A system is provided for enhancing the environment present in enclosed facilities in which livestock is being reared. The system involves the addition, periodically and in the presence of livestock, of a suitable amount of liquid ferric sulfate or ferric chloride a mixture thereof to non-diluted manure deposits on bedding material or to the livestock manure deposits on floor area where the livestock is confined. The concentration of the ferric compound in the applied liquid is sufficient to maintain a pH of about 7.5 and most preferably between 4.0 and 7.0 in the confined environment and such that it inhibits ammonia volatilization and stabilizes, i.e. insolubilizes any resulting soluble phosphorus generated.