In their quest to keep ahead of the competition, save and make their clients money, agricultural specialist Kite Consulting has recruited slurry additive Epizym into its Advance Sourcing product range. The bacteria-based product helps farmers combat high fertiliser costs and make the most of their slurry, as well as reducing odour and virtually eliminating crusts.

Rigorous trials were conducted on two neighbouring dairy farms in Staffordshire owned by two brothers - clients of Kite Consulting. David Levick, managing partner, Kite Consulting explains:

“Epizym already had a proven track record following scientific tests at home and abroad. Our own trials substantiate the existing trial data – providing a clear endorsement of the efficacy of the product. We have no doubt that farmers, confronted with the pressure of much higher fertiliser costs and NVZ regulations, will find Epizym a valuable ally. It takes the hard work out of slurry management whilst adding significant value to the nutrient content”. The trial results showed treatment with Epizym increased total N by 5% and ammonium N by 21% within the slurry in the tin tank.

Scientifically speaking
Epizym contains specially selected naturally occurring bacteria. These are activated when mixed with water and are added to the liquid fraction of stored slurry. Using slurry as a food source, the bacteria enzymatically digest high molecular weight compounds, such as proteins and starch, to those of a lower weight - thus lifting the solids into suspension. This produces a more liquid and homogenous mix, increases the first year availability of nutrients, namely ammonium nitrogen and water-soluble phosphorous. Its other important benefit is to significantly reduce odours – trials have shown this reduction to be over 50%.

Giles Dadd, FACTS-registered advisor, and principal agricultural consultant to Epizym explains one of the farm trials, where a tin tank is used.  “The farmer manages 140 cows. At the start the tank was approximately 25% full with a crust on top. The store was then re-circulated in order to obtain a composite sample of the slurry for analysis. The correct amount of Epizym was applied and eight weeks later the slurry in the tin tank was re-circulated and a further sample taken. At this stage it was noticeable that the slurry was a more consistent liquid mix and the odour was greatly reduced.”

Martin Brown’s trial data results

Reaping the financial benefits – Martin’s savings

Thorough analysis of the financial benefits was key to the trial for all involved.

1. Reduced agitation time alone brought a saving of £180 per mixing. As agitation takes place up to three times each year, there’s a potential total saving of £540.
2. The Increased ammonium nitrogen content has a direct comparison of 1,021 kgs for 140 cows, valued at £1,021. However, the liquefaction process also makes more phosphate available in the year of application and this can be measured and thus reduce the fertiliser applied, and this is valued at £453.
3. Total value of £2,014 for a cost of £480 per winter. This does, however, ignore the higher potential volume of slurry produced through the liquefaction process, where the bacteria turn some of the dry matter into water through the respiration process. This is difficult to assess accurately, but it’s likely to be in the order of 7%, giving an extra £381 worth of ammonia N for the herd. 

Liquid asset increases family fortunes
Brothers Martin and Neil Brown were pleased with the trial results. Martin, with the tin tank, explains. “My trial showed an improvement of 21% in ammonium N, which will hopefully deliver good savings on bagged fertiliser. Of the products on the market, Epizym’s slurry additive is worth giving a go”.
Neil freely admits he used to treat slurry as a waste product but now sees it as a valuable asset. “You can see the product working, with the bubbles rising to the surface of the lagoon. The smell was vastly reduced and stirring time has been halved, as we’re now dispersing only a very thin crust.”

A third Brown brother, on hearing the results, is now using Epizym’s slurry additive to reduce smell, making a more pleasant and inviting atmosphere for customers visiting to his farm shop.

Stuart Aitkenhead, managing director of Epizym, has worked closely with the farmers and Kite Consulting throughout the trials. “All in all, I’m delighted with the trial results proving once again our products really work scientifically and under independent evaluation. We very much look forward to working with Kite Consulting to make sure Epizym’s benefits are made available to their clients nationwide, with the aim of helping farmers to save thousands of pounds”.

For more information, including a free no obligation consultation on how to make the most of your slurry, call 0800 083 0614. www.epizym.com