Developing Safe, Efficient and Environmentally Sound Management Practices For The Use of Animal Manure

<p>The overall goal of this research project is to develop cost effective solutions to problems in animal manure management and utilization. The research will evaluate new management practices and treatment strategies that protect water quality, reduce atmospheric emissions, and control pathogens from utilization of animal manure particularly for the unique karst topography in this region. Objective 1: Enhance the benefits of using animal manure as means of improving soil productivity for long-term production systems. Objective 2: Develop strategies for managing the survival and transport of antibiotics, pathogens and indicator species through agroecosystems. Objective 3: Assess gaseous and particulate matter emissions resulting from animal production facilities and manure application sites. Objectives 4: Improve production efficiency and emissions management of renewable bioenergy production systems using technologies such as anaerobic digesters.</p>