Air Quality, Shelterbelts, and Confined Livestock Production.
J. C. Tyndall, J. P. Colletti, G. A. Beattie, and C. A. Rodrigues.


Based on the literature, there is compelling evidence that shelterbelts can be an economically feasible innovation used to ameliorate odors originating from livestock. It is known that improving odor dispersion requires enhancement of the turbulent structure of the lower atmosphere to increase dilution. Researchers have modeled dust deposition behind simulated shelterbelts determining that downwind dust reduction can reduce odorous plumes up to 56%. Other research concludes that vegetation can clean air of microparticles twentyfold better than barren land. Also studies show that volatile organic compounds (VOC's) can accumulate in plant foliage to detectable levels. Based on these findings, four main ways have been identified as to how shelterbelts assist in the reduction of odor nuisance: 1) dilution and dispersion of
odorous compounds and gases associated with the odor plum into the lower atmosphere, 2) reduction in wind speed facilitating the deposition of aerosol-borne odorants, 3) physical interception of odorous air borne particles and 4) potential adsorption of odorous compounds by the shelterbelt vegetation and the micro flora and fauna residing on the vegetation. This overview is a part of a larger multidisciplinary project that will attempt to quantify the processes, efficacy, and costs of odor control by shelterbelts.