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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Madison, Wisconsin » U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center » Environmentally Integrated Dairy Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #306431
Title: Pathogen transport modeling during spray irrigation of liquid manure in Wisconsin

Author
item LIANG, YIFAN - University Of Wisconsin
item LARSON, REBECCA - University Of Wisconsin
item ZOPP, ZACH - University Of Wisconsin
item Borchardt, Mark
item CHOI, CHRIS - University Of Wisconsin

Submitted to: Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/1/2014
Publication Date: 7/11/2014
Citation: Liang, Y., Larson, R.A., Zopp, Z.P., Borchardt, M.A., Choi, C.Y. 2014. Pathogen transport modeling during spray irrigation of liquid manure in Wisconsin. Meeting Proceedings. July 13-16, 2014.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Applying manure by means of spray irrigation is an effective way to manage manure dispersal and to improve crop yields and production efficiencies. However, this method could potentially spread a variety of pathogens that cause human disease and is therefore considered hazardous, especially to field workers and people living nearby. In Wisconsin, the current regulation governing the spraying of liquid manure stipulates a setback distance of 500 feet. This prescribed distance might yet be increased unless it can be scientifically demonstrated that the current setback (or a shorter one) is safe. However, assessing the quantitative microbial risk and determining a safe minimal setback distance requires not only field sampling research but also modeling. Consequently, this study focused on modeling pathogen transport that may occur during spraying. Preliminary modeling outcomes demonstrated good agreement with the field study data, but limitations exist due to the assumptions made in the existing model. These limitations could be overcome with controlled experiments and corresponding modeling efforts.