Ammonia Emissions and Building-Related Mitigation Strategies in Dairy Barns: A Review

Serena Vitaliano, Provvidenza Rita D’Urso (), Claudia Arcidiacono and Giovanni Cascone
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Serena Vitaliano: Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), Building and Land Engineering Section, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 100, 95123 Catania, Italy
Provvidenza Rita D’Urso: Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), Building and Land Engineering Section, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 100, 95123 Catania, Italy
Claudia Arcidiacono: Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), Building and Land Engineering Section, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 100, 95123 Catania, Italy
Giovanni Cascone: Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), Building and Land Engineering Section, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 100, 95123 Catania, Italy

Agriculture, 2024, vol. 14, issue 7, 1-26

Abstract: In this systematic review, the PRISMA method was applied to examine publications from the last two decades that have investigated the noxious gaseous emissions from dairy barns. The aim was to analyse the outcomes from literature studies estimating the quantities of polluting gases produced in dairy barns, with a specific focus on ammonia (NH 3 ) emissions. Various studies, among those reviewed, have used mixed effects models, mass balance approaches and dispersion methods, revealing significant variability due to different experimental protocols and environmental contexts. Key challenges include the lack of standardised measurement techniques and the limited geographical coverage of research, particularly in climatically extreme regions. This review also explores proposed methods to reduce the associated effects through mitigation strategies. Estimation of NH 3 emissions is significantly influenced by the complex interactions between several factors; including animal management practices, such as controlling animal behavioural activities; manure management, like utilising practices for floor manure removal; the type of structure housing the animals, whether it is naturally or mechanically ventilated; and environmental conditions, such as the effects of temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, and ventilation rate on NH 3 release in the barn. These influential components have been considered by researchers and targeted mitigation strategies have been identified. Despite growing attention to the issue, gaps in the scientific literature were identified and discussed, particularly regarding the analysis of mitigation strategies and their long-term impacts (i.e., environmental, economic and productivity-wise). The purpose of this review is to help improve research into sustainable agricultural practices and technological innovations, which are fundamental to reducing NH 3 emissions and improving air quality in agricultural environments.

Keywords: livestock buildings; dairy cattle; gaseous emissions; emission rates; best available techniques (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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