Why is this research important for Alberta ag?
Feedlots are defined as "point sources" of water pollution because the wastewater generated in animal pens from rainfall-runoff events poses a severe risk to local water supplies if not properly contained and treated. This challenge of managing feedlot wastewater has led to a variety of engineering designs that not only prevent the release of wastewater into the environment, but also mitigates its potency by removing contaminants. The economic and environmental benefits of these systems has garnered considerable interest in discovering more optimized designs.
Feedlot runoff can contain many different contaminants, including solid and dissolved organic matter, nutrients, salts, and heavy metals, among others. Conventional feedlot wastewater management often involved diverting it to a contained holding pond, where settling processed reduce high total suspended sediment loads, which is critical for reducing the concentration of nutrients.
Floating treatment islands are the man-made equivalent of the floating vegetated islands that occur naturally in a variety of wetland ecosystems worldwide. Wetland plants have the ability to assimilate large amounts for environmental contaminants from soil and water.
What benefits can producers expect from this research?
This research aligns with the ongoing Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) objectives, which are focused on production practices that are socially responsible, economically viable and environmentally sound. This research would provide a low-cost, easily adaptable method for reducing the nutrient load in feedlot runoff and could offer an alternative watering source for livestock.
Other benefits include improved water security, job creation and revenue generation.
How will these research findings reach producers on-farm?
Findings will be shared via factsheets, field tours, educational sessions and hands-on demonstrations. At least one presentation a year at industry events, as well as articles in producer-focused publications. A comprehensive final report will also be publicly available.
Funded in part by the Government of Canada under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.