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128

Estimating Manure Inventory

Estimating the Volume of Liquid Manure in Storage

Many liquid manure storage facilities in Alberta are constructed in a cylindrical or tapered prism shape (Figure 4.1.8). The tapered prism shape is commonly seen in earthen manure storage facilities and the cylindrical shape can be commonly found in aboveground (typically glass lined steel) and below grade (concrete lined) storages.

Figure 4.1.8 Cylindrical and Tapered Prism Liquid Manure Storage Facilities.

In contrast to solid manure, nutrient content of liquid manure is expressed as weight of nutrient per unit volume (e.g., kg per 1000 L). The strategy for estimating manure volume involves subtracting the volume not filled with manure from the maximum capacity of the structure. Calculate the volume of liquid manure in storage by:

Estimating or determining dimensions of the storage •

facility. Inserting the dimension values (i.e., height, diameter) •

into the appropriate equation to calculate volume (Figure 4.1.9 and Figure 4.1.10).

Hazards Associated with Liquid Manure Storage Facilities

Liquid manure storage facilities present several hazards to personal safety. Gases such as hydrogen sulphide (H

2

S) and ammonia (NH

3

) can cause symptoms ranging from headaches and eye irritation to death depending on length of exposure and gas concentration.

There is also the risk of falling into the storage. Never work around a liquid manure storage facility alone. Use a tether or harness connected to a solidly fixed object (e.g., tractor, vehicle or sturdy fencepost) to minimize the risk of falling into the storage.

Estimating Manure Volume in Cylindrical Storage Facilities

To calculate the volume of a cylindrical storage facility the following dimensions are needed (Figure 4.1.9):

Height of the manure in storage. • Diameter of the storage facility. •

To calculate the height of the manure, subtract the freeboard from the total height of the storage facility. Next, use the circumference of the facility to calculate the diameter (Figure 4.1.10).

Page 134 - Nutrient Management Planning Guide

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