N.M. Marcillac, J.G. Davis, J.G. Pritchett, and A.L. Elliott. Colorado State University, Dept. of Animal Sciences, Fort Collins, CO 80523
Ammonium particulates pose risks to human health since they are able to travel deep into lung tissue, causing a variety of respiratory ailments. The emission of ammonia also has environmental effects such as soil acidification, eutrophication, and ecosystem changes. Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) has experienced these impacts as well as a reduction in visibility. In response to citizen concern, the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission formed a Rocky Mountain National Park sub-committee to evaluate sources of N deposition and to develop potential solutions. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment completed an ammonia inventory to identify the primary ammonia sources in the state and found that among regulatable sources, agricultural contributions amounted to 60% of ammonia emissions. Discussions of potential regulation of agricultural ammonia emissions triggered the formation of a RMNP Ag Team composed of numerous agricultural groups for the purpose of the development of an Ag Strategy to address these issues. Colorado State University is a source of unbiased, science-based information for both the agricultural and regulatory communities and is leading the research and outreach aspects of the RMNP Ag Strategy. Our goal is to minimize the negative human health and environmental impacts of ammonia emissions from agriculture through the adoption of field-tested, effective, and economical best management practices (BMPs). A thorough literature review has been completed in order to identify the most promising BMPs for reduction of ammonia emissions from agriculture. Additionally, a survey has been sent to regional feedlots and dairies regarding their knowledge of the ammonia issue, current ammonia BMP adoption rates, and producer constraints to adoption. Currently, we are in the process of demonstrating and evaluating the effectiveness and implementation costs of the most promising BMPs on Colorado feedlots and dairies. Finally, we will develop an online factsheet series and BMP photo gallery.