Ammonia Volatilization from Dairy and Poultry Manure

Ammonia volatilization is a major N loss process for surface-applied manures and urea fertilizers. The lost ammonia is important for both agricultural and non-agricultural ecosystems because it: i) is a direct loss of plant available N to the farmer, ii) reduces the N:P ratio in manure, which accelerates P build-up in soils, and iii) contributes to eutrophication in aquatic and low-N input ecosystems through atmospheric transport and deposition (Asman, et al. 1994; Asman et al., 1998; Sharpley et al., 1998). Atmospheric ammonia originating from agricultural activities has been implicated in widespread damage to natural ecosystems in Europe (Asman et al. 1998; Hacker & Du, 1993). Similarly, there is growing public concern in the US that current manure management practices may be promoting ammonia enrichment of streams, estuaries, and coastal waters.