Biochar for Ammonia Suppression Within the Poultry Production Environment

Summary

Litter amendments used by the poultry industry target ammonia suppression in poultry houses and result in the improvement of bird performance and potentially reduce air emissions into the environment. Biochar have been found to function effectively as an ammonia suppression product.

Situation

The availability of locally produced biomass makes them accessible for further use, such as the production of biochar. Biochar has been used for many years as a filtering medium for both water and air purification. Use of biochar to sequester ammonia from poultry manure or poultry house air is the focus of current research at UGA. Several studies have been initiated to evaluate ammonia suppression through the use of biochar as a litter amendment and feed supplement to improve the in-house environment of commercial broiler operations. Reducing ammonia generation in the production houses will correspond to improved bird performance and potentially reduced aerial ammonia emissions released into the environment.

Response

Biochars that suppress pH and ammonia-producing microbials within poultry litter were evaluated and found to perform well in lowering ammonia concentrations during the critical brooding phase of poultry rearing. These acidified chars functioned similarly to other acidifying agents currently used by the industry. Biochars continue to be investigated as a feed supplement for potential ammonia suppression. Initial pen trials have shown that biochars as a feed supplement perform very well in reducing the generation of ammonia from active poultry litter. Funding to continue this line of research is progressing.

Impact

The use of biochar as an ammonia suppression product has the potential to enhance poultry grower income by improving air quality in poultry housing and subsequent bird performance. Enhanced performance results from improved weight gain and feed efficiency. If the use of biochar by the poultry industry comes to fruition, it will also provide another avenue for the use of green energy technology.

State Issue

Agricultural Profitability and Sustainability

Details

• Year: 2010
• Geographic Scope: University
• County: Clarke
• Program Areas:
  • Agriculture & Natural Resources