Site Activities

Step 1: Fly ash from regional power plants was added to wet soil using bottom-dump trucks. Fly ash addition rates varied from 12%–25%. Twelve pens were treated with fly ash, and four pens were left untreated as an experimental control.
Step 2: Using conventional farm equipment, ash was spread across the surface, mixed into the soil, and compacted.
Step 3: A fly ash, cement, and bottom ash flowable fill mix was placed in feeding areas to provide skid resistance and extra durability in the high-traffic areas.
Step 4: Environmental and engineering monitoring continues, and results are being provided to North Dakota state regulators.

Key Observations

•	The ash-modified soil in the right pen provides improved drainage and stability during spring thaw, while wet, muddy conditions are evident in the untreated area.
•	During summer rainfall events, fly ash-treated pens dried faster than control pens.
•	Less wear along fence lines was exhibited in the treated versus control pens.
•	Pens treated with fly ash yielded smaller volumes of manure than the control pens, allowing for less soil to be removed from the pens during cleaning and minimized waste handling.
•	Bison in the treated pens gained an average of 0.15 pounds per day more than the bison in the untreated control pens during the spring wet cycle.

Reports

	Instructions for Use of Fly Ash to Stabilize Soil in Livestock Facilities
	Demonstration of Coal Ash for Feedlot Surfaces Final Technical Report, February 2004    Appendixes - A, B, C, D, E, F, G
	Innovative Use of Fly Ash Helps Stabilize Soils for Livestock, Partners for Affordable Energy, September 10, 2004
	Preliminary Approaches for Placement and Use of Fly Ash in Livestock Facilities, Presented at the Carrington Research Extension Center Field Day, July 15, 2003
	Effect of Fly Ash Stabilized Soils in Livestock Pens on Animal Performance, Presented at the Carrington Research Extension Center Field Day, July 15, 2003

Contacts

Debra Pflughoeft-Hassett EERC Research Manager (701) 777-5261 dphassett@undeerc.org

Vern Anderson NDSU CREC Animal Scientist (701) 652-2951 vanderso@ndsuext.nodak.edu

Project Partners:

•	Energy & Environmental Research Center
•	Great River Energy
•	North Dakota Industrial Commission
•	North Dakota State Board of Agricultural Research and Education
•	North Dakota State University Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department
•	North Dakota State University Carrington Research Extension Center
•	Otter Tail Power Company
•	Power Products Engineering, Inc.
•	U.S. Department of Energy National Energy Technology Laboratory

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