Model for ammonia emissions’ assessment and comparison of various dairy cattle farming systems and technologies

A. Aboltins¹, L. Melece²* and J. Priekulis¹

¹Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Institute of Agricultural Machinery, Cakstes blvd.5, LV-3001 Jelgava, Latvia
²Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics, Department of Economics, Struktoru str. 14, LV-1039 Riga, Latvia
*Correspondence: ligita.melece@arei.lv

Abstract:

A dairy cattle farming is an important source of ammonia emissions, particularly in Latvia. Models using a wide range in level of detail have been developed to represent or predict these emissions. Besides, models are useful for improving the understanding of various farm processes and their interacting effects on ammonia emissions. The model for ammonia emissions’ assessing or representing, predicting and comparing for manure management chain of dairy cattle was created. The model provides a tool for evaluating mitigation and management strategies, abatement measures and techniques to reduce of ammonia emissions and improve the sustainability of dairy production systems both on the dairy farm and at the national level. It could be used as a supplement tool for officials and experts. The model estimates those ammonia abatement measures and techniques that have the highest emission reduction potential and opportunities for implementation on Latvia’s dairy farms. The simulation model assesses the ammonia emissions into each stage of the farming: animal housing, manure management – manure handling and storage, and manure application. An important stage in reducing ammonia emissions is manure storage. It should be noted that the main task of the model was to compare the impact of the ammonia emission reduction options. When entering the number of animals, the average nitrogen quantity per animal, the percentage distribution of manure quantities, the first three levels of the program can be used to estimate the amount of nitrogen to be incorporated into the soil and, as the difference; and the amount of ammonia emissions.

Key words:

ammonia emissions, dairy cattle, mitigation, model

Electromagnetic fields in contemporary office workplaces

T. Koppel¹,*, T. Tasa² and P. Tint¹

¹Tallinn University of Technology, Ehitajate tee 5, EE19086 Tallinn, Estonia;
*Correspondence: tarmo.koppel@ttu.ee
²Tallinn University Haapsalu College, Lihula mnt. 12, EE90507 Haapsalu,Estonia

Abstract:

Technological progress and widespread use of electronics has rapidly increasedlevels of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in workplaces during the last decade. Today’s workersare exposed to levels of EMFs unprecedented in history. This has caused concern amongst thegeneral public. Although the EMF levels of such modern devices fall within current safetylimits, the recent studies have still raised questions regarding the biological effects well belowthe safety limits. The European Union and the World Health Organization have called forscientists to conduct more studies in this field and to investigate all aspects of EMFs. The aimof this study was to quantify the actual levels of the EMFs in contemporary workplaces. Asmost of studies have only addressed a certain frequency range, this study covers all thespectrum of low (LF), intermediate (IF) and high frequency (HF) EMFs. Altogether 69workplaces were investigated. Great variations were detected across the workplaces, dependingmainly on the computer set-up configuration. Exposure levels proved to be affected by thenearby electrical equipment, arrangement of wires or faulty appliances. At the end of the paperthe authors discuss different network connection technologies and provide the results whichsuggest solutions for lower HF EMF exposures that allow for following of the precautionaryprinciple.Key words: electromagnetic fields, occupational exposure, office, reduction, mitigation.

Key words: