Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas with a strong, pungent odor. It is produced when bacteria break down organic matter in an oxygen-deprived environment. Methane is a colorless, odorless gas that is also produced by bacteria that decompose organic matter. Ammonia is a colorless gas with a sharp, pungent odor. It is produced when organic matter decomposes in the presence of nitrogen. VOCs are a group of organic compounds that have a high vapor pressure and can easily evaporate. They are responsible for the characteristic odors of many foods, flowers, and other objects.
The concentration of these gases in manure depends on a number of factors, including the type of manure, the temperature, and the moisture content. Manure from animals that eat a lot of protein tends to be stinkier than manure from animals that eat a lot of carbohydrates. Manure that is stored in a warm, moist environment produces more gases than manure that is stored in a cool, dry environment.
The stinkiness of manure can be a nuisance for people who live or work near farms or other areas where manure is stored or applied. However, manure is also a valuable resource that can be used to fertilize crops and improve soil health. By understanding the gases that cause manure to stink, we can take steps to minimize the nuisance and maximize the benefits of this valuable resource.