Methods To Improve Hog Farming & Its Impact On The Environment

Hog farming is a huge industry in the United States, and while providing food for the masses is a huge benefit to society, these farms also tend to harm the environment, primarily due to the huge amounts of waste produced by these animals. Waste is always a challenge and while there is no way to eliminate it, there are green ways to deal with waste and alleviate problems connected with waste systems.

Each of the different types of waste containment systems has their advantages and disadvantages. Many large-scale hog farms use waste lagoons, while smaller operations might use a deep pit or pull plug system. No matter which type is used, the security of these systems is highly important. It is crucial to ensure that waste is carefully contained and does not leak into the groundwater.

There are easy-to-use products that contain no chemicals and offer a natural method for waste management. In addition to dealing with crusting and sludge issues, the products can reduce the odors and flies. Several of these products will improve your manure’s nutrient value for crop use.

For lagoon systems, consider using the Agra Sphere LGT combined with Activator Plus LGT. Both of these chemical-free, veterinarian-approved products were designed specifically for lagoon waste systems. Activator Plus LGT will rapidly inoculate and establish a balanced lagoon environment and is a good product with which to begin treatment, especially in lagoons with an excess of organic solids. Once balance has been restored, treat the lagoon each month with the Agra Sphere LGT. These are biodegradable spheres that you simply toss into the lagoon. Each sphere will treat up to 400,000 gallons of lagoon and lasts for up to 180 days.

Similar products have been created for deep pit systems. The Agra Sphere will treat all deep pit systems, and each sphere will treat 60,000 gallons of contained deep pit waste and sludge. These spheres also are biodegradable, so all you have to do is replace them every 90-180 days, depending on the amount of retained bottom sludge in your pit.

These unique natural products contain a specially formulated combination of bacteria that actually digest and liquefy the waste. These microbes will multiply in the waste, as it is a food source for the bacteria. This will speed up the liquefying process and help manage crusting as well as the harmful build up of sludge.

Lianne Derocco loves writing about products used in livestock waste treatment. For further details about agricultural waste treatment in hog farming, or to find out more about hog waste solutions, please go to the BioverseAG website today.