Dust and Particulate
Control for Liquid Manure Storage Practices - Permeable Covers
| Pro |
Con |
| Cost efficient for benefits gained |
Replacement over time (annually in some cases) |
| Variety of options available |
Biocovers may have removal issues |
Permeable covers, or biocovers, act as biofilters on the top of
manure storage areas. Materials often used as covers include straws,
cornstalks, peat moss, foam, geotextile fabric, and Leka rock.
Permeable biocovers reduce dust by acting as a barrier. Although
dust reductions are undocumented, reports of odor reductions of
40-50 percent and greater are common when various straw materials
are used. An 85 percent reduction in odor has been noted following
the use of a floating mat or corrugated materials.
Costs for biocovers vary widely depending on material used and
method of application. Straws and cornstalks cost approximately
$0.10 per square foot, applied; peat moss and foam cost about $0.26
per square foot, and Leka rock is approximately $2.50 per square
foot for a 3-inch layer. Leka rock is a product of Norway , thereby
requiring considerable shipping costs ($5-$6 per cubic foot). The
cost to cover a 1.5-acre earthen storage was $6,000 whereas an
above-ground tank (0.2 acre) was $500, for the same material.
Cover depth is a very important for permeable covers. Most recommendations
for straw and stalk covers suggest a minimum of 8-inch depth, preferably
10- to 12-inch depth of coverage on a manure storage surface, whereas
Leka rock requires only a 3-inch depth. New covers (except Leka rock)
need to be applied at least annually, and one study showed that only
50 percent of the straw cover remained four months after installation.
However, an operation in Minnesota employed a 1/8-inch thick geotextile
material that cost $0.25 per square foot, plus installation costs.
Straw was added on top of the geotextile cover for additional odor
control. Management and re-investment costs, and the removal of large,
fibrous material during storage cleanout must be considered before
selecting this option.
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