Advancements in Sprinkler Vegetative Treatment Systems for Small and Medium Animal Feeding Operations

摘要

A new method being explored in Nebraska, for managing open lot runoff from small and medium Animal Feeding Operations (AFO's) is the Sprinkler Vegetative Treatment System. Distributing runoff water through a sprinkler system provides more flexibilityin the design of the Vegetative Treatment Area and lessens concerns about the uniformity of application, commonly associated with gravity distribution systems. Since 2005 the University of Nebraska—Lincoln Extension has demonstrated Sprinkler VTS applications on working farms. This project has constructed and demonstrated sprinkler systems on five different farms ranging from 40 head to 800 head of feeder cattle. Adaptations have been tested which lower the cost of Sprinkler VTS systems and improve their reliability. This paper discusses the design, components of two Sprinkler VTS systems installed, their operation, construction costs, and lessons learned from experience developing and demonstrating the technology.