An approach for sustainable farming launched at the
Grassland and Muck Event
The concept of going back to basics by using natural organisms to maximise the nutrient value of both slurry and silage is being pioneered by EnviroSystems at the Grassland and Muck Event.
Called “Back to basics” the solution has been formulated to fuel on-farm sustainability and reduce expensive bought-in fertiliser and feed bills. Specific soil-originating bacteria and enzyme formulations assist with the natural fermentation of silage and the degradation process of slurry, which have a beneficial impact on livestock, land and farm profit.
The following assets are maximised
- Slurry – The nutrient value of slurry is maximised through the bacteria fixing N,P & K in organic forms. This improves soil and crops in the long term, reduces fertiliser use and the cost of slurry management. Specific bacteria metabolise ammonia into organic forms of nitrogen which reduces manure odour as well as environmental issues.
- Land - Nitrogen fixing bacteria have been found to improve the soil and humus over time, and encourage worm populations which are beneficial for forage growth. Risks to land and the environment are reduced due to the use of less ammonium nitrate fertiliser which can cause “run off” into local ecosystems through leaching.
- Silage - Stability of silage during storage is maintained through use of specific bacillus which provide more palatable silage with less waste; energy levels can also increase within forage allowing cows to eat more. If forage:concentratre ratio of 60:40 can be achieved feed bills are reduced and the farmer can make more profit from on-farm produce.
David Holt of Knightshulme Farm, Cheshire came up with the concept of going back to basics. His key objective is to produce as much milk as possible from his 160 acres and substantially cut back on fertiliser. “I am still using the same fertiliser I bought 3 years ago and the grass last season grew more consistently and for longer than before I applied bacteria to the slurry,” he explains.
“The DMI, milk yields and Crude Protein have all increased,” he says about the silage, “this has allowed us to change cake from 20% CP down to 18%, which has resulted in significant savings. During storage in the clamp, the silage has maintained palatability and has stayed less acidic than previously.”
“Introducing bugs to the slurry and silage has led to huge savings. Farmers that don’t have the courage to do what I did should treat their slurry and just try 20 acres with less fertiliser. It is possible to do as I did and cut back the fertiliser by 2/3rds from the start.”
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