Download winter benefits sheet

DIGESTER -
long term benefits
The key to unlocking spring growth is turning on the decomposing soil microbes now.
The complete decomposition of organic matter over the winter months is critical for maintaining a healthy soil structure
and ensuring strong spring pasture growth. Critical to this process is an active population of primary decomposers.
Organic matter can decompose in two different directions. If conditions are not ideal organic matter will be fermented
firstly into alcohols which are then converted into formaldehyde, a preservative that can prevent biological activity in
the soil for years.
Digester ensures organic matter is decomposed and recycled into humus – natures way of storing nitrogen reducing
the amount of nitrogen available for leaching.
Digester uses BioStart’s signal molecule technology to selectively activate the fungi and bacteria that are collectively
known as the primary decomposers. These microbes break down and compost dead organic matter such as roots and
crop trash, converting it into humus.
Digester kick-starts the decomposition process by simultaneously activating two groups of decomposers, Saprophytic
fungi and Pseudomonas bacteria. The saprophytic fungi initiate the decomposition process by excrete enzymes and
organic acids that breakdown the cellulose contained in plant cell walls. Once the cell walls are broken down a second
wave of decomposers, beneficial bacteria, fire up. They convert the remaining residue into humus.
When Anhydrous Ammonia is applied to the soil it’s quickly converted into nitrate. The additional microbial activity
stimulated by Digester soaks up the free nitrate converting it into amino acids and microbial protein.
The decomposers alter the release pattern of nitrogen in the soil. The microbes consume nitrogen to fuel the
decomposition process. As they do this they convert it into microbial protein. Once in this form the nitrogen is not
released back into the soil until the microbial populations die back at the end of the process. Nitrogen release is
therefore delayed and happens at a gradual pace, which usually coincides with the demand of the following crop.
It’s not just Nitrogen that is affected by the decomposing microbes. Trials on Brassica crops showed the application of
Digester not only sped up rates of decomposition but also increased soil mineral levels of calcium, phosphate,
magnesium and phosphate. The Digester application also improved CEC and base saturation without altering soil pH.
Over time as soil microbial populations increase organic matter recycling will increase and humic levels will improve.
As the soil becomes more aggregated soil structure will improve with better aeration and moisture holding capacity.
Digester is easy to use and can be mixed and applied with Glyphosate when spraying out pasture, at the rate of 2-4
litres per hectare. When used in this way it will result in easier cultivation and faster plant establishment.
For more information on these products contact White Heron Stockfeed. Ph 0800 789 874