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Use of a Resistance Meter to Locate Manure Suitable for Energy Recovery in Beef Cattle Feedyards

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

Citation:  2012 Dallas, Texas, July 29 - August 1, 2012  121338081.(doi:10.13031/2013.42180)
Authors:   Roger A Eigenberg, Bryan L Woodbury
Keywords:   Soil conductivity, cattle feedlots, manure depth, energy, resistivity

Mineral constituents, i.e., salts, contained in beef feedlot manure alter inherent soil conductivity. Researchers at USMARC have adapted tools such as electromagnetic soil conductivity meters and mapping/modeling software to identify areas where by manure accumulates on beef cattle feedlots. These tools combine to identify the spatial distribution of the manure for selective harvesting, creating a product of value for energy or nutrient recovery. However, electromagnetic soil conductivity meters poorly define soil profile conductivities. Thus, a question arises regarding the well-defined depth of manure within feedlot pens. Traditional methods of soil coring can be laborious, time-consuming, and costly as well as risky in areas containing buried water and electrical lines. Preliminary shallow soundings using a 4-probe resistivity meter have been conducted at a cattle feedlot. Associations of the shallow soundings with soil electrical conductivity (EC) values as well as profile plots are presented in this paper. This is an introductory report and examines the potential for future development and use of resistivity meters for cattle feedlot waste management research.

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