Chapter 19 - Vegetative buffer strips

Emissions of dust, gases and odors from poultry facilities pose major challenges for the poultry industry. In addition to environmental issues associated with air and water quality, there has been an increase in nuisance complaints associated with urban encroachment.

Vegetative buffers are a cost-effective method that can be used to address these issues. Planting trees around poultry farms has been utilized in the past for wind breaks and for shade. Trees can be selected to allow them to act as a vegetative buffer that will provide a visual screen, a filter for air-borne pathogens, and to filter emissions (odors, noises, dust, and gases) discharged by the exhaust fans from poultry farms.

MYTH: The air exhausted from poultry houses will damage property and cause health concerns

The benefits of planting trees around poultry farms. By George Malone and Dorothy Abbott-Donnelly, University of Delaware

VEB TOOL-KIT: A guide to vegetative environmental buffers for tunnel-ventilated poultry houses (Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc.)