2004 Annual Report 1.What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? What does it matter? Measurement of atmospheric constituents and the coupling of these concentrations into dispersion models is a difficult task. Traditional approaches have used a modified form of the Gaussian dispersion model; however, this approach is not applicable to situations typical of agricultural operations. The reasons for these problems are the extremely inhomogeneous nature of the surface and the variability in the emission rates. If improvements are to be made in both the measurement and estimation of dispersion from a source for agricultural operations then improvements need to be made in the ability to accurately measure different gases and particulates in the atmosphere. Improvements in the estimation of turbulent transfer coefficients typical of agricultural settings need to be evaluated. Both of these problems are complex and have not been adequately addressed. Increasing our ability to both measure concentrations and predict dispersion would enhance our understanding of the impact of agricultural operations on air quality. These improvements would be used to provide assessments of the impact of different operations and be able to provide accurate assessments of the impact of management practices that enhance air quality. 2.List the milestones (indicators of progress) from your Project Plan. Evaluate an improved Lidar (Light detection and ranging) system for measurement of particulate plumes from livestock and cotton ginning facilities. Deploy the Lidar into different areas to evaluate differences among facilities Couple Lidar measurements with dispersion models to determine the downwind transport of particulates. Evaluate methods to measure trace gases, including volatile organic compounds, which improve the capability of accurate measurements of these gases in the atmosphere. Deploy the instrumentation into livestock facilities to compare instrument performance with standard methods. Couple gas measurements with micrometeorological observations in limited fetch conditions to evaluate dispersion models. Compare current micrometeorological models for their ability to estimate fluxes in limited fetch conditions. Develop and conduct studies to characterize the turbulence regime in limited fetch conditions. Conduct field scale studies with Lidar and Trace gas instruments coupled with the improved micrometeorological models to quantify the improvement in estimation of downwind concentrations and plume dynamics. 3.Milestones: A. List the milestones (from the list in Question #2) that were scheduled to be addressed in FY 2004. How many milestones did you fully or substantially meet in FY 2004 and indicate which ones were not fully or substantially met, briefly explain why not, and your plans to do so. This project began in May 2004 and efforts have been focused on the evaluation of the Lidar system, observed concentrations of trace gases around livestock facilities, and the types of volatile organic compounds, and the limited fetch turbulence problem. A study was designed to evaluate the Lidar system for particulate concentration measurements using a study site in West Texas. These studies will be conducted under open field situations. The second phase study is to create a trace gas source with measurements on the upwind and downwind side and begin to manipulate the surface features to create a limited fetch scenario. This experiment will be conducted in early 2005. B. List the milestones (from the list in Question #2) that you expect to address over the next 3 years (FY2005, FY2006, FY2007). What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years for each milestone? The milestones listed will be addressed over the next three years. 2005 Evaluate an improved Lidar (Light detection and ranging) system for measurement of particulate plumes from livestock and cotton ginning facilities 2006 and 2007 Deploy the Lidar into different areas to evaluate differences among facilities 2006 and 2007 Couple Lidar measurements with dispersion models to determine the downwind transport of particulates. 2005 and 2006 Evaluate methods to measure trace gases, including volatile organic compounds, which improve the capability of accurate measurements of these gases in the atmosphere. 2006 and 2007 Deploy the instrumentation into livestock facilities to compare instrument performance with standard methods. 2006 and 2007 Couple gas measurements with micrometeorological observations in limited fetch conditions to evaluate dispersion models. 2005 and 2006 Compare current micrometeorological models for their ability to estimate fluxes in limited fetch conditions. 2005 and 2006 Develop and conduct studies to characterize the turbulence regime in limited fetch conditions. 2006 and 2007 Conduct field scale studies with Lidar and Trace gas instruments coupled with the improved micrometeorological models to quantify the improvement in estimation of downwind concentrations and plume dynamics. 4.What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? A. Single most significant accomplishment during FY 2004: This project began in May 2004 and the progress has focused on several meetings among the PI's to develop a strategy for instrument development and field-scale comparisons. A study was designed for the Lidar system and comparison of micrometeorological models for late 2004 and early 2005. A catalog of typical trace gases and their observed range of concentrations was developed from the literature and internal observations. These are being used to evaluate the performance of potential sensors for atmospheric studies. B. Other significant accomplishments. None C. Significiant activities that support special target populations. None D. Progress Report. This report serves to document research conducted under a specific cooperative agreement between ARS and Space Dynamics Laboratory, Logan, Utah. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent CRIS 3625-11000-001-00D, Atmospheric Impacts of Agricultural Management Practices. 5.Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. There have been no significant accomplishments to date in this project because of the start date this year. 6.What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end-user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? None. 7.List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. None.