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ARS Home » Northeast Area » University Park, Pennsylvania » Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #333909
Title: Integrated Farm System Model Version 4.3 and Dairy Gas Emissions Model Version 3.3 Software development and distribution

Author
item Bonifacio, Henry
item Rotz, Clarence - Al

Submitted to: Internet Web Page
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/21/2016
Publication Date: 11/21/2016
Citation: Bonifacio, H.F., Rotz, C.A., M.S. Corson., D.S. Chianese., F. Montes., S.D. Hafner., C.U. Coniner., 2016. Integrated Farm System Model: Reference Manual, Version 4.3 and Dairy Gas Emissions Model Version 3.3 Software development and distribution. Internet Web Page. 1.

Interpretive Summary: Interpretive Summary is not required. JLB.

Technical Abstract: Modeling routines of the Integrated Farm System Model (IFSM version 4.2) and Dairy Gas Emission Model (DairyGEM version 3.2), two whole-farm simulation models developed and maintained by USDA-ARS, were revised with new components for: (1) simulation of ammonia (NH3) and greenhouse gas emissions generated during composting of cattle manure, and (2) simulation of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, precursors to ground-level ozone formation, from silage sources on farms. A previous routine for estimating emissions from manure composting had several limitations, which included use of a general NH3 emission routine not designed for dry and solid manure, estimation of nitrous oxide and methane emissions using emission factors, and absence of a component for predicting carbon dioxide emissions, the major portion of manure carbon loss. In the new compost model, carbon and nitrogen transformation and emission processes occurring during composting are simulated, and effects of windrow properties, climate, and windrow management on these processes and subsequent nitrogen and carbon emissions are modeled. For predicting VOC emissions from silage, the former routine simply approximated the trend of cumulative fraction loss of VOC over time to avoid substantial slowing of the whole farm simulation. In the new routine, process level simulation is used where the transport of VOCs within silage and emissions of VOCs from the exposed surface are both modeled as influenced by VOC properties, silage characteristics, environmental conditions, and feed management practices. The reference manual, help system and user interface for both the IFSM and DairyGEM software tools were revised, and new versions of each farm model (IFSM version 4.3 and DairyGEM version 3.3) were released. Both software packages are distributed worldwide through internet download for use in education and research.