Effluent collection, storage and remediation of dairy shed dung and urine wastes is the right thing to do from an environment and water catchment point of view. However, managing and optimising effluent ponds and tanks is a challenge – especially given ever-increasing water standards and compliance requirements from local authorities.

All-too-common problems include smell, top surface crusting and sludge formation in tanks and in-ground effluent ponds. In particular, the undissolved solids in effluent can clog filters, pipes and pumping equipment. and mechanical clearing risks damaging the seal of pond liners or clay-based systems.

Additionally, inefficient tanks and ponds require frequent emptying or cleaning, which can be time consuming. Plus, without an efficient system the valuable soil and animal nutrients in ponds and tanks are locked away and unavailable for reuse.

These downsides are just some of the reasons New Zealand-owned company MicroBio Solutions developed Effluex —a natural bacterial product available by monthly subscription.

The New Zealand-based company provides the anaerobic and aerobic bacterial mix in a powder and liquid form, thrown and poured into a tank or pond every month.

The naturally-occurring and concentrated micro-organisms expedite and enhance what happens normally, but which can be overwhelming in the protein-rich effluent.

Both the 250-gram (g) powder water-soluble pouches and 500-millilitre (mL) liquid bottles have a five billion CFU/g bacterial count (Colony Forming Units).

The amount of Effluex required is based on the peak number of cows milked in a season.

The anaerobic bacteria break down the solid wastes into many of their various compounds. These include ammonia. methane, hydrogen sulfide and about 200 other compounds.

The aerobic bacteria can then work their magic and break down these compounds to usable nutrients and minerals. These are dissolved in a nutrient-rich water able to be discharged through irrigation or another system onto pastures, and plants are immediately able to uptake the bio-available nutrients. Best of all. because no solids are being applied. Effluex-enhanced effluent (which is essentially a clear liquid) can be applied directly onto paddocks with no stand-down period required.

Effluex has been tested and approved by Farm Source, and Fonterra farmers can access an exclusive offer with MicroBio Solutions saving 5% on the monthly subscription, while also earning Farm Source Rewards Dollars. All Farm Source account holders can bill Effluex through their Farm Source account.

Find out more at nzfarmsource.co.nz/effluent.

Already seeing the benefits

One farmer seeing benefits from MicroBio Solution’s Effluex is Craig Hurst, who owns 270 hectare (ha) effective Te Waerengai Farm at Hamurana, near Rotorua, where, Farm Manager Daniel Willson milks 950 cows.

The farm’s effluent pond was causing a headache as it -wasn’t sludgy enough to mechanically clean but was too sludgy to pump through the effluent irrigation system.

Effluex was introduced to the pond last October, and Craig says the effluent’s now -thinner, more watery. able to easily be pumped.

Craig adds the microbiological activity can easily be seen, and the treatment has proven to be very cost-effective.

It’s early days, but our farm manager Dan is really excited about it.