Evaluation of surface-applied char on the reduction of ammonia volatilization from broiler litter.

摘要

Biomasses such as peanut hulls or tree clippings have the potential for use in the production of chars, which can in turn be used as tools for environmental improvements. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of chars on reducing NH₃ volatilization from poultry litter when used as a surface-applied treatment. The chars used were produced from 3 biomasses: peanut hulls, pine chips, and coconut husks. Peanut hull char (pH 9.2) was produced by pyrolyzing peanut hulls at 400 degrees C for 30 min. The pine chip and coconut husk chars were acidified with sulfuric acid at a final concentration of 53% and had a pH of 2.0. Application rates were 0, 0.24, 0.37+0.37, and 0.73 kg/m2 to the floor of pens containing broilers at a commercial density (0.07 m2/bird). The addition of peanut hull char did not reduce NH₃ concentrations in the air compared with untreated pine shavings bedding material. However, the use of acidified chars resulted in significant linear reductions in NH₃ concentrations. The reduction in NH₃ by the acidified chars was likely due to a combination of litter pH reduction and NH₃ immobilization by the H₂SO₄ on the char. Bird performance was not adversely affected by any of the char treatments.