Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 11, 2026

Lab-Scale Model to Evaluate Odor and Gas Concentrations Emitted by Deep Bedded Pack Manure
Published on: July 19, 2018
A framework for estimating manure nitrogen balance and recycling potential for current and future conditions in the
Yanyu Wang1,2, Xin Zhang3,4, Sheri Spiegal5
1Appalachian Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Frostburg, MD, USA.
Abstract:
Manure recycling can ameliorate pollution and fertilizer demand, but varying assumptions about recoverable manure nutrients and crop requirements complicate understanding of manure recycling potential. Using nitrogen (N) in the contiguous USA as a case study, we applied methods from six studies to compare manure N balance estimates (recoverable manure minus crop demand). We then developed a framework to assess both current and future potentials of manure recycling. The current balance in the USA is -13.3 ± 1.1 TgN yr-1, reflecting large crop demand currently met with synthetic fertilizer. Improved adoption of current manure management technologies could decrease this deficit by 5%, while future technologies could enable another 21% reduction. However, new manure N application should be reduced by 33-36% to avoid phosphorous (P) overapplication. Improved crop N efficiency could decrease the deficit by 27%. Applying this framework at county level demonstrates variable regional opportunities to improve manure recycling.
Related Concept Videos
Overview of Nitrogen Metabolism
The largest pool of nitrogen available in the terrestrial ecosystem is gaseous nitrogen (N2) from the air, but this...
The Nitrogen Cycle
Comparative Excretory Systems
Environmental Applications of Microorganisms
Metabolism of Chemolithotrophs
Inorganic Nitrogen Assimilation

