Abstract
Manure storages are a major odor source. Straw and/or geotextile fabric covers can be used to reduce these odoremissions. Thirtyeight 160L (42gal) opentopped PVC pipes (columns) containing swine or dairy manure were used ina 2 4 4 factorial experimental design consisting of two manure sources, four thicknesses of straw, and/or four thicknessesof geotextile fabric. Collected air samples were tested for odor strength using a dynamic olfactometer, for hydrogen sulfide(H2S) concentration using a Jerome meter, and for ammonia (NH3) using a boric acid trap. The main effects of strawthickness and time significantly affected odor, H2S, and NH3 reduction, while the main effects of manure type and geotextilethickness did not affect these reductions. The recommended minimum thickness of straw may be 20 cm (7.9 in.), since littleadditional odor reduction, H2S, or NH3 was gained by increasing thickness to 30 cm (11.8 in.). However, 30cm (11.8in.)depth may be needed to keep the straw material afloat or to keep the upper portion dry to allow the straw to absorb gasesand/or act as a biofilter. Even though the geotextile did not significantly impact reduction of odor, H2S and NH3, the fabricmay play a role in creating a barrier between the manure and straw to increase the life and effectiveness of the straw cover.
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