Measurement and regulation of environmentally hazardous gas emissions from beef cattle manure composting

Abstract Manure removed from fattening cattle barn with bedding was composted in a chamber 13 m 3 in capacity, and the gaseous emission of ammonia, nitrous oxide and methane were evaluated both summer and winter condition. Emissions control ability by the reduction of the initial moisture contents of the pile (62–57%) were also measured. The ammonia emissions were observed while the fermentation temperature was rising. Obvious ammonia emissions were observed until 2 weeks from the pile. Nitrous oxide emissions were detected immediately after the manure was piled up. Condition of the manure mixture in the barn seemed to be suitable for the oxidation microorganism activities, so the nitrification might have already started. Abundant methane was generated due to insufficient aerobic fermentation immediately after piling. Furthermore, since the moisture level of 57% was low in emissions of nitrous oxide and methane, it was confirmed that emission control could be achieved by a proper moisture adjustment.