Controlling manure odor emission using covers

A research project to determine the effect of controlling odor emissions from manure surfaces was studied by covering with low cost materials, The study included organic and inorganic covering materials. Special manufactured floating materials were also evaluated, Fourteen 1.83 m diameter by 1.22 m high steel tanks filled with 0.9 m of manure were used. The tanks were buried to a depth of 0.9 m. Covering materials were applied on the manure surfaces to reduce the emission of odorous gases from manure to the atmosphere. Odor concentrations above the covers and liquid manure surfaces were sampled and analyzed weekly using air samples (gas). Odor evaluation was conducted using the Iowa State University olfactometer. Ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, ethyl mercaptan and methyl mercaptan were identified and quantified using sample detector tubes. This research reports on the use of chopped straw, cornstalks, polyethylene open mesh with a liquid surface film, leka rock, a substitute Leka Rock, and surface bubbles generated for controlling odors. The thickness and type of material presents different effects on the emission, emission rate with time, and integrity of the cover. Further research in finding cost effective and feasible covering is being continued.