US studies find plants improve poultry house environment

 

 

The use of vegetative buffers - single or multiple rows of shrubs and trees - can significantly reduce odours, dusts and other environmental factors caused by poultry farms, according to recent studies at Pennsylvania State University.

 

Investing in foliage and landscaping around poultry farms can pay multiple environmental dividends to farmers, said leading researcher Dr. Paul Patterson.

 

At a Penn State hen farm, the research team measured a 67-percent reduction in total levels of particulate matter (PM) at a distance of 20 ft downwind from a 5-row vegetative buffer, with important differences in the types of plant species used. Particulate matter at 2.5 microns and 10 microns - PM2.5 and PM10, respectively -  are EPA regulated emissions.

 

The team observed differences in the species of foliage used, with willow capturing more of the fine PM2.5 and less of the intermediate sized PM10 than juniper vegetation. Associated research showed that spruce and hybrid willow are effective traps for dust and its associated odours.

 

The team's studies have also showed that appropriate use of vegetative buffers can help reduce odours and associated index scores.

 

In a September 2008 study, Patterson's team measured a 46- to 54-percent reduction in odour levels as a result of the use of a vegetative buffer comprising 50 fir, juniper, willow, ornamental pear and birch trees, when compared to odours without trees present.

 

The studies also demonstrated that vegetation can help trap ammonia emissions from poultry houses. The amount of foliage needed is dependent on the size and type of facilities.

 

In addition to improving farm aesthetics and lowering dust, odour and ammonia levels, shrubs and trees can also reduce energy costs, said Patterson.

 

Well-placed buffers can act as snow fences, dropping snow in front of the buildings instead of on the roof or around access roads, feed bins or fans, he said.

 

Other vegetation can be planted to provide shade so as to cool the air entering the inlets or curtains of poultry houses, therefore investments in appropriately selected and sited vegetation around poultry farms can yield a surprising number of benefits, Patterson concluded.