Cattle Feedlot
Runoff Nature and Behavior
J. RONALD MINER, Graduate Research Assistant
L.   R. BERNARD, Research Assistant
L. R. F1NA, Associate Professor
Department of Bacteriology
G. H. LARSON, Professor and Head
R. I. LIPPER, Associate Professor
Department of Agricultural Engineering
Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas
INTRODUCTION
Stormwater runoff is becoming recognized as an important potential water
pollutant. Several cases of runoff-borne pollution have been reported, including
a study of urban runoff by Weibel et al (1) and a discussion of agricultural drainage by Henderson (2). In the Midwest, where commercial cattle feeding has increased rapidly, severe water pollution problems have developed in waterways below feedlots. Smith and Miner (3) in 1964 described several incidents of septic
conditions and fish-kills below Kansas feedlots. Smith(4) reported that of 27 fish-
kills in Kansas during 1964, 15 were believed to have been caused primarily by
runoff from commercial feeding operations. It was estimated that 1.1 million
fish were killed in the 15 cases.
The evaluation of runoff-carried water pollutants presents special problems
not encountered in describing conventional wastes.    Runoff is intermittent and
Generally not confined to a well defined point.    Some dilution water generally
eing present helps reduce pollution but complicates assessing waste strength.
Economical design of waste treatment facilities and pollution abatement
measures must be based on quantitative data on waste strength and quantity, also
changes in waste quality during storage must be evaluated for wastes that are
stored prior to treatment.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Three types of experiments are described. Runoff was measured and sampled
from two experimental cattle feedlots. Tray experiments were conducted to study
the bacteriological changes in manure lying on the feedlot surface. A series of
anaerobic bottle studies were made at varying temperatures to determine changes
that take place in runoff water when it is stored in a retention pond prior to treatment.
Chemical Analyses
Chemical analyses were made essentially in accordance with Standard
Methods (5) with minor modifications dictated by the nature of the waste and
equipment available. Kjeldahl nitrogen analyses were made using a micro-
Kjeldahl apparatus as described by Pregl (6).
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