Open manure basins increase odors and emissions
Storing manure in open pits or lagoons leaves it exposed to rain, sun, and wind. Rainwater dilutes the manure, raising the total volume and sometimes overwhelming storage capacity. Sunlight heats the surface, accelerating ammonia emissions and causing strong odors to drift into neighboring areas. Wind stirs the surface, releasing more smells and potentially spreading contaminants. Over time, these unmanaged emissions can provoke complaints from the community and attract unwanted scrutiny from regulatory agencies.
Open manure basins increase odors and emissions
Storing manure in open pits or lagoons leaves it exposed to rain, sun, and wind. Rainwater dilutes the manure, raising the total volume and sometimes overwhelming storage capacity. Sunlight heats the surface, accelerating ammonia emissions and causing strong odors to drift into neighboring areas. Wind stirs the surface, releasing more smells and potentially spreading contaminants. Over time, these unmanaged emissions can provoke complaints from the community and attract unwanted scrutiny from regulatory agencies.
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Manure basin covers – sustainable, cost-efficient odor control
Open manure basins increase odors and emissions
Storing manure in open pits or lagoons leaves it exposed to rain, sun, and wind. Rainwater dilutes the manure, raising the total volume and sometimes overwhelming storage capacity. Sunlight heats the surface, accelerating ammonia emissions and causing strong odors to drift into neighboring areas. Wind stirs the surface, releasing more smells and potentially spreading contaminants. Over time, these unmanaged emissions can provoke complaints from the community and attract unwanted scrutiny from regulatory agencies.

Uncovered manure often leads to additional management headaches. Evaporation from the surface can thicken the manure below, creating crusts or uneven layers that make pumping and agitation more difficult. Excess rainwater also reduces the nutrient density of the stored manure, forcing farmers to spread more volume to achieve the same fertilizer effect. All these factors combine to make open storage both inefficient and environmentally risky.
Reducing odors and emissions benefits the entire operation

A properly covered basin helps contain the pungent gases associated with decomposition, improving air quality for workers and neighbors. It also prevents rain from increasing storage volume, which translates into less dilution and more consistent manure nutrients. By meeting or exceeding emission standards, farms can avoid penalties and maintain a positive standing within the local community. The reduced odor can also lessen stress on both livestock and farm personnel.
Efficient storage leads to easier application planning. When manure remains at a stable concentration, farmers can calibrate spreader settings more precisely. This prevents over-application of liquids, reduces the risk of runoff, and preserves the balance of nutrients in fields. In short, covers not only address immediate concerns like odor but also bring operational advantages that support long-term farm profitability.
Open manure basins increase odors and emissions
Storing manure in open pits or lagoons leaves it exposed to rain, sun, and wind. Rainwater dilutes the manure, raising the total volume and sometimes overwhelming storage capacity. Sunlight heats the surface, accelerating ammonia emissions and causing strong odors to drift into neighboring areas. Wind stirs the surface, releasing more smells and potentially spreading contaminants. Over time, these unmanaged emissions can provoke complaints from the community and attract unwanted scrutiny from regulatory agencies.
Reducing odors and emissions benefits the entire operation
A properly covered basin helps contain the pungent gases associated with decomposition, improving air quality for workers and neighbors. It also prevents rain from increasing storage volume, which translates into less dilution and more consistent manure nutrients. By meeting or exceeding emission standards, farms can avoid penalties and maintain a positive standing within the local community. The reduced odor can also lessen stress on both livestock and farm personnel.
Efficient storage leads to easier application planning. When manure remains at a stable concentration, farmers can calibrate spreader settings more precisely. This prevents over-application of liquids, reduces the risk of runoff, and preserves the balance of nutrients in fields. In short, covers not only address immediate concerns like odor but also bring operational advantages that support long-term farm profitability.

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How NICOLON manure basin covers solve storage challenges
NICOLON floating covers are fabricated from reinforced film designed to withstand the chemical and physical stresses of manure storage. They form a tight seal around the edges of a basin or silo, keeping rainfall out while trapping odors and emissions underneath. This approach sharply reduces ammonia release and odor dispersal, helping farms meet environmental targets for emission control.
Because these covers float on top of the manure rather than relying on rigid structures, they adapt to fluctuating liquid levels. Their high mechanical strength resists tearing in windy or stormy conditions, while UV stabilization shields them from sunlight degradation. In many cases, they arrive pre-assembled, making installation simpler. Farmers can select a size suitable for basins of various diameters, and because they are chemical-resistant, these covers will not degrade quickly in direct contact with manure.




Key benefits
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