Good Manure Comes From Friendly Microbes Article Revised 10-19-08 Doc2

A translated article published in the Danish Agri-paper “ Effektivt Landbrug” Feb. 14, 2005. Journalist Morten Ipsen. Translated from Danish into English by Niels Wandler, [email protected]

Productive manure comes from friendly Microbes... “I simply compensated for the new EU Regulation, prescribing lesser use of Nitrogen (20lb per acre) by inoculating the manure with fermented herbs and microbes” says Kristian Soberg from Denmark. . The fact is when applying treated compared to untreated manure to my soil, it becomes more productive. Perhaps not quite measurable, but a more effective turn-around of the nitrogen stored in the manure, is a valid explanation. The microbes are making the nutrition’s stored in the manure and soil available for the root system. I even noticed a change in how the leaves positioned themselves towards the sun; they now shaped like a parabola, ready to catch the sun shine more effectively; all together add one protein percentage to my crops. Just by looking at the inoculated manure, one realizes a more firm-and homogenous active substance. Besides bubbling the surface is also covered by white Actimyceten, like a fine web. Amongst the many positive effects, the most important is that neighbor complaints have turned to positive responses Kristian Sogaard, who belongs to the new generation of farmers, is managing a “farrow to finishing” operation. In addition to producing 7500 bacon pigs yearly he also manages 280 acres farmland. When he took over the farm 7 years ago, the soil rating was low. The soil was hard to cultivate. Seven years later, that’s no longer the case. The soil rating has gone up, the soil is now porous and therefore much easier to cultivate.

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Soon after taking over the farm, I read about the results achieved by farmers already working with microbial technology. Because the article made sense to me, I began applying the microbes to the drinking water. Then they were mixed into the feed; today they are applied through an fixed barn spray system, ensuring an evenly internal distribution of microbes. The spraying system provides the best return of investment. A holistic approach to nature is a good prerequisite when working with microbial technology. To keep chemicals and microbes apart is a good start. Furthermore one must regard the manure tank as container full of active life. When optimizing their conditions, they pay back by improving the farms bottom line. It’s that simple. Currently the yearly cost applying the microbes is $3.00 per animal. Let me be honest, I once tried to save that amount. It wasn’t a smart move. The evaporation of ammonium gases intensified, so did the flies and even the vet expenses. I’m using my active membership of the “Danish Pig Producers Ass.” to provoke farmers to become more open to try out new ideas, to simply embrace instead of neglect them because they fail the scientifically endorsement. Improvements always start at a grass root level, must be the “law of Nature”. [email protected]

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