EVALUATION OF AMMONIA SENSOR MODULES IN A COMPOST BARN SYSTEM DURING WINTER IN BRAZIL

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to characterize the performance of three electrochemical ammonia sensor modules (MQ137, FECS44-100, and MIX2801) in comparison to standard equipment (iPMU) under atmospheric conditions of an open Compost Barn (CB) during the winter period in Brazil. The study was conducted in Cajuri (MG) over three days, collecting data from 06 am to 05 pm on ammonia concentration, temperature, relative humidity, and air velocity in the CB, specifically at the center of the bedding area. The evaluation period was divided into three parts: Period 1 (06 to 09 am); Period 2 (10 am to 01 pm); and Period 3 (02 pm to 05 pm). Recorded data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. It was observed that the greatest discrepancy among the readings occurred in Period 1 (for all sensor modules and the iPMU), due to air saturation conditions. In Periods 2 and 3, readings from the sensor modules closely matched those recorded by the iPMU. Throughout all periods, the MIX2801 showed the most significant discrepancies compared to the iPMU, whereas the MQ137 was the closest to the standard equipment. This finding suggests that the MQ137 is a viable option for use in CB facilities.

Intensive system; dairy cattle; ammonia concentration; characterization; electrochemical sensors