Ammonia volatilization from poultry litter is detrimental to agricultural workers in these facilities, poultry and the environment. There are several options available to poultry producers to reduce ammonia release from poultry litter. Microbial/urease enzyme inhibitors work well at reducing ammonia volatilization short term. In order to obtain long term ammonia control, these products must be reapplied weekly. Acidifying agents are another alternative to the ammonia problem. Acidifying agents can control ammonia up to four weeks, although the amount of control decreases with time. Of the acids researched with poultry litter, alum and phosphoric acid seem to obtain the greatest ammonia control. Although phosphoric acid controls ammonia, the P content of the litter is increased which can accelerate P runoff into the environment. Alum not only has great ammonia control, but also binds P in the litter which reduces P runoff into the environment. By using ammonia control products, there can be an economic benefit to the producer, better poultry production, and better environment for both the birds and the workers.
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