Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

ID

abe_ag

Description

Since 1905, the Department of Agricultural Engineering, now the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE), has been a leader in providing engineering solutions to agricultural problems in the United States and the world. The department’s original mission was to mechanize agriculture. That mission has evolved to encompass a global view of the entire food production system–the wise management of natural resources in the production, processing, storage, handling, and use of food fiber and other biological products.

History
In 1905 Agricultural Engineering was recognized as a subdivision of the Department of Agronomy, and in 1907 it was recognized as a unique department. It was renamed the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering in 1990. The department merged with the Department of Industrial Education and Technology in 2004.

Dates of Existence
1905–present

Historical Names

Department of Agricultural Engineering (1907–1990)

Related Units

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (parent college)
College of Engineering (parent college)
Department of Industrial Education and Technology, (merged, 2004)

Full item page

Permanent Link

https://dr.lib.iastate.edu/handle/20.500.12876/98920

Publication Search Results

Now showing 1 - 10 of 86

Publication

The role of biochar and zeolite in enhancing nitrogen and phosphorus recovery: A sustainable manure management technology

2022-12-23 , Banik, Chumki , Bakshi, Santanu , Andersen, Daniel , Smith, Ryan , Brown, Robert , Agronomy , Bioeconomy Institute , Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

Swine manure is a potential source of plant-available ortho-phosphate (ortho-P) and ammonium (NH4+). However, transport and application issues restrict its widespread use in agriculture and cause water quality degradation. This study investigates the potential of biochar (BC) produced from corn stover (control-BC) and FeSO4 pretreated corn stover (Fe-BC) and zeolite to recover ortho-P and NH4+ from liquid swine manure. Chemisorption increased ortho-P sorption from manure onto Fe-BC (29,831 mg kg−1) relative to control-BC (19,000 mg kg−1). During Mehlich III (M−III) desorption study, manure-treated Fe-BC and control-BC released 34% and 80% of adsorbed ortho-P, respectively. Increasing the BC loading rate from 5 g/L to 25 g/L in manure significantly dropped the M−III P desorption (<10%) for the Fe-BC but not for the control-BC. Sorption of manure NH4+ on Fe-BC, control-BC, and zeolite occurred by I) specific adsorption on surfaces and within pores, II) co-adsorption of NH4+ with manure colloids, and III) precipitation as N-mineral (struvite). The NH3 volatilization and KCl desorption studies revealed that NH4+ sorption/desorption from manure to BC cannot be explained by simple ion exchange or volatilization loss. The BC-zeolite combination increased the NH4+ recovery from manure (28–38%) relative to BC’s without zeolite addition. SEM-EDS and XRD analyses revealed the association of P with both Mg and Fe and the presence of struvite (NH4MgPO4·6H2O) in batch and centrifuge studies. Our results suggest that low-cost BC and zeolite can recover ortho-P and NH4+ from liquid swine manure, which may facilitate its easy transport and widespread application in agriculture.

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Publication

Risk assessment of aflatoxin in Iowa corn post-harvest using an event tree analysis: A case study

2024-07-21 , Branstad-Spates, Emily , Mosher, Gretchen , Bowers, Erin , Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi found in corn and are anticipated to increase globally due to enhanced weather extremes and climate change. Aflatoxin (AFL) is of concern due to its harmful effects on human and animal health. AFL can move through complex grain supply chains in the United States, including multiple stakeholders from farms, grain elevators, grain and ethanol processors, and feed mills, before reaching end users, putting numerous entities at risk. Since corn is an essential food and feed product, risk management of AFL must be considered. This case study aimed to (1) calculate the probabilities of pivotal events with AFL in corn at Food Safety Modernization Act-regulated entities using an event tree analysis (ETA) and (2) propose recommendations based on factors identified through the ETA for AFL risk management. The ETA was based on historical AFL prevalence data in Iowa above a 20-part per billion (ppb) threshold (2.30%). Results showed four single-point failures in feed safety systems, where countermeasures did not function as designed. Failure is defined as the type 2 error of corn being infected with AFL <20 ppb, when it is >20 ppb, and the overall system fails to detect this with contaminated corn reaching end users. The success rate is defined as detecting the corn samples correctly >20 ppb. The average success rate was 50.14%, and the failure rate was 49.86%. It was concluded that risk-informed decisions are a critical component of effective AFL monitoring in corn, with timely intervention strategies needed to minimize the overall effects on end users.

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Publication

Evaluations of Manure Additive Prototypes on their Mitigation of H2S, NH3, CO2, and CH4 Emitted from Stored Swine Manure

2022 , Chen, Baitong , Koziel, Jacek , O'Brien, Samuel C. , Walz, William B. , Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering , Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering , Food Science and Human Nutrition

Odor and gaseous emissions from the swine industry are of concern for the well-being of humans and livestock. Additives applied to the swine manure surface are popular, marketed products to solve this problem and are relatively inexpensive and easy for farmers to use. The objective of this research was to evaluate two manure additive prototypes (in liquid and powder form at two dosages (100 ppm & 500 ppm) on their effectiveness in mitigating H2S, NH3, CO2, and CH4 emitted from stored swine manure over an 8-week period. A pilot-scale setup was to simulate a deep pit manure storage was used for testing in triplicates for each treatment. The initial treatment dose on Day 1 was followed by gas emissions measurement twice per week. Emissions from treated and untreated manure were compared using ANOVA and Student T-test statistical analyses. No statistically significant emissions reductions were found during the 59 days of the trial for the four treatments tested for H2S, NH3, CO2, and CH4.

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Publication

Fast Pyrolysis Biochar Flammability behavior for Handling and Storage

2021 , del Campo, Bernardo , Brumm, Thomas , Keren, Nir , Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering , Human Computer Interaction

Abstract Biochar is a fairly new material in the research arena with limited information on safety aspects related to transportation, storage, disposal or field application methods. The objective of this research was to assess the flammability characteristics of fast pyrolysis biochars with test methods EPA 1030 and ASTM D4982. Results indicated that biochar is a non-flammable substance when tested with EPA 1030 Ignitability of Solids. However, when tested with ASTM D4982, a fast screening method, biochars showed potential risks of flammability. Nevertheless, the addition of 20-50% of moisture reduced any flammability concern. Fast pyrolysis biochar was more prone to flammability than traditional charcoal and slow pyrolysis biochar tested in this study. Still, fast pyrolysis biochars presented lower flammability potential (ASTM D4982) in comparison to its precursor biomass. The flammability propagation measured with EPA 1030 had high correlations with oxygen content and surface area of the fast pyrolysis biochar. The combustion reaction of fast pyrolysis biochar is a flameless combustion process, with a slow burning rate, and most commonly exhibiting a hot ember smoldering propagation front. This paper illustrates the necessity of performing recurring tests due to biochar’s intrinsic variability stemming from the different modes of production and feedstock used. Resumen El biocarbón es un material relativamente nuevo en el campo de la investigación con información limitada sobre los aspectos de seguridad relacionados con el transporte, el almacenamiento, o los métodos de aplicación en el campo. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar las características de inflamabilidad de biocarbón de pirólisis rápida con los métodos de prueba EPA 1030 y ASTM D4982. Los resultados indicaron que el biocarbón es una sustancia no inflamable cuando se prueba con la inflamabilidad de sólidos EPA 1030. Sin embargo, cuando se probó con ASTM D4982, un método de detección rápido, los biocarbones mostraron riesgos potenciales de inflamabilidad. Sin embargo, la adición de un 20-50% de humedad redujo el riesgo de inflamabilidad. El biocarbón de pirólisis rápida era más propenso a ser inflamable que el carbón vegetal tradicional y el biocarbón de pirólisis lenta probado en este estudio. Aún así, los biocarbones de pirólisis rápida presentaron un potencial de inflamabilidad menor (ASTM D4982) en comparación con su biomasa precursora. La propagación de la inflamabilidad medida con EPA 1030, tuvo altas correlaciones con el contenido de oxígeno y el área de superficie del biocarbón de pirólisis rápida. La reacción de combustión del biocarbón de pirólisis rápida es un proceso de combustión sin llama, con una velocidad de combustión lenta y, por lo general, exhibe un frente de propagación de brasa ardiente. Este documento ilustra la necesidad de realizar pruebas recurrentes debido a la variabilidad intrínseca del biocarbón derivada de los diferentes modos de producción y materia prima utilizada.

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Publication

Physical Properties of Moist, Fermented Corn Grain after Processing by Grinding or Milling

2024-04-03 , Blazer, Keagan J. , Shinners, Kevin J. , Kluge, Zachary A. , Tekeste, Mehari , Digman, Matthew F. , Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

A novel biomass production system, integrating the co-harvesting and co-storage of moist corn grain and stover, promises a reduction in delivered feedstock costs. In this innovative method, the dry grain traditionally utilized for feed or biofuel production will now be processed at a considerably greater moisture content. The adoption of this approach may necessitate a substantial redesign of existing material handling infrastructure to effectively accommodate the handling and storage of moist grain after processing by milling or grinding. A comprehensive study was conducted to quantify the physical properties of this grain after processing with a knife processor or a hammermill. The geometric mean particle size, bulk and tapped density, sliding angle, material coefficient of friction, and discharged angle of repose were quantified. Five grain treatments, either fermented or unfermented, and having different moisture contents, were used. After processing, the moist, fermented ground grain exhibited a significantly smaller particle size compared to the dry grain. Additionally, both moist processed grains resulted in a decreased bulk density and increased material sliding angle, friction coefficient, and angle of repose. The examined metrics collectively suggest that handling, mixing, and storing moist ground grain will pose significant challenges compared to conventional dry ground grain. This increased difficulty may lead to substantially higher costs, a crucial factor that must be carefully considered when evaluating the overall economics of implementing this new biomass production system using combined harvesting and storage of corn grain and stover.

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Publication

Predicting fumonisins in Iowa corn: Gradient boosting machine learning

2024-08-12 , Branstad‐Spates, Emily , Castano‐Duque, Lina , Mosher, Gretchen , Hurburgh Jr, Charles , Rajasekaran, Kanniah , Owens, Phillip , Winzeler, H. Edwin , Bowers, Erin , Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

Background and Objectives: Fumonisin (FUM), a secondary metabolite from Fusarium spp., poses major concerns for the United States corn industry. This study evaluated a prepublished Illinois-centric predictive model with historical Iowa FUM contamination data using gradient boosting machine (GBM) learning and compared influential predictors with an Iowa-centric model. Corn samples (n = 529) were collected from 2010, 2020, and 2021 in Iowa's 99 counties, and 2011 data were used for independent validation (n = 89). Findings: Applying a 2 ppm (mg/kg) threshold for FUM high and low contamination events, the overall accuracy was 71.08% and 85.39% for the Illinois- and Iowa-centric models in 2011. Balanced accuracies were 60.23% and 50.00% for the Illinois- and Iowa-centric models. For Iowa's remaining years (testing data), the overall accuracy was 98.10%, and balanced accuracy was 50.00%. Conclusions FUM-GBM analyses determined the top influential predictor for the Illinois-centric model was satellite-acquired normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) (Veg_index) in March, whereas the top predictor for the Iowa-centric model was precipitation (PRCP) in October. Significance and Novelty: Results indicate that meteorological and agronomic events, such as PRCP and Veg_index in early planting stages and during harvest, may influence the probability of high FUM levels in corn.

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Publication

Recent Innovations in Post-Harvest Preservation and Protection of Agricultural Products

2021-12-15 , Chikez, Hory , Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering , Food Science and Human Nutrition

1. Consortium for Innovation in Post-Harvest Loss and Food Waste Reduction Food loss and waste is a global problem that negatively impacts the bottom lines of producers and agri-businesses, wastes limited resources, and contributes to climate change. The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR), The Rockefeller Foundation, Iowa State University, University of Maryland,Wageningen University and Research, Volcani Center, Zamorano University, Stellenbosch University, University of São Paulo, University of Nairobi, and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology partnered to establish the Consortium for Innovation in Post-Harvest Loss and Food Waste Reduction.

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Publication

Dataset Documenting the Interactions of Biochar with Manure, Soil, and Plants: Towards Improved Sustainability of Animal and Crop Agriculture

2022-03-02 , Bonds, Darcy , Koziel, Jacek , De, Mriganka , Chen, Baitong , Singh, Asheesh , Licht, Mark , Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering , Food Science and Human Nutrition , Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering , Agronomy , Horticulture , Toxicology , Environmental Science

Plant and animal agriculture is a part of a larger system where the environment, soil, water, and nutrient management interact. Biochar (a pyrolyzed biomass) has been shown to affect the single components of this complex system positively. Biochar is a soil amendment, which has been documented for its benefits as a soil enhancer particularly to increase soil carbon, improve soil fertility, and better nutrient retention. These effects have been documented in the literature. Still, there is a need for a broader examination of these single components and effects that aims at the complementarity and synergy attainable with biochar and the animal and crop-production system. Thus, we report a comprehensive dataset documenting the interactions of biochar with manure, soil, and plants. We evaluated three biochars mixed with manure alongside both manure and soil controls for improvement in soil quality, reduction in nutrient movement, and increase in plant nutrient availability. We explain the experiments and the dataset that contains the physicochemical properties of each biochar–manure mixture, the physicochemical properties of soil amended with each biochar–manure mixture, and the biomass and nutrient information of plants grown in biochar–manure mixture-amended soil. This dataset is useful for continued research examining both the short- and long-term effects of biochar–manure mixtures on both plant and soil systems. In addition, these data will be beneficial to extend the findings to field settings for practical and realized gains.

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Publication

The Mitigation of Gaseous Emissions from Swine Manure: A Review of Biochar Application for Environmental Management

2022 , Chen, Baitong , Koziel, Jacek , O'Brien, Sam , Bialowiec, Andrzej , Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering , Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering , Food Science and Human Nutrition

The livestock industry plays a significant role in the economic well-being of the U.S. The industrial output comes with a host of environmental challenges. Key amongst them is handling the gaseous emissions emitted from livestock manure. As such, mitigation of gaseous emissions from livestock operations such as odor, odorous volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ammonia (NH3), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), greenhouse gases (GHGs) have been of great research interest for the last couple of decades. Technologies for mitigating gaseous emissions are being developed as a part of environmental management. Biochar, a low-cost byproduct of biorenewable energy and thermal waste processing, has been actively researched as a potential surficial treatment to livestock manure. The effectiveness of biochar treatment on mitigating gaseous emission from manure differs, likely because of the influence of many confounding factors. Therefore, this review aims to summarize and highlight current research related to mitigating gaseous emissions from manure treated with various types of biochar and its properties. Various modes of biochar applications, e.g., manure additives, dosage, and timing, are discussed in the context of emissions mitigation. The potential synergy between mitigating emissions and improving manure quality for future field applications is presented. Biochar can be a comprehensive solution to gaseous emissions while also upgrading manure as a high-quality fertilizer that could improve the sustainability of animal and crop production systems. However, standardization and certification of biochar properties suitable for specific environmental management applications are recommended.

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Publication

Fatores Climáticos no Planejamento e Ambiência na Produção Animal

2021-08-12 , de Fatima Maciel, Fabiane , Oliveira, Carlos Eduardo Alves , Resende Andrade, Rafaella , da Silva, Leonardo França , de Souza, Maria Angela , Costa do Nascimento, João Antônio , Campos de Sousa, Fernanda , de Fátima Ferreira Tinôco, Ilda , Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering , College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Fatores climáticos são agentes causais que condicionam os elementos climáticos. Estes fatores climáticos são de ordem astronômica, meteorológicos e geográficas. Os estudos abordados pelos fatores astronômicos demostraram que o conforto térmico dos animais é afetado pelas variações sazonais e climáticas e que os indicadores desenvolvidos podem ser uma ferramenta útil para prevenir o estresse térmico. Os estudos abordados sobre os fatores meteorológicos apresentaram propostas de projetos futuros de habitação baseados em uma combinação das características benéficas no controle do clima, as emissões de gases de efeito estufa, entre outras novas técnicas construtivas. Por fim, os estudos abordados dos fatores geográficos prevê a inserção de árvores em sistemas pecuários como melhoria as condições microclimáticas e ambientais abrindo uma oportunidade para compor elementos de marketing ambiental para a atividade pastoril. Considera-se esta revisão de literatura uma forma de conhecer e avaliar os fatores climáticos e seus efeitos sobre os seres vivos. Climatic factors are causal agents that condition climatic elements. These climatic factors are astronomical, meteorological and geographical. Studies approached by astronomical factors have shown that the thermal comfort of animals is affected by seasonal and climatic variations and that the indicators developed can be a useful tool to prevent thermal stress. The studies addressed on meteorological factors presented proposals for future housing projects based on a combination of beneficial characteristics in climate control, greenhouse gas emissions, among other new construction techniques. Finally, the studies on geographic factors foresees the insertion of trees in livestock systems as an improvement in microclimate and environmental conditions, opening an opportunity to compose elements of environmental marketing for pastoral activity. This literature review is considered a way of knowing and evaluating climatic factors and their effects on living beings.

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