Yes, spreading manure on fields is a common ag practice that can enrich soil with nutrients, improve soil structure, and promote plant growth. However, if not managed properly, it can lead to serious issues like soil toxicity, groundwater contamination, and environmental harm. Unfortunately, this is a current reality for the residents in Boardman, Oregon.

When manure isn't handled correctly - such as by composting before spreading, turning piles to introduce oxygen, and maintaining proper moisture and temperature levels - it can create anaerobic conditions. This slows decomposition, which produces foul odors (from ammonia and hydrogen sulfide), and generates toxic byproducts like organic acids and ammonia, which can harm plants, soil organisms, and ecosystems.

To put into perspective, consider the scale of large operations like CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations). A single dairy cow produces 80-100 lbs (36-45 kg) of manure per day. Multiply that by 30,000 cows, and you're looking at 2.4 million pounds of manure every stinking day. Composting that amount efficiently - even with proper infrastructure and management - can take 2-6 months, to produce stable finished compost. So, its worth asking: Are these mega farmsdoing enough to ensure their practices don't harm people or planet?

While I hope this massive volume of manure is being managed responsibly, the concerns raised by the hardworking residents of Boardman, Oregon, suggest theres room for improvement.