That doesn't smell very good, but it gives us clues that we are on the right track toward understanding how odors are formed. The goal of the research, done in conjunction with the National Pork Producers Council, is to find ways to scientifically measure the stink factor in livestock manure and reduce or eliminate it. Older methods of odor analysis were time consuming, labor intensive, and messy. The human nose is capable of discerning only one or two odors at a time and can be easily overwhelmed by pungent odors like ammonia, the gaseous nitrogen compound. Individual compounds may not be offensive by themselves, but they could take on offensive traits when mixed.
Detection is only one component of the odor problem.
Scientists also monitor weather conditions, air and ground temperature, and soil conditions in and near hog farm manure lagoons and pits to learn more about odor. Click here to see this issue's table of contents.