Thomas Amon

Seasonal and diel variations of ammonia and methane emissions from a naturally ventilated dairy building and the associated factors influencing emissions

Understanding seasonal and diel variations of ammonia (NH3) and methane (CH4) emissions from a naturally ventilated dairy (NVD) building may lead to develop successful control strategies for reducing emissions throughout the year. The main objective of this study was to quantify seasonal and diel variations of NH3 and CH4 emissions together with associated factors influencing emissions. Measurements were carried out with identical experimental set-up to cover three winter, spring and summer seasons, and two autumn seasons in the years 2010, 2011, and 2012. The data from 2010 and 2011 were used for developing emission prediction models and the data from 2012 were used for model validation. The results showed that NH3 emission varied seasonally following outside temperature whereas CH4 emission did not show clear seasonal trend. Diel variation of CH4 emission was less pronounced than NH3. The average NH3 and CH4 emissions between 6a.m. and 6p.m. were 66% and 33% higher than the average NH3 and CH4 emissions between 6p.m. and 6a.m., respectively for all seasons. The significant relationships (P<0.0001) between NH3 and influencing factors were found including outside temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, hour of the day and day of the year. The significant effect (P<0.0001) of climate factors, hours of the day and days of the year on CH4 emission might be directly related to activities of the cows.

Windkanaluntersuchungen an einem frei gelüfteten Milchviehstall

The air exchange rate regulating the climate inside of natural ventilated livestock buildings is hard to determine in the field due to the variability of time and space of the dominant processes. Experiments in a wind tunnel laboratory can produce sound statistical and representative data obtained under controlled boundary conditions to complete data sets from the field. In this study, measurements of the horizontal wind components within a model of a natural ventilated barn were performed in the wind tunnel. The approach flow was chosen with low turbulence in order to gain knowledge on the influence of the installed equipment on the air flow. In fact, the measured profiles were influenced by the installed equipment and the feeding alley.

Tierhaltung und Wirtschaftsdüngermanagement in Österreich - Erhebungskonzept und methodisches Vorgehen

To compute emission inventories, knowledge about animal husbandry and farm manure management is very important. The Division of Agricultural Engineering collects production process data from about 2,500 farms. Model farms are simulated from this and emissions calculated.

NH3-, N2O- und CH4-Emissionen aus einem Schrägbodenstall für Mastschweine

The straw flow system is an animal friendly and functioning housing system for fattening pigs. Greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions from a commercial straw flow system were continuously measured from June 2003 to April 2004. Emissions were always lower than the default values of forced ventilated fully slatted floor systems. The straw flow system combines animal welfare and environmental protection.

Emissionsinventur in Österreich

It is mandatory for countries to report emissions annually. The Division of Agricultural Engineering (ILT) is involved in compiling the emission inventory for the agricultural sector in Austria. ILT is a member of national and international working groups, which update guidelines for emission inventories and make proposals for abatement measures.