Effect of the slurry application method on odour emissions: A pilot study

Abstract

The sustainable intensification of agriculture needs the use of natural fertilizers. Odour emission from their application is bothersome for the surroundings – especially in suburban areas. The aim of the study was to compare odour concentrations after pig slurry application using two different types of applicators. Odour measurements were carried out on two experimental fields where the pig slurry was applied by different methods. On field I it was a trailing hose applicator (Zunhammer SKE 15,5), and on field II it was a conventional splash-plate applicator (Joskin Modulo 2 8400 with a so-called ‘Exact’ scatterer). Measurements included 6 series in the following periods: immediately after application and 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 hours after application. Odour analysis was made within 30h of collection using the dynamic olfactometry method (ECOMA TO 8 olfactometer) according to the Standard PN-EN 13725:2007. The average value of odour concentration was 683 ouE·m-3 for a trailing hose applicator and 522 ouE·m-3 for conventional splash-plate applicator. Three hours after application of pig slurry, the odour concentrations on two experimental fields were relatively low and almost did not differ between each other. Use of the trailing hose applicator for pig slurry application resulted in 31% higher odour emissions than slurry spreading by conventional splash-plate applicator. The biggest difference between odour concentration was immediately after application (56%) and it decreased to almost 0% (3 hours after application). The largest decrease in odour concentration, by nearly 50% for both fields, was observed during the first hour after slurry application.