An odor suppressing cover material for a bulk material pile and method for applying the cover material are disclosed. The cover composition includes at least 50 weight percent water; 1 to 50 weight percent of a bentonite clay; 0.1% to 5% cellulosic water dispersible polymer or starch; and 0.02% to 1% of a mixture containing at least some lipid essential oil and at least some ethoxylated alkylphenol. The cover composition may additionally and optionally contain Portland cement, colorant and fibers.