Figure 1. Anmonia-binding capacity of the three litters under laboratory conditions. 4. LIQUID-BINDING CAPACITY The absorption capacity of the litter determines the amount used, and also affects the functioning of hydraulic manure presses. Hie absorption capacity of litter depends on its initial moisture content. In the laboratory tests , peat had a much greater absorption capacity than other litters. Peat absorbed a maximum of 4.5 times its own weight of liquid, straw 3.5 times, cutter shavings 3.6 times and sawdust 1.5 times (4). The litters used in the tests had an initial moisture content of 20%, with the exception of peat, which contained 40% moisture. These moisture contents represent the working values for good-quality litters. Peat was far superior in terms of absoption capacity to the other litters. Litter should retain its absorption capacity even when under pressure, for example in a hydraulic manure press. The ability of litters to withstand pressure was tested by first allowing than to absorb either water or urine. The litters were then compressed in a hydraulic press for one hour as the pressure was increased stepwise from 20 N/an2 to 50 N/an2. The pressure exerted by hydraulic manure presses in practice is around 40-60 N/cm2. All the retained urine better than water. Sawdust was found to have the greatest resistance to pressure, retaining about 75% of the absorbed
1986 ◽
pp. 197-197
1976 ◽
Vol 39
(4)
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pp. 244-245
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2015 ◽
Vol 29
(2)
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pp. 165-173
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2011 ◽
Vol 20
(7)
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pp. 897
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2021 ◽
Vol 910
(1)
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pp. 012016
Keyword(s):
2013 ◽
Vol 860-863
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pp. 1260-1264
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