SlurryBugs®: Treating slurry more important than ever

Author: Philip Kennedy

 

In recent years, farmers are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of treating slurry, however many have yet to make it a part of their nutrient management tool.

There are many slurry treatments on the market, however in this article, we will look at SlurryBugs® ; what it is, how does it work and what are the benefits of using it on farm?

 

What is SlurryBugs®?

SlurryBugs® is a bacterial slurry additive which breaks down the solid content producing a more homogenous and nutrient rich fertiliser.

It contains soil originating bacteria, enzymes and micro-nutrients which enhance the retention of nutrients within stored farm slurry. This can lead to significant savings on chemical fertilisers and enhance soil quality as well as reducing ammonia odour and losses.

 

How do SlurryBugs® work?

Slurrybug product packaging

  1. The bacteria retain nitrogen by capturing the ammonia within the urine. The nitrogen is fixed into a slow-release form of organic nitrogen which is readily available for plant uptake.
  2. The enzymes actively degrade the undigested fibre within the effluent which improves the consistency and reduces odour.
  3. The micro-nutrients provide a vital food source for the bacteria allowing more nutrients to be retained by the bacteria in an organic form.

 

CF - SlurryBugs Stats

Analytical results of SlurryBugs® part 2

 

What are the results?

A demonstration of the flow of organisms, nutrients and chemicals known as the BioCircle

  • Reduces odour

Most slurry odours are caused by ammonia being released into the atmosphere. When SlurryBugs® are used in conjunction with LESS (Low Emission Slurry Spreading) slurry application methods, there is almost no odour released from the slurry spread on the land. This is a result of fewer gases building up as the bugs increase nutrient retention.

  • Reduces fibrous crust

SlurryBugs® will reduce crust formation on top of the slurry, leaving it consistent. This will reduce agitation times and lead to less blockages, especially when spreading with LESS equipment.

  • Minimises need for stirring

After a few years of use, the bugs will build up in the tank and the need to agitate will reduce and slurry will stay homogenous for longer. This will mean a fuel saving up to 25%.

The continued use of the product will improve microbial activity in the slurry and the soil. The slurry pH will be raised to allow soil bugs to work at optimal. Microbial activity is greatly reduced in acidic untreated slurry.

  • Improves fertiliser value

Nitrogen availability and retention can increase up to 50% in treated slurry. This combined with LESS application methods can greatly decrease ammonia losses and therefore increase the amount of nitrogen used from slurry application. With all the above combined a typical 2,500 gals per acre application rate of slurry in spring should give you 25 to 33 units per acre of nitrogen. The nitrogen in this example is worth approximately €35 per acre.

 

 

How to apply SlurryBugs®?

  • Each 1 kg pot treats 100,000 gallons (450,000ltrs).
  • The product should be applied when slurry levels are low in tanks and at least 4-6 weeks before spreading to allow the bugs to work and multiply.
  • The slurry bugs can be mixed in a bucket of lukewarm water and then poured into lagoons, channels or directly into the tank.

 

Further Information

To view more articles from our Spring Newsletter, please click here.

 

Get In Touch

For the most up to date information on our products and services, please click here or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.