SHORT COMMUNICATION
Effect of the Slurry Application Method
on Odour Emissions: A Pilot Study
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1
Poznan University of Technology, Institute of Environmental Engineering, Poznań, Poland
2
Institute of Technology and Life Sciences, Falenty, Raszyn, Poland
Submission date: 2018-11-20
Final revision date: 2019-03-20
Acceptance date: 2019-04-14
Online publication date: 2019-10-21
Publication date: 2020-01-16
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2020;29(2):1503-1509
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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.