Skip to main content
ARS Home » Plains Area » Lincoln, Nebraska » Agroecosystem Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #240471
Title: Nutrient Transport in Runoff from Feedlots as Affected by Wet Distiller's Grain Diet

Author
item Gilley, John
item Eigenberg, Roger
item MARX, DAVID - University Of Nebraska
item Woodbury, Bryan

Submitted to: Transactions of the ASABE
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/15/2010
Publication Date: 3/1/2010
Citation: Gilley, J.E., Berry, E.D., Eigenberg, R.A., Marx, D.B., Woodbury, B.L. 2010. Nutrient Transport in Runoff from Feedlots as Affected by Wet Distiller's Grain Diet. Transactions of the ASABE. 53(2):545-552.

Interpretive Summary: Distiller's byproducts can serve as valuable sources of protein and energy for beef cattle. When the characteristics of materials entering and exiting the plant are compared, the nutrients in distiller's byproducts are concentrated about three times. The objectives of this study were to: a) measure soil properties and nutrient transport in runoff from feedlot surfaces as affected by corn-based and wet distillers grain diets, b) compare the effects of unconsolidated surface materials (USM) (loose manure pack) and consolidated subsurface materials (CSM) (compacted manure and underlying layers) on soil characteristics and nutrient transport, and c) identify the effects of varying runoff rate on nutrient transport. Simulated rainfall events were applied to experimental plots located within a feedlot. Measurements of selected soil properties were significantly greater within the pens where cattle were fed a corn-based diet. The pens where distiller's grains were fed contained significantly greater soil nutrient values. Surface condition (USM or CSM), in general, did not significantly affect any of the feedlot properties. Use of a wet distillers grain diet did not significantly affect any of the measured runoff water quality parameters. Each of the measured water quality parameters was significantly influenced by runoff rate.

Technical Abstract: Distiller's byproducts can serve as valuable sources of protein and energy for beef cattle. When the characteristics of materials entering and exiting the plant are compared, the nutrients in distiller's byproducts are concentrated about three times. The objectives of this study were to: a) measure soil properties and nutrient transport in runoff from feedlot surfaces as affected by corn-based and wet distillers grain diets, b) compare the effects of unconsolidated surface materials (USM) (loose manure pack) and consolidated subsurface materials (CSM) (compacted manure and underlying layers) on soil characteristics and nutrient transport, c) determine if runoff nutrient transport from corn-based or wet distillers grain diets is correlated to selected feedlot soil properties, and d) identify the effects of varying runoff rate on nutrient transport. Simulated rainfall events were applied to 0.75-m wide by 2-m long plots. Measurements of calcium, copper, loss on ignition, magnesium, organic-N, potassium, sulfur, total N (TN), and zinc were significantly greater within the pens where cattle were fed a corn-based diet. The pens where distiller's grains were fed contained significantly greater amounts of Bray 1-P. Surface condition (USM or CSM) did not significantly affect any of the feedlot properties except potassium content. Use of a wet distillers grain diet did not significantly affect any of the measured runoff water quality parameters. Runoff measurements of NH4-N, TN, NO3-N, total dissolved solids, and EC were each significantly correlated to six or more feedlot parameters. Each of the measured water quality parameters was significantly influenced by runoff rate.