Some of the principal odorous compounds are ammonia, amines, hydrogen sulfide, volatile fatty acids, indoles, skatoles, phenols, mercaptans, alcohols, and carbonyls. Carbon dioxide and methane are odorless. After generation, the compounds accumulate in the wastes. At exposed surfaces or when the wastes are agitated the compounds can escape and be emitted into the air. Once in the air they diffuse through and are transported along air currents and disperse into the atmosphere.
Some compounds adsorb onto airborne particles and other surfaces.
The processes by which odorous compounds are generated, emitted into the air, and disperse into the atmosphere suggest three general odor control categories. First, reducing either the amount or types of odorous compounds generated can reduce odors. The University of Minnesota continues to research livestock odor to enhance both livestock profitability and the environment. For more information, call the Morrison County Extension Office at 632-0161.