Air Quality - Atmospheric Change Training
Online Training
We have recently developed four online courses that are available through AgLearn (search on "air quality" and "greenhouse gases"). These courses were awarded the 2011 American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Blue Ribbon Award in the Educational Aids Competition, Electronic Delivery Category. Select each course from the list below for a detailed description. (PDF)
The courses are also available to the public outside of AgLearn by selecting one of the links below. Note that tests and certification of completion are only available through the AgLearn versions of the courses.
Webinars
A three-session National Air Quality Site Assessment Tool (NAQSAT) webinar series was presented August 11 - 13, 2015. View the on-demand videos at the Science and Technology Training Library to learn how to use NAQSAT to assist in identifying air quality resource concerns associated with the following topics: Dairy - Swine - Poultry
Mechanically-Generated Particulate Matter - Causes and Cures June 6, 2013 - Presented by: Greg Johnson, Ph.D., Team Leader, National Air Quality and Atmospheric Change Team, USDA NRCS West National Technology Support Center, Portland, OR and Johnnie Siliznoff, State Air Quality Specialist, USDA NRCS California, Fresno, CA
The webinar will provide information about how mechanically-generated agricultural particulate matter (PM) emissions occur, what factors may influence emission amounts, and how these emissions may contribute to air quality deterioration. Impacts on local, regional and global air quality also will be examined. Particulate matter mitigation options that may be used by landowners to reduce emissions during on-farm operations will be discussed, including key NRCS conservation practices. An NRCS success story about reduced PM emissions and improved air quality will conclude the webinar.
Greenhouse Gases, Environmental Market Concepts and the Emerging California Cap and Trade Program (Windows Media File, 28 MB) April 17, 2013 - Presented by: Adam Chambers, Ph.D., Air Quality Physical Scientist, National Air Quality and Atmospheric Change Team, USDA NRCS West National Technology Support Center, Portland, OR.
This webinar contains a brief scientific summary of global climate change and agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration. The webinar includes a discussion of emerging carbon markets, including a regulatory overview of California’s greenhouse gas cap and trade regulatory program.
Air Filtration and Scrubbing - What Can It Be Used For? March 13, 2013 - Presented by: Greg Zwicke, P.E., Air Quality Engineer, USDA NRCS National Air Quality and Atmospheric Change Team
Follow along as the presenter guides you through the technologies included under USDA NRCS Conservation Practice Standard 371 – Air Filtration and Scrubbing. Potential applications of this relatively new conservation practice for addressing air quality resource concerns will be identified.
Combustion System Improvement (372) (Windows Media File, 15 MB) March 10, 2011 - Presented by: Greg Zwicke, P.E., Air Quality Engineer, National Air Quality and Atmospheric Change Team, USDA NRCS West National Technology Support Center, Portland, OR, Dawn Fenton of the Diesel Technology Forum, and Rachelle Thibert from John Deere gave a webinar about the new Combustion System Improvement practice standard (372) and options and considerations for engine retrofits.
Air Quality and Manure Management March 12, 2008 - Presented by: Greg Zwicke, P.E., Air Quality Engineer, USDA NRCS National Air Quality and Atmospheric Change Team
This webinar provides an overview of the air emissions that can be produced via manure management. Much of the focus on air quality in agriculture is related to air emissions from manure management. This webinar provides background information to help the viewer better understand the types of air emissions that can be created and how those emissions are formed in manure management systems.
