Odor Measurements for Manure Spreading Using a Subsurface Deposition Applicator

Abstract

Odor emissions during manure spreading events have become a source of concern, particularly where farms are located nearby urban areas. The objective of the present study was to compare odor concentrations and odor emission rates due to pig manure application using two different types of applicators, a sub‐surface deposition system and a conventional splash‐plate applicator. Air samples were collected using a Surface Isolation Flux Chamber and the “bag‐in‐vacuum chamber” techniques, at 0.5, 1.5 and 2.5 hours after manure application. A three‐station forced‐choice dynamic dilution olfactometer was used by an odor panel for determining odor concentration. Preliminary results indicated that with the sub‐surface deposition system applicator odor emission rate was reduced by 8% to 38% compared to that of the conventional splash‐plate applicator. The highest reduction in odor strength and odor emission rate was observed in the most offensive period after manure application. The sub‐surface deposition system may be a solution for hog producers who wish to reduce odor complaints from applying manure without the cost and problems associated with deep injection systems.

Keywords:

• Odor emission rate
• Manure spreading
• Subsurface deposition applicator
• Olfactometry analysis

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge the technical assistance provided by Derek Hunt, Frederic Bounaix and Stephanie Tam for this work.