Stream Pollution from Cattle Barnlot (Feedlot) Runoff

Abstract

This project has established that solids, BOD and COD transport in barnlot runoff is significant. (A barnlot, as distinguished from a feedlot, has less than 100 head of cattle wintered in a lot with access to a barn for feeding, watering and/or sleeping. The barnlot is typical for about two-thirds, 700,000, of the beef cattle raised in Ohio.) Runoff usually occurs with rainfall of one-half inch or more. BOD concentrations and transport were established to be higher in the winter and significantly less in the summer. Antecedent soil moisture conditions significantly affect the amount of solids, BOD and COD in the runoff, with increased amounts following extended periods without rainfall. A significant reduction of solids and BOD in the runoff was effected by using a grassed waterway or runoff collection pond and irrigation.