler VTS systems installed, their operation, construction costs, and lessons learned from experience developing and demonstrating the technology.

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