FAQ
Why apply herbs and vitamins?
Selected herbs and vitamins are provided as another food resource to feed micro-organisms so they can clean up certain toxins in the soil, and draw calcium and potassium from locked up reserves in the soil. The extremely small amounts act as catalysts in this action.
What is the role of Lime (calcium) in BioAg programmes?
Calcium is the foundation energy source for the soil/plant system. Once good biological activity is established calcium will be readily made available from the base reserves in your soil.
It may require periodic applications (at low rates) to act as a catalyst and for maintenance.
Will BioAg help prevent bloat?
Bloat is caused by too much nitrogen in the plant. The nitrogen will displace phosphate in cool, cloudy or wet weather and magnesium will not be available to slow the release of nitrogen into the plant. Clover can release a lot of nitrogen in those conditions.
BioAg assists with nutrient balance in pasture and can result in improved control of problematic nitrates. However, if the conditions remain cool and wet the micro-organisms will be slow at keeping balance within the pasture and conventional bloat intervention might be required.
Is BioAg a fertiliser?
Yes, it is a set of fertilisers with the exception of RumiMate which is an animal nutritional supplement.
The value of the BioAg liquids is far greater than the “NPK” analysis due to the culturing process during manufacture which metabolises the ingredients into biological forms. The value does not stop there however as the BioAg liquids are also an extremely broad food resource for soil and plant biology containing natural amino acids, enzymes, vitamins and growth hormones.
Can I use my other fertilisers as well?
A BioAg fertility programme incorporates all required fertilisers. You don’t need to add anything. In fact this may be counter-productive.
I am an organic grower. Do BioAg products completely replace inputs I have traditionally used like fish, seaweed, molasses etc?
In most cases yes. The cultures are made with ingredients which include humic acids, seaweed and kelp, fish hydrolysate, carbohydrates, etc. These become metabolised into forms that are most readily available to micro-organisms.
The various BioAg formulations are food resources for soil and plant biology which are most readily assimilated and require no further biological digestion or transformation. Addition of other inputs can upset the energy and balance BioAg is working with and be detrimental.
I believe I need a source of nitrogen for growth. What about fish and other nitrogen sources?
Fish hydrolysate is sometimes required in BioAg programmes but at low rates (usually 8-10l/Ha) as a catalyst and sometimes we are using the phosphate in the fish to draw calcium into the plant rather than as a source of nitrogen.
In conventional farming systems we may include calcium nitrate at low rates if nitrogen is required. In isolated instances urea may be used for specific purposes.
Whenever BioAg prescribes nitrogen there is always an accompanying BioAg liquid.
Are there generic label rates and timings or do I have to stick to a programme from BioAg?
We are developing base generic label rates and base programmes as we establish history and experience in New Zealand. However, best results and least cost will be achieved by following a programme built for your soils and crops.
There is no extra charge for this service.
In time as my soils evolve biologically will the rates and frequency of BioAg application change?
Yes. This will be due to improved nutrient dynamics as result of consistent implementation of BioAg programmes.
The BioAg philosophy is to address and rectify the causes (rather than treat the symptoms) of declining soil fertility and structure and therefore increase plant and animal health and thrift. This takes time but as vitality builds the requirement for BioAg inputs reduces.
How quickly will I see results?
Much depends on the starting point i.e. the ‘health’ of your soil and plants and also the farm or orchard infrastructure available to implement the BioAg programmes. The BioAg system promotes continual improvement. We have seen very positive responses inside six months but generally it is not until the second growing season that the biological system shows signs of repair and really kicks into gear.
In pastoral situations you should notice an improvement in rooting depth, soil structure, earthworm numbers, moisture holding capacity and clover nodules turning pink within a relatively short period of time.
For cropping, tree and vine crop aspects such as fruit or produce quality, weight, seed maturity, leaf maintenance, alleviated soil compaction are some of the benefits to observe.
Improvements will be incremental and will consolidate for as long as the BioAg systems are used.
I would like to try BioAg out with just Soil & Seed. Will that work?
Think of using BioAg like following a recipe – if you leave things out the result is likely to disappoint! BioAg is very cost competitive. We simply ask growers and farmers who want to try BioAg to do so with a full programme.
We would far rather you did 1 hectare correctly than 10 partially.
What water rates should I use when applying BioAg products?
There is no set water rate.
For Soil & Seed or Digest-it which are applied to soil you require enough water to ensure that the application breaks the soil crust. Water rates can be as low as 80L/ha (i.e. for helicopter application) and up to 2000L/ha (i.e. if necessary in extremely dry conditions.) Application via irrigation, during periods of heavy dew, preceding or during rainfall events are useful strategies.
For foliar applications of Roots & Shoots or Flower & Fruit the operator needs to use an appropriate water rate to achieve full coverage.
Where can I buy BioAg products?
Please contact us for your nearest agent or to call the BioAg Head Office.
Soil & Seed FAQ’s
What is the purpose of using Soil & Seed®?
Soil & Seed provides the complex food supply for the micro-organisms in the soil to give them energy so that balanced and efficient nutrients are available to the plant or pasture (both roots and herbage). This food supply is a complex of naturally occurring Vitamins, Amino Acids, Hormones (natural), Enzymes, Proteins and special mineral compounds.
Can I get soluble SOA so I can mix it with Soil & Seed®?
Yes, but we do not recommend it. SOA (Sulphate of Ammonia) will eat everything so cleaning equipment is critical especially with steel. There may also be compatibility issues and increased product cost needs to be considered.
Can I mix Soil & Seed with Roots & Shoots or Flower & Fruit?
No. Soil & Seed should not be mixed with either foliar product.
Why use Roots & Shoots® on my pasture?
Roots & Shoots supplies natural Vitamins, Hormones, Amino Acids, Enzymes, Proteins and special mineral forms. Roots & Shoots feeds the micro-organisms on the plant (pasture), is absorbed into the plant and balances it and when the majority of sugars that are produced by photosynthesis are shipped back to the roots each night the remainder of the Roots & Shoots is tied in with it.
Thus the Roots & Shoots has a stimulating effect on the soil micro-organisms to further support the base established by Soil & Seed application.
Subsequent applications of Roots & Shoots refresh the food supply with the frequency based on the intensity of grazing and growth required.
Can I use Soil &Seed® and Roots & Shoots® through an overhead travelling irrigator?
Soil & Seed® can be put out through a travelling irrigator via a liquid fertiliser injector with enough water to wash the Soil and Seed into the soil. Calculate the area being irrigated and add the required amount of Soil and Seed needed per ha.
Root and Shoots® is applied to the plant foliage so is best put out as a separate foliar spray so that it is not washed off the foliage it is applied to.
Why do you recommend that BioAg soil and foliar products be applied within 48 hours of each other for tree and vine crops?
This application regime applies almost exclusively to tree and vine crops as well as berry fruit crops including strawberry. It does not apply for pasture.
Experience spanning nearly 20 years has shown that they interact with each other to stimulate the translocation of calcium and phosphate between the leaf and the roots and improve the availability of these nutrients. Application within 48 hours of each other has demonstrated the optimal results.
The order is not important just the close synchronisation of the soil and foliar applications where this is called for in the BioAg programmes.
What is the role of Lime (calcium) in BioAg programmes?
Calcium is the foundation energy source for the soil/plant system. Once good biological activity is established calcium will be readily made available from the base reserves in your soil.
It may require periodic applications (at low rates) to act as a catalyst and for maintenance.
Will BioAg help prevent bloat?
Bloat is caused by too much nitrogen in the plant. The nitrogen will displace phosphate in cool, cloudy or wet weather and magnesium will not be available to slow the release of nitrogen into the plant. Clover can release a lot of nitrogen in those conditions.
BioAg assists with nutrient balance in pasture and can result in improved control of problematic nitrates. However, if the conditions remain cool and wet the micro-organisms will be slow at keeping balance within the pasture and conventional bloat intervention might be required.
Is BioAg a fertiliser?
Yes, it is a set of fertilisers with the exception of RumiMate which is an animal nutritional supplement.
The value of the BioAg liquids is far greater than the “NPK” analysis due to the culturing process during manufacture which metabolises the ingredients into biological forms. The value does not stop there however as the BioAg liquids are also an extremely broad food resource for soil and plant biology containing natural amino acids, enzymes, vitamins and growth hormones.
Does Digest-it® replace the use of Soil & Seed® when is irrigated over the pasture?
Use of Digest-it will reduce the amount of Soil & Seed needed but not totally replace it. Soil & Seed provides a much broader food resource for soil micro-organisms as well being a specific soil nutrient formulation to improve fertility.
Can I use my other fertilisers as well?
A BioAg fertility programme incorporates all required fertilisers. You don’t need to add anything. In fact this may be counter-productive.
I am an organic grower. Do BioAg products completely replace inputs I have traditionally used like fish, seaweed, molasses etc?
In most cases yes. The cultures are made with ingredients which include humic acids, seaweed and kelp, fish hydrolysate, carbohydrates, etc. These become metabolised into forms that are most readily available to micro-organisms.
The various BioAg formulations are food resources for soil and plant biology which are most readily assimilated and require no further biological digestion or transformation. Addition of other inputs can upset the energy and balance BioAg is working with and be detrimental.
In time as my soils evolve biologically will the rates and frequency of BioAg application change?
Yes. This will be due to improved nutrient dynamics as result of consistent implementation of BioAg programmes.
The BioAg philosophy is to address and rectify the causes (rather than treat the symptoms) of declining soil fertility and structure and therefore increase plant and animal health and thrift. This takes time but as vitality builds the requirement for BioAg inputs reduces.
How quickly will I see results?
Much depends on the starting point i.e. the ‘health’ of your soil and plants and also the farm or orchard infrastructure available to implement the BioAg programmes. The BioAg system promotes continual improvement. We have seen very positive responses inside six months but generally it is not until the second growing season that the biological system shows signs of repair and really kicks into gear.
In pastoral situations you should notice an improvement in rooting depth, soil structure, earthworm numbers, moisture holding capacity and clover nodules turning pink within a relatively short period of time.
For cropping, tree and vine crop aspects such as fruit or produce quality, weight, seed maturity, leaf maintenance, alleviated soil compaction are some of the benefits to observe.
Improvements will be incremental and will consolidate for as long as the BioAg systems are used.
I would like to try BioAg out with just Soil & Seed. Will that work?
Think of using BioAg like following a recipe – if you leave things out the result is likely to disappoint! BioAg is very cost competitive. We simply ask growers and farmers who want to try BioAg to do so with a full programme.
We would far rather you did 1 hectare correctly than 10 partially.
What water rates should I use when applying BioAg products?
There is no set water rate.
For Soil & Seed or Digest-it which are applied to soil you require enough water to ensure that the application breaks the soil crust. Water rates can be as low as 80L/ha (i.e. for helicopter application) and up to 2000L/ha (i.e. if necessary in extremely dry conditions.) Application via irrigation, during periods of heavy dew, preceding or during rainfall events are useful strategies.
For foliar applications of Roots & Shoots or Flower & Fruit the operator needs to use an appropriate water rate to achieve full coverage.
Where can I buy BioAg products?
Please contact us for your nearest agent or to call the BioAg Head Office.
Roots & Shoots FAQ’s
Can I mix Soil & Seed with Roots & Shoots or Flower & Fruit?
No. Soil & Seed should not be mixed with either foliar product.
Why use Roots & Shoots® on my pasture?
Roots & Shoots supplies natural Vitamins, Hormones, Amino Acids, Enzymes, Proteins and special mineral forms. Roots & Shoots feeds the micro-organisms on the plant (pasture), is absorbed into the plant and balances it and when the majority of sugars that are produced by photosynthesis are shipped back to the roots each night the remainder of the Roots & Shoots is tied in with it.
Thus the Roots & Shoots has a stimulating effect on the soil micro-organisms to further support the base established by Soil & Seed application.
Subsequent applications of Roots & Shoots refresh the food supply with the frequency based on the intensity of grazing and growth required.
How long after grazing or cutting can I apply Roots & Shoots®?
BioAg recommends applying Roots & Shoots® 4-7 days after grazing or when pasture is actively growing. This is not always possible, so how long after grazing or cutting can I effectively apply Roots & Shoots®?
The key point is apply to “actively growing” pasture rather than a strict time frame. Roots & Shoots feeds the micro-organisms on the plant (pasture), is absorbed into the plant and balances it and when the majority of sugars that are produced by photosynthesis are shipped back to the roots each night the remainder of the Roots & Shoots is tied in with it. Thus the Roots & Shoots has a stimulating effect on the soil micro-organisms to further support the base established by Soil & Seed application.
This process only occurs when plants or pasture are ‘active’. Hence there is no benefit to be derived by applying Roots & Shoots in drought conditions or extreme cold when pasture growth has ceased.
Can I use Soil &Seed® and Roots & Shoots® through an overhead travelling irrigator?
Soil & Seed® can be put out through a travelling irrigator via a liquid fertiliser injector with enough water to wash the Soil and Seed into the soil. Calculate the area being irrigated and add the required amount of Soil and Seed needed per ha.
Root and Shoots® is applied to the plant foliage so is best put out as a separate foliar spray so that it is not washed off the foliage it is applied to.
Why do you recommend that BioAg soil and foliar products be applied within 48 hours of each other for tree and vine crops?
This application regime applies almost exclusively to tree and vine crops as well as berry fruit crops including strawberry. It does not apply for pasture.
Experience spanning nearly 20 years has shown that they interact with each other to stimulate the translocation of calcium and phosphate between the leaf and the roots and improve the availability of these nutrients. Application within 48 hours of each other has demonstrated the optimal results.
The order is not important just the close synchronisation of the soil and foliar applications where this is called for in the BioAg programmes.
What is the role of Lime (calcium) in BioAg programmes?
Calcium is the foundation energy source for the soil/plant system. Once good biological activity is established calcium will be readily made available from the base reserves in your soil.
It may require periodic applications (at low rates) to act as a catalyst and for maintenance.
Will BioAg help prevent bloat?
Bloat is caused by too much nitrogen in the plant. The nitrogen will displace phosphate in cool, cloudy or wet weather and magnesium will not be available to slow the release of nitrogen into the plant. Clover can release a lot of nitrogen in those conditions.
BioAg assists with nutrient balance in pasture and can result in improved control of problematic nitrates. However, if the conditions remain cool and wet the micro-organisms will be slow at keeping balance within the pasture and conventional bloat intervention might be required.
Is BioAg a fertiliser?
Yes, it is a set of fertilisers with the exception of RumiMate which is an animal nutritional supplement.
The value of the BioAg liquids is far greater than the “NPK” analysis due to the culturing process during manufacture which metabolises the ingredients into biological forms. The value does not stop there however as the BioAg liquids are also an extremely broad food resource for soil and plant biology containing natural amino acids, enzymes, vitamins and growth hormones.
Can I use my other fertilisers as well?
A BioAg fertility programme incorporates all required fertilisers. You don’t need to add anything. In fact this may be counter-productive.
I am an organic grower. Do BioAg products completely replace inputs I have traditionally used like fish, seaweed, molasses etc?
In most cases yes. The cultures are made with ingredients which include humic acids, seaweed and kelp, fish hydrolysate, carbohydrates, etc. These become metabolised into forms that are most readily available to micro-organisms.
The various BioAg formulations are food resources for soil and plant biology which are most readily assimilated and require no further biological digestion or transformation. Addition of other inputs can upset the energy and balance BioAg is working with and be detrimental.
In time as my soils evolve biologically will the rates and frequency of BioAg application change?
Yes. This will be due to improved nutrient dynamics as result of consistent implementation of BioAg programmes.
The BioAg philosophy is to address and rectify the causes (rather than treat the symptoms) of declining soil fertility and structure and therefore increase plant and animal health and thrift. This takes time but as vitality builds the requirement for BioAg inputs reduces.
How quickly will I see results?
Much depends on the starting point i.e. the ‘health’ of your soil and plants and also the farm or orchard infrastructure available to implement the BioAg programmes. The BioAg system promotes continual improvement. We have seen very positive responses inside six months but generally it is not until the second growing season that the biological system shows signs of repair and really kicks into gear.
In pastoral situations you should notice an improvement in rooting depth, soil structure, earthworm numbers, moisture holding capacity and clover nodules turning pink within a relatively short period of time.
For cropping, tree and vine crop aspects such as fruit or produce quality, weight, seed maturity, leaf maintenance, alleviated soil compaction are some of the benefits to observe.
Improvements will be incremental and will consolidate for as long as the BioAg systems are used.
What water rates should I use when applying BioAg products?
There is no set water rate.
For Soil & Seed or Digest-it which are applied to soil you require enough water to ensure that the application breaks the soil crust. Water rates can be as low as 80L/ha (i.e. for helicopter application) and up to 2000L/ha (i.e. if necessary in extremely dry conditions.) Application via irrigation, during periods of heavy dew, preceding or during rainfall events are useful strategies.
For foliar applications of Roots & Shoots or Flower & Fruit the operator needs to use an appropriate water rate to achieve full coverage.
Where can I buy BioAg products?
Please contact us for your nearest agent or to call the BioAg Head Office.
Digest-It for Dairies FAQ’s
What is effluent?
Effluent is a slurry of water, manure, urine, milk and other waste collected in the wash down liquid. It is a particularly strong form of organic waste that is characterised by its high oxygen demand, high volatile solid content and high phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium levels.
Is BioAg a fertiliser?
Yes, it is a set of fertilisers with the exception of RumiMate which is an animal nutritional supplement.
The value of the BioAg liquids is far greater than the “NPK” analysis due to the culturing process during manufacture which metabolises the ingredients into biological forms. The value does not stop there however as the BioAg liquids are also an extremely broad food resource for soil and plant biology containing natural amino acids, enzymes, vitamins and growth hormones.
What does BioAg Digest-it® do?
BioAg Digest-it® is primarily made for digesting stubble in situ, dead root and plant material or various effluent waste. The organisms stimulated by Digest-it® have three essential duties in nature:
- to align them with the plant to supply effective and efficient metabolites.
- to decompose dying roots and leftover organic matter
- to breakdown any toxins whether chemical or biological to create an environment conducive for all micro-organisms to fulfil their needs.
The Digest-it is designed to have a broad scope of digesting situations, e.g. effluent ponds at dairy or pig farms, compost acceleration, odour control in animal bedding.
Can I use Digest-it® for winery waste?
Yes. A rate of 0.1% for every 1000litres of liquid waste (approximately) entering your sump is the recommended starting point.
An initial ‘charge’ amount should also be added to the sump at 2ltr per 1,000 ltr of sump capacity. This should be diluted @ 20:1 and high pressure sprayed around the surfaces of the sump and over the residual waste if possible.
Can I use Digest-it® in septic tanks?
Yes. It works in the same way as animal effluent treated with Digest-it.Our suggestion is to dose 0.2 litre (200mls) monthly into each toilet cistern.
Should I continue to treat my effluent pond with Digest-it® when the cows have been dried off?
No. Low level digestive activity will continue relative to pond temperature. We recommend recharging when milking resumes.
Discuss this with your local BioAg agent as to the appropriate amount.
Do dairy cleaning detergents affect the performance of Digest-it®?
No. Once in diluted form the detergents will not unduly impact the performance of Digest-it.
Does Digest-it® replace the use of Soil & Seed® when is irrigated over the pasture?
Use of Digest-it will reduce the amount of Soil & Seed needed but not totally replace it. Soil & Seed provides a much broader food resource for soil micro-organisms as well being a specific soil nutrient formulation to improve fertility.
Can I use my other fertilisers as well?
A BioAg fertility programme incorporates all required fertilisers. You don’t need to add anything. In fact this may be counter-productive.
I am an organic grower. Do BioAg products completely replace inputs I have traditionally used like fish, seaweed, molasses etc?
In most cases yes. The cultures are made with ingredients which include humic acids, seaweed and kelp, fish hydrolysate, carbohydrates, etc. These become metabolised into forms that are most readily available to micro-organisms.
The various BioAg formulations are food resources for soil and plant biology which are most readily assimilated and require no further biological digestion or transformation. Addition of other inputs can upset the energy and balance BioAg is working with and be detrimental.
In time as my soils evolve biologically will the rates and frequency of BioAg application change?
Yes. This will be due to improved nutrient dynamics as result of consistent implementation of BioAg programmes.
The BioAg philosophy is to address and rectify the causes (rather than treat the symptoms) of declining soil fertility and structure and therefore increase plant and animal health and thrift. This takes time but as vitality builds the requirement for BioAg inputs reduces.
How quickly will I see results?
Much depends on the starting point i.e. the ‘health’ of your soil and plants and also the farm or orchard infrastructure available to implement the BioAg programmes. The BioAg system promotes continual improvement. We have seen very positive responses inside six months but generally it is not until the second growing season that the biological system shows signs of repair and really kicks into gear.
In pastoral situations you should notice an improvement in rooting depth, soil structure, earthworm numbers, moisture holding capacity and clover nodules turning pink within a relatively short period of time.
For cropping, tree and vine crop aspects such as fruit or produce quality, weight, seed maturity, leaf maintenance, alleviated soil compaction are some of the benefits to observe.
Improvements will be incremental and will consolidate for as long as the BioAg systems are used.
What water rates should I use when applying BioAg products?
There is no set water rate.
For Soil & Seed or Digest-it which are applied to soil you require enough water to ensure that the application breaks the soil crust. Water rates can be as low as 80L/ha (i.e. for helicopter application) and up to 2000L/ha (i.e. if necessary in extremely dry conditions.) Application via irrigation, during periods of heavy dew, preceding or during rainfall events are useful strategies.
For foliar applications of Roots & Shoots or Flower & Fruit the operator needs to use an appropriate water rate to achieve full coverage.
Why is effluent management important?
Effluent management is a major concern on many New Zealand dairy farms due to increased herd size, intensification and environmental scrutiny and regulation.
Dairy farmers have a legal obligation to contain, manage and dispose of livestock effluent within their property’s boundaries in a manner that prevents pollution of surface and ground water.
How do dairy farmers manage effluent?
On many New Zealand dairy farms, a single pond is used to capture wash down liquid. Following “settling out” over several weeks or months, liquid effluent is then discharged into a “sacrifice area” or into an irrigation pond and spread over pastures as part of the usual irrigation program. It is often “shandied” with incoming irrigation water.
Although the volume and composition of effluent produced varies greatly according to the individual property and season, many single-pond systems are now incapable of handling the increased volumes of effluent generated.
How does an effluent pond work?
A correctly functioning effluent pond should contain high levels of oxygen and therefore aerobic bacteria that digest organic material, thereby:
- Reducing organic matter and nutrient levels
- Removing suspended solids and salts
- Creating an acceptable pH (6.8–7.5)
- Reducing odour
This process is assisted via a complex interaction of sedimentation, precipitation and mineralisation.
What are the signs of a non-functioning effluent pond?
Non-performing effluent systems are instantly recognisable by the presence of persistent surface crusting and their pervasive odour. A common symptom is the formation of a crust, whereby undigested solids form a crust up to 50 cm thick on the surface of the pond. Besides harbouring vermin, insect pests and weeds, this crust creates an anaerobic environment underneath.
The depletion of oxygen in the water, combined with lack of sunlight, reduces microbial digestion. Nutrients may remain at toxic levels or settle within the sludge, where they become “locked up” in forms that are unavailable to plants.
The proliferation of anaerobic bacteria can lead to an increase in hydrogen sulphide (i.e. rotten egg gas) and increased pH (i.e. alkalinity). High temperatures can also stimulate anaerobic bacteria at the bottom of the pond.
What is Digest-it® for Dairies?
BioAg Digest-it® for Dairies is a fermented microbial culture that helps to create and maintain a balanced microbial environment in effluent ponds, thereby stimulating microbial digestion of organic matter.
Following an initial application to the pond, it is added in small amounts to the wash down solution each day, Digest-it® provides a rich food source for microbes as well as dormant aerobic bacteria species. Specifically, it contains a rich source of vitamins, minerals, proteins, enzymes, amino acids, carbohydrates, dormant organisms and growth promoters.
What does Digest-it® for Dairies do?
- Stimulates aerobic microbial activity in effluent ponds
- Digests suspended solids into plant-available liquid nutrients
- Reduces turbidity and increases the liquids to solids ratio
- Reduces surface crusting, solid waste and the need for desludging
- Reduces unpleasant odours
- Increases fertiliser value of effluent
- Can also be used as a silage inoculant or to reduce odours in calf bedding and herd homes
What types of effluent systems can benefit from Digest-it® for Dairies?
Digest-it® for Dairies is ideal for all types of effluent management systems, particularly:
- Non-functioning effluent ponds
- Older systems that have become overloaded by increased herd size
- Large herds or those with high effluent loads
- Or where effluent ponds are close to dwellings, neighbours or towns.
- It is also suitable for use in direct application and multi-pond systems.
How can you tell if Digest-it® for Dairies is working?
Depending on the thickness of the surface crust, a number of physical and chemical changes can be observed in ponds within four to six weeks of treatment with Digest-it®. These effects vary greatly according to the individual characteristics of the pond, but include:
- Increased aerobic microbial activity
- Dissolving of the surface crust
- Reduced turbidity and increased liquids-to-solids ratio in pond due to digestion of dissolved and suspended solids
- Bubbling due to increased microbial fermentation of volatile solids and the associated formation of carbon dioxide
- Formation of “bolls”, i.e. clumps of solids released from the pond bottom
- Reduced odour, thereby providing a more pleasant environment for workers, family and neighbours
How can use of Digest-it® help to reduce fertiliser costs?
Digest-it® for Dairies helps to convert solids into “biologically-active” liquid nutrients that can be efficiently used by plants and soil microbes. Farmers can strategically utilise treated effluent as part of their pasture or crop nutrition plan to optimise plant growth, animal health and herd performance.
Can I use Digest-it® for Dairies on a certified organic farm?
Yes. Digest-it® is BioGro Permitted.
How much does it cost to use Digest-it® for Dairies?
The cost of a year-round or seasonal program using Digest-it® depends upon the pond size, herd size and volume purchased. However, as a guide, the cost of a Digest-it® program typically ranges from approximately 4.5 cents up to 10cents per head per day.
Cost offsets can be achieved via improved fertiliser value, reduced or eliminated cost of desludging and subsequent contractor spreading costs, reduced compliance cost risks, improved pasture growth and nutritive value, improved animal health off effluent paddocks.
Can Digest-it® for Dairies be used for other purposes?
BioAg Digest-it® has many other uses around the farm. It can be applied in animal bedding and herd home floors to help reduce odours. Digest-it can also be used as a composting aid, offal and waste leachate treatment and also in septic tank and grey water systems in fact in most situations involving organic matter wastes.
How much should be applied at the initial pond treatment?
Apply 20 to 60 litres of Digest-it® as a diluted spray directly to the wet areas of surface crust and flushed through pond or sump inlet drains to stimulate microbial activity. Partially fill spray tank with water. Agitate container and add required amount of Digest-it®. Fill the remainder of the spray tank with water with the agitation system engaged. Use within 48 hours of dilution.
Application Rate Guide*
Pond Size 25 x 50 x 3 metres = Application Rate 20L
Pond Size 25 x 75 x 3 metres = Application Rate 40L
Pond Size 40 x 100 x 3 metres = Application Rate 60L
*Initial charge rates subject to site evaluation to consider factors of; pond size relative to herd number, inflow & outflow placement, depth, single or multi pond systems, solids separation.
How much should be applied for ongoing treatment?
Digest-it® should be applied with the shed wash down on a daily basis to maintain a balanced and sustainable microbial population in the effluent pond.
Simply pour the required amount of undiluted Digest-it® near a shed drain point ensuring the Digest-it reaches the pond or sump with the wash down water.
Application rate calculator*
Up to 150 cows = 1.0 L / day
151–250 cows = 1.0 – 1.75 L / day
251– 450 cows = 1.75 – 3.0 L / day
451–650 cows = 2.5 – 4.5 L / day
651–850 cows = 3.0 L – 5.5 L / day
851–1250 cows = 4.0 – 8.5 L / day
*Rate variation dependant on effluent load factors e.g. pasture feed only, Pasture/feedlot, time on feedlots, herd home concentration and wintering barn operations.
How are direct discharge sumps treated?
Initially the sump needs to be charged in the same manner as a pond. The initial charge is based on the sump capacity.
Thereafter the daily replenishment is based on the table above in most circumstances and also how much land effluent is spread on per year and the frequency that the same area has effluent applied.
This may result in an adjustment to the daily rate to ensure that the soil receiving the treated effluent can utilise the nutrients to the best advantage for the pasture.
How soon can we graze following Digest-it® treated effluent?
Cows may graze treated paddocks after 24-48 hours.
N.B. Longer withholding periods due to other farm practices may be required.
How should Digest-it® be stored?
Containers should be stored out of sunlight and below 30°C. Note that it has a storage life of 12 months.
Customers should only order what they can use in a six-month period to ensure they have fully effective product.
What size containers is Digest-it® supplied in?
Digest-it® is available in 5L, 20L, 60L,200L and 1000L containers. Pricing varies accordingly.
Where can I buy Digest-it®?
Please contact us for your nearest agent or to call the BioAg Head Office.
Phosphate | RPR FAQ’s
What is the role of RPR in BioAg programmes?
When a BioAg programme calls for RPR (Reactive Phosphate Rock) it is needed for phosphate for the microorganisms and to stimulate the organisms to draw more phosphate from the soil. Phosphate is part of the key energy drivers in the soil/plant system.
BioAg facilitates the availability of functional phosphate which will not lock up in the soil and is available all season.
Will BioAg help prevent bloat?
Bloat is caused by too much nitrogen in the plant. The nitrogen will displace phosphate in cool, cloudy or wet weather and magnesium will not be available to slow the release of nitrogen into the plant. Clover can release a lot of nitrogen in those conditions.
BioAg assists with nutrient balance in pasture and can result in improved control of problematic nitrates. However, if the conditions remain cool and wet the micro-organisms will be slow at keeping balance within the pasture and conventional bloat intervention might be required.
Is BioAg a fertiliser?
Yes, it is a set of fertilisers with the exception of RumiMate which is an animal nutritional supplement.
The value of the BioAg liquids is far greater than the “NPK” analysis due to the culturing process during manufacture which metabolises the ingredients into biological forms. The value does not stop there however as the BioAg liquids are also an extremely broad food resource for soil and plant biology containing natural amino acids, enzymes, vitamins and growth hormones.
Can I use my other fertilisers as well?
A BioAg fertility programme incorporates all required fertilisers. You don’t need to add anything. In fact this may be counter-productive.
I am an organic grower. Do BioAg products completely replace inputs I have traditionally used like fish, seaweed, molasses etc?
In most cases yes. The cultures are made with ingredients which include humic acids, seaweed and kelp, fish hydrolysate, carbohydrates, etc. These become metabolised into forms that are most readily available to micro-organisms.
The various BioAg formulations are food resources for soil and plant biology which are most readily assimilated and require no further biological digestion or transformation. Addition of other inputs can upset the energy and balance BioAg is working with and be detrimental.
In time as my soils evolve biologically will the rates and frequency of BioAg application change?
Yes. This will be due to improved nutrient dynamics as result of consistent implementation of BioAg programmes.
The BioAg philosophy is to address and rectify the causes (rather than treat the symptoms) of declining soil fertility and structure and therefore increase plant and animal health and thrift. This takes time but as vitality builds the requirement for BioAg inputs reduces.
How quickly will I see results?
Much depends on the starting point i.e. the ‘health’ of your soil and plants and also the farm or orchard infrastructure available to implement the BioAg programmes. The BioAg system promotes continual improvement. We have seen very positive responses inside six months but generally it is not until the second growing season that the biological system shows signs of repair and really kicks into gear.
In pastoral situations you should notice an improvement in rooting depth, soil structure, earthworm numbers, moisture holding capacity and clover nodules turning pink within a relatively short period of time.
For cropping, tree and vine crop aspects such as fruit or produce quality, weight, seed maturity, leaf maintenance, alleviated soil compaction are some of the benefits to observe.
Improvements will be incremental and will consolidate for as long as the BioAg systems are used.
What water rates should I use when applying BioAg products?
There is no set water rate.
For Soil & Seed or Digest-it which are applied to soil you require enough water to ensure that the application breaks the soil crust. Water rates can be as low as 80L/ha (i.e. for helicopter application) and up to 2000L/ha (i.e. if necessary in extremely dry conditions.) Application via irrigation, during periods of heavy dew, preceding or during rainfall events are useful strategies.
For foliar applications of Roots & Shoots or Flower & Fruit the operator needs to use an appropriate water rate to achieve full coverage.
Where can I buy BioAg products?
Please contact us for your nearest agent or to call the BioAg Head Office.