Outdoor Air Quality, MWPS-18, Section 3, was prepared and reviewed under the auspices of the MWPS manure management committee. MWPS is a cooperative extension and research organization headquartered at Iowa State University and representing the 12 land-grant universities of the North Central Region of the United States.

Outdoor Air Quality, MWPS-18, Section 3, uses a science-based approach to measuring air quality and emphasizes the basic principles involved in controlling dust and odor. The authors of the book believe that it will be an important tool for producers, educators, extension specialists, regulators, lawmakers, and others who need to understand and meet the challenges related to responsible management of dust and odor resulting from agricultural operations.

The new book is an expanded and revised discussion of a single chapter from the original Livestock Waste Facilities Handbook , which still is available from MWPS. MWPS-18, Section 3 is the third in a series of publications about manure management systems that eventually will replace the older publication. MWPS-18, Section 1 discusses manure characteristics; MWPS 18, Section 2 details procedures for constructing and managing manure storage facilities. Upcoming volumes in the series will address land application and animal mortality issues.

In Outdoor Air Quality, MWPS-18, Section 3, the authors stress that minimizing odor is often a matter of combining good housekeeping practices with technological improvements. One goal the authors had in writing the book was to provide easy access to the best available information about all aspects of outdoor air quality. To meet this goal, the new book covers five major topics: basics of outdoor air quality, managing odors from buildings, managing dust and odor from open lots, managing odors from manure storages, and managing odors during manure application. It offers management guidelines based on the most up-to-date information available, including details about biofilters, windbreaks, and manure treatment options."

The book is fully illustrated, with more than 35 photos, drawings, and diagrams showing concepts and principles related to managing and controlling odor, gas, and dust. It includes more than 15 tables to organize and clarify data, including information about the properties of noxious gases, odor thresholds for selected chemicals, and odor thresholds for various manure application methods. Highlights in the book are two tables summarizing the strengths and weaknesses of various technologies for odor control, a list of links to regulatory standards, and a series of assessment worksheets that help producers better understand their needs for dust and odor management.

Outdoor Air Quality, MWPS-18, Section 3 costs $15.00 per single copy. Price includes tax and shipping. To order MWPS-18, Section 3, send check (sorry we do not except credit card orders) or money order to:

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