Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Common Hog Waste Issues Many Farmers Will Face

By Lianne Derocco


Hog farming is a huge industry, and unless you are a hog farming you probably think little about what it takes in order to run one of these farms successfully. One issue with which all hog farmers must contend is hog waste. Not only is must you find ways to store waste, you also must treat it and prevent it from harming the surrounding environment.

Hogs produce a great deal of waste which is either stored in a waste pit or a waste lagoon. The waste releases a number of toxic gases, such as methane, carbon dioxide and ammonia. In addition, waste also contains traces of antibiotics that are given to the hogs. Bacteria, pesticides and heavy metals also sometimes are present in waste lagoons.

The gases produced can be harmful to the environment, and substances contained can also be harmful especially if the lagoon leaks and toxins seep into the soil and on to the groundwater. Making sure that the lagoons will not leak or overflow is with much importance. There should be measures taken for the lagoons to be safe, and this should be the priority of the farm owner.

Tough top crusts can form in the lagoons and also sludge formed at the bottom, and these are problems often occurring in hog farms. Hog farmers can take action immediately if the sludge and crust are liquefied, and this should be done as much as possible.

Another thing that is important and should be avoided is the adding of more toxins into the environment, and a natural product should be used in this situation. Natural solutions for this are available in the market, and these are products ideal for hog waste treatment. There is Agra Sphere, a mix of naturally occurring bacteria that will eat away the sludge and crust, and the hog waste is liquefied. This is a natural product and with no chemicals, and the product sphere is biodegradable and with no need for mixing, for this product to work. The spheres are just tossed throughout the lagoon or waste pit.

In addition, this product also will reduce the odors from your hog waste system as well as the amount of flies. Foaming, another common hog waste problem, is reduced when using Agra Sphere. This product also improves the value of the manure, making it more nutrient rich and subsequently a better quality of fertilizer.




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