Identification of Nutrient Distribution at Abandoned Livestock Manure Handling Site Using Electromagnetic Induction
R.A. Eigenberg, John A. Nienaber · 2001 Sacramento, CA July 29-August 1,2001 · 2001
Movement of nutrients from livestock manure handling sites has the potential to negativelyimpact the environment. This study was conducted to determine whether electromagnetic induction (EMI)could be used to identify regions of nutrient build-up beneath an abandoned compost site. A trailermounted EM-38, coupled with a global positioning satellite system, was towed across an area used forcomposting of feedlot manure. The resulting maps gave clear indication of the location of the compostingrows. The identified rows were cored and compared with the region between the rows. The rowsdemonstrated significantly greater soluble salts (1.6 times greater), NO3 (6.0 times greater), and Cl (2.0times greater) compared to the area between the rows to a 1.5m depth (P<0.05). The use of EMI formapping of sites having a history of livestock waste application was effective in locating high nutrientbuildup areas.