A field study on downwind odor transport from swine facilities

J Environ Sci Health B. 2000 Mar;35(2):245-58. doi: 10.1080/03601230009373267.

Abstract

This paper presents field data to illustrate the characteristics of downwind odor dispersion. A total of eight swine facilities were studied in this project and power functions were found to be an appropriate description of the pattern of downwind odor transport for both swine buildings and manure storage lagoons and tanks. The coefficients of correlation for the power regressions ranged from 0.75-0.87. It was found that swine buildings have the potential of generating more odor than manure storage facilities such as lagoons and tanks and thus could be the major odor sources causing downwind odor nuisance. Therefore, to maintain the building clean should be highly recommended as swine producers' best management practice. For earthen basins, the odor strength was reduced by 80% at about 250-meter distance from the source. While for the swine building, a 50% of reduction in odor strength was observed at the same distance. The study did not show any advantages of using lagoons over concrete (or steel) manure tanks in terms of reducing downwind odor concentrations. Land application of manure did not cause persistent downwind odor problems.

MeSH terms

  • Agriculture*
  • Animals
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Manure*
  • Odorants*
  • Refuse Disposal*
  • Swine*
  • Wind

Substances

  • Manure