Ammonia emissions and dispersion from broiler production

Abstract

Ammonia (NH₃ ) has been used as a target gas for nuisance complaints to restrict or close poultry operations near encroaching rural development. There are conflicting data on NH₃ emissions from broiler production across the United States. The purpose of this research is to compare emission rates from a Georgia broiler operation across seasons and with other geographical areas in the United States. Comparison of seasonal and geographical emission rates showed large seasonal variation in NH₃ emissions for eastern U.S. sites but little seasonal variation in the semi-arid region of the United States. Differences in production management practices, ambient temperature, and animal density did not appear to explain differences in emissions between regions; however, the climatic influence of ambient humidity and litter management practices are thought to be key factors in the generation of emissions.