“The new calculator estimates ammonia emissions based on manure and soil characteristics, weather conditions (e.g. temperature and wind speed), and manure application techniques,” says Dr. Atta Atia, air quality specialist. “It also estimates the economic value of the ammonia losses by converting it into the fertilizer nitrogen cost.”

By entering the manure characteristics, soil condition, land size, weather, and application techniques, the user will obtain the results of estimated ammonia losses and dollar value. The user can modify these inputs to instantly see the effects of individual factors on the estimated ammonia loss and corresponding dollar value.

“Ammonia emission during manure application represents a significant source of air pollution as well as the loss of potential nitrogen for crop production,” says Atia. “It’s estimated that up to 35 percent of the whole-farm ammonia losses may occur during manure land application. Therefore, estimation of ammonia loss from manure land application is beneficial to assess ammonia conservation techniques, improve nutrient management recommendations, and to help users choose an environmental friendly and economically method to apply manure on land.”

The Ammonia Losses from Liquid Manure Applications Calculator is available by clicking here.