Welcome to SOMMRU

Welcome to the Swine Odor and Manure Management Research Unit (SOMMRU) web site.  SOMMRU is part of the National Soil Tilth Laboratory (NSTL).  SOMMRU is located in the National Swine Research and Information Center, which is adjacent to NSTL, located on the Iowa State University campus in Ames, IA.  The mission of the unit is to conduct basic and applied research to solve problems in the swine industry that impact animal production efficiency and environmental quality.  Multidisciplinary research teams generate and integrate knowledge for evaluation and development of new management practices that minimize nutrient excretion, malodorous emissions, and the release of pathogens into the environment as well as have a positive impact on livestock health.  SOMMRU employs scientists with advance degrees in microbiology, physiology, chemistry, and animal nutrition in addition technical and office staff.