David Schmidt University of Minnesota

Publish Date: June 3, 2006

Biofiltration can reduce odor and hydrogen sulfide emissions from livestock facilities by as much as 95% and ammonia by 65% (Nicolai & Janni, 2000) This method of odor control has been shown to be both economical and effective in swine raising systems. Biofilters are most easily adapted to mechanically ventilated buildings or on the pit fans of naturally ventilated buildings. Biofilters can also treat air vented from under manure storage covers.

Publish Date: September 24, 2007

Air quality issues continue to receive increasing attention at local, state and national levels. As a result, producers are under increasing pressure to find ways to reduce air emissions. Following completion of the EPA Air Consent Agreement we will have a better idea of how much an animal feeding operation (AFO) needs to reduce the emissions of a specific gas, if at all. At that time producers will need to know what options are available and how much of a reduction in emissions they can anticipate for the various options. It will be useful to producers as they consider options to have an idea of the relative cost of the various emission mitigation practices. An electronic decision aid for producers who want more information on management practices can assist in improving air quality from AFO has been developed*.