Wichita ? Sure, most feedlots are dusty and smell bad. But just how bad and how dusty?

Researchers at Kansas State University and Texas A&M are trying to find out. A three-year project that began last summer has Kansas State researchers hoping they can determine what kind of organic compounds come off feedlots and what conditions cause an increase or decrease in the smell.

They hope to eventually figure out a way to reduce potential health problems coming from feedlots.

At Texas A&M, the odor side of the research will work to quantify what compounds make up the odors and what conditions reduce or eliminate them.

At Kansas State, engineers Pat Murphy, Joe Hamer and Ronaldo Maghirang have built a simulation chamber that allows them to measure feedlot dust under controlled conditions, using samples of feedlot dirt and manure collected from working lots in western Kansas.

The researchers compact and level a feedlot sample to a specified depth, close a glass door to keep dust from escaping and then drop an iron weight on it to simulate a steer’s stomping foot. The researchers then use filters to measure dust particles.

By next summer, the scientists hope to do measurements in working feedlots.

“We started in the lab, where we can control the conditions. Research in field conditions is very different. What we need to do first is make sure that we know what we are measuring,” Maghirang said.

It won’t be possible to eliminate dust in feedlots, Murphy said.

“What we’re looking for is a way to control it to acceptable levels with economic feasibility,” he said.