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FARMERS who add a specialist blend of beneficial bacteria and enzymes to slurry have significantly higher levels of total nitrogen , phosphorus and potassium compared to farmers who left their slurry untreated , with the economic value of the slurry being around 20 % higher .
This is according to a review conducted by Dr David Townsend – head of research at Envirosystems , which assessed the nutrient value of 250 slurry samples from a range of different UK farms , independently analysed by NRM laboratories . Just over half of the farms in the study had treated their slurry with Envirosystems ’ SlurryBugs ®, while the rest had not undergone slurry additive treatment .
Overall , the analysis showed that treated slurry had higher total nitrogen (+ 27 %), phosphate (+ 45 %) and potassium (+ 16 %) levels compared to untreated slurry . Economically
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the fertiliser value of the treated slurry was worth £ 2.25 / tonne more than untreated slurry ( based on https :// ahdb . org . uk / GB-fertiliser-prices November 2021 ), equivalent to around 20 % more .
The treated slurry also had a higher average DM content of 7.0 % compared to 5.6 % for the untreated . This was due to the solid fibrous crust being broken down by the bacteria ’ s
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enzymatic reactions , releasing smaller particulate matter into the liquid section making a more homogenous slurry .
The breakdown of the crust means slurry requires less ongoing agitation , thus saving time and reducing diesel and wear and tear on machinery . The reduction in diesel and bought-in fertiliser also contributes to a reduction in a farm ’ s carbon footprint .
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Dr Townsend ’ s analysis showed that you would need 151 tonnes of untreated slurry to replace the nitrogen content of one tonne of bought in ammonium nitrate fertiliser , compared to only 119 tonnes of treated slurry . The cost of treating 119 tonnes of slurry with SlurryBugs is approximately £ 35 , compared to £ 728 for the ammonium nitrate at November 2021 prices .
“ With nitrogen prices currently at over £ 600 / t and energy firms saying prices are likely to remain high for the foreseeable future , we are undoubtedly in the era where maximising the nutrient and financial potential of slurry is an absolute economic priority ,” says Dr Townsend .
“ At these inflated prices , it now takes over 2000 litres of milk to pay for one tonne of nitrogen fertiliser , compared to the 900 litres it took between January 2019 and June 2021 .”
Envirosystems has recently upgraded its analytical facilities in its dedicated Research and
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Development laboratories to further improve the information it can supply to its customers . This includes offering a slurry analysis service which provides a nutritional valuation of the slurry , helping to ensure farmers make the most of their on-farm fertiliser .
To find out more about SlurryBugs ® call Envirosystems on 01772 860085 or visit www . envirosystems . co . uk .
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