A new product line based on modified clay minerals will tackle the problem of nitrogen loss and foaming in manure pits at the source. Not a stopgap, according to co-developer Berg Fourage, but a long-term solution that reduces the formation of foam by up to 90%.
Field trials show promising results, says product specialist Henry Westerink. "With about 1% FX minerals in the well, you can effectively fix nitrogen and gain about 20% fertilizer capacity by preventing foaming."
Where many livestock farmers currently have full manure cellars and the foam is sometimes up to the slats, this problem can easily be solved for next barn season. Westerink, in collaboration with producer Cebo Holland BV, tested the new mineral application on many test farms. This also applies to veal farmer Evert Kroes in Uddel (Gelderland). In 3 of the 4 manure pits he had the liquid variant of FX pumps pumped, in the fourth he did nothing. “I was skeptical when we started the test. We have already tried everything against foam, but with insufficient results. Now we see very clearly that this works. The foam is 80-90% gone. This saves us considerable manure disposal costs in the winter and we can now deliver clean calves without any problem.”
How it works
A combination of specially modified clay minerals forms 'layers' in the manure cellar, as it were. It does not settle, but binds minerals and nutrients in the manure, so that less foam is formed and ammonia emissions are limited. Where other products are often based on a chemical or bacteriological effect, the FX minerals provide a natural and sustainable solution. Pumping once into the manure cellar or scattering year-round as ready-to-use box bedding tackles the foam problem and ammonia emissions at the source.
Not just against foam
In addition to preventing foaming and binding nitrogen, the clay minerals also offer interesting advantages in the stable and on the field. This makes the manure more mixable and processable and less cake formation occurs. Dairy farmer Gerrit Hofmeijer from Dalerveen (Drenthe) tested the FX minerals in his dairy barn and is enthusiastic about the total solution. “It is a natural product that clearly tackles foaming. In addition, our manure samples show that the ammonia-bound nitrogen in the manure has increased by about 20%. That would mean that we will soon be able to do with less fertilizer for the same crop.” The precise effect on soil fertility will be further investigated in the coming season.
Extensive development trajectory
Berg Fourage is the exclusive dealer of the mineral solution, which was developed in collaboration with Cebo. Cebo Holland BV is specialized in mineral processing and has an unnoticed large presence in livestock farming. Westerink: ''Cebo's specialist knowledge in the field of absorption minerals has convinced us of the added value of FX minerals in our sector. After an extensive development process and wide-ranging field tests, the results are now clearly evident."
Choice of three applications
The new FX minerals are available in three applications. A liquid variant (SlurryFX) is pumped directly into the manure pit. A dried variant (BeddingFX) is mixed with, for example, sawdust or straw to form a ready-to-use box litter and thus gradually enters the pit all year round. A final variant is sprinkled on mats as a single hygiene powder (HygieneFX). Which application or combination is preferred differs per situation. For an optimal effect, 1% minerals on the total number of cubic meters of manure is recommended.
Want to know more?
T: 0341-768222
M: sales@bergfourage.nl
W: www.bergfourage.nl/fx