Development of a software program for feedlot hydrology/nutrient management and GIS database for North Dakota.

摘要

In this research, a model and software program was developed to estimate runoff quantity and quality from the feedlots. The software program can be used to make nutrient management plans and to design runoff and manure storage/treatment structures. Also, GIS evaluations of current feedlot operations were conducted considering North Dakota Livestock Regulations.;In the hydrologic modeling of feedlots, a curve number method and the Epic and AGNPS model equations were employed. Manure and runoff nutrient fates during collection, storage, treatment, and application were predicted using a mass balance approach. Predicted runoff and manure characteristics were then compared to laboratory analysis results.;A runoff curve number of 93 was determined to be best for a fly ash-stabilized bison feedlot where the field experiments were conducted. A simple regression equation of R = 0.57 P − 1.16 was developed to estimate runoff using rainfall data where R is runoff and P is rainfall, both in mm. Organic-N and P were predicted with high correlation coefficients of 0.89 and 0.81, respectively.;A web page was developed to provide the North Dakota feedlot database, evaluations results, and the hydrology/nutrient model. Models, software program, and GIS evaluation results were discussed in this study.