Comparison of Biological Solution, Sea Minerals, or Combination of Both on Pasture Production

Comparison of Biological Solution, Sea Minerals, or Combination of Both on Pasture Production

Summary

GroPal Balance, Sea 90 sea minerals, fish emulsion from Green Pastures, and raw milk from area milk producers were applied to pasture. The pasture has 16 different paddocks and 4 were assigned to each of the 4 test areas (1 test area for each of the additives and 1 for control.)  Throughout the summer the bison were rotated through the various paddocks for grazing.  It was hoped to see a difference in grass growth in the various treated areas.  However, good rains helped all the pasture look better and no visible differences were noted.

In July we sampled soil for Solvita tests in each of the 4 treatment areas. (This is a measure of CO2 respiration which reflects biological activity.) The results for each test were averaged for a score for each of the 4 treatment areas.  The scores were 4.5 for the control area, 4.9, 4.9, and 5.0 for the treated areas. An attempt was made to get Brix readings on the grasses from each area but it proved to be too difficult to get enough sap to get an accurate reading. 

It is difficult to say at this point what effect each of the treatments had on biological activity of the soil, grass production, the health of the animals and economic benefit to the producer.  There was definitely more grass left at the end of the grazing season in all areas but how much of this was due to applications of soil amendments and how much was from increased rainfall is unknown.

Objectives/Performance Targets

Compare soil health of pasture as measured by soil tests, brix readings of grass, and soil aggregates in areas where 1) no additive is applied, 2 ) a biological solution is applied, 3) sea minerals are applied, or 4) a combination product is applied.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Activities:

Beginning in March, we visited with personnel from Ward Lab about our plans and got their advice on how best to collect soil samples and what tests to run.  A soil probe was purchased and samples were collected and compiled to have a composite sample from each of the 4 test areas.  These were sent to Ward Lab and we received a biological soil analysis report for each of the 4 the end of April.

During March and April we were also purchasing our soil amendments:  GroPal Balance, Sea 90 sea minerals, fish emulsion from Green Pastures, and raw milk from area milk producers.  We also purchased a brix meter to test for sugar content in the grass.

May was spent applying the additives.  The pasture has 16 different paddocks and 4 were assigned to each of the 4 test areas (1 test area for each of the additives and 1 for control.)

Throughout the summer the bison were rotated through the various paddocks for grazing.  It was hoped to see a difference in grass growth in the various treated areas.  However, good rains helped all the pasture look better and no visible differences were noted.

In July we purchased equipment to do a Solvita test in each of the 4 treatment areas. (This is a measure of CO2 respiration which reflects biological activity.) Several soil samples were again collected and compiled to have 1 test from each of the 16 paddocks.  The results were read by comparing the test strip to the color chart without using a meter for more exact measurement.  The results for each test were averaged for a score for each of the 4 treatment areas.  The scores were 4.5 for the control area, 4.9, 4.9, and 5.0 for the treated areas.

An attempt was made to get Brix readings on the grasses from each area but it proved to be too difficult to get enough sap to get an accurate reading.  Several attempts were made using different equipment and on different days but without success.

The bison had sufficient grass to continue grazing without any supplemental hay up to January 2017 at which time we began feeding them 1 bale every other day which is an average of 8-9 lb./head/day.  In 2015, hay feeding began about November.  It remains to be seen how much hay will be required over the winter.

In 2016 we harvested 24 animals with a total weight of 10,430 lb. hanging weight, average 434.5 lb. / animal.

From 26 cows, 21 calves were born, 4 died (1 had been born blind) and 17 were raised.  This is an 81% live calf rate and 65% weaned rate.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

Project Results and Lessons Learned

We learned there is a difference in the ease of obtaining and putting on the applications. The Gro-Pal Balance was easy to order, have shipped and arrived in a 5 gallon bucket which was enough for 2 years. It was easy to mix in water and spray on with liquid sprayer. The Sea-90 came in 50 lb. sacks, of which we bought 40. We were able to pick these up at a location 140 miles from home. It did not mix easily in water so we put it on with a dry fertilizer applicator. The rains which followed allowed it to dissolve into the soil. The biological solution involved going around to a couple of dairies to collect enough raw milk, then keep it frozen until ready to use to prevent it from clabbering. This was then added to liquid fish emulsion which we obtained in a 55 gallon barrel, picked up at the same time we picked up the Sea-90. This was mixed and put on with a liquid sprayer with occasional plugging of the nozzles.

It is difficult to say at this point what effect each of the treatments had on biological activity of the soil, grass production, the health of the animals and economic benefit to the producer. There was definitely more grass left at the end of the grazing season in all areas but how much of this was due to applications of soil amendments and how much was from increased rainfall is unknown.

Work plan

Soil tests will be repeated in the spring and summer. Each of the treatments will be repeated in 2017 in the same areas as in 2016. We will try again to get Brix readings on the grasses.

Another plan to see a comparison in treatments is to do a side-by-side comparison of applications in an area that is fenced off from grazing. This is an area where about 300 shrubs were planted 10 feet apart in 2 rows, with about 15 feet between the rows. Since the soil and grass is fairly uniform in this area and no grazing is occurring, it should be fairly easy to see any differences in treatment areas.

Outreach

We did not have any field days or demonstrations this year.  Hopefully we will have more information to share with people by the end of 2017.

Collaborators: