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Swine

Investigating and Mitigating the Causes of Foam Accumulation on Swine Manure Deep Pits

Authors
  • Daniel S. Andersen (Iowa State University)
  • Kurt A. Rosentrater (Iowa State University)
  • Brian J. Kerr (United States Department of Agriculture)
  • Steven L. Trabue (United States Department of Agriculture)

Abstract

The appearance of foam on the surface of deep-pit swine manure storages is a serious concern for the pork industry. Manure foam has the capacity to trap gases produced by the anaerobic decomposition of the manure, leading to dangerous flammable gas concentrations upon foam disruption. Field sampling and feeding trials were conducted to determine manure characteristics leading to foam accumulation. Results indicated that foaming pits were more biologically active having lower volatile fatty acid contents and higher rates of methane production. Research is being undertaken to develop foam mitigation strategies based on these findings.

Keywords: Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

How to Cite:

Andersen, D. S., Rosentrater, K. A., Kerr, B. J. & Trabue, S. L., (2014) “Investigating and Mitigating the Causes of Foam Accumulation on Swine Manure Deep Pits”, Iowa State University Animal Industry Report 11(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/ans_air-180814-1187

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Published on
2014-01-01

Peer Reviewed