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The Composition of the Soil Atmosphere Beneath a Beef Cattle Feedlot and a Cropped Field¹

ABSTRACT

The soil gases beneath a feedlot and an adjacent cropped field were measured at several time intervals and soil depths for a 1-year period. The gas samples were obtained in situ with gas diffusion equipment protected by caissons installed in the feedlot and field.

During warm periods and when the feedlot was not unusually dry, average concentrations of up to 51.5% CH₄ and 35.5% CO₂ were detected in the feedlot soil profile atmosphere. Methane and CO₂ feedlot values for the year averaged from 8–27.5% and 12.5–23%, respectively. When CH₄ and CO₂ values were high, O₂ concentrations were minimal. High CH₄ values were recorded up to 152 cm deep in the feedlot. No H₂ was detected beneath the feedlot or the cropped field. Oxygen and CO₂ values ranged from 12.5–21% and 0.1–5%, respectively, in the cropped field soil profile. No CH₄ was detected.

Methane and CO₂ concentrations beneath the feedlot were lowest in midwinter and during extended drought periods in early summer; O₂ concentrations were highest during these periods. The cropped field soil profile showed the highest CO₂ values in the summer when the crop was growing vigorously; O₂ values were lowest during this period.

¹ Contribution from the Northern Plains Branch, SWCRD, ARS, USDA, Keim Hall, Univ. of Neb., Lincoln, 68503, in cooperation with the Neb. Agr. Exp. Sta., Lincoln. This research was partially supported by the Environmental Protection Agency. Published as Paper no. 3117, Journal Series, Neb. Agr. Exp. Sta.

² Microbiologists, USDA, Lincoln, Nebraska.

Received for publication June 21, 1971. Accepted for publication July 22, 1971.