As many dairy and pig farmers can attest, a regular dose of PondBugs in your effluent storage is important for the biological health of your effluent, improving the nutrient value and reducing odour, crusting and greenhouse emissions. However some farmers make the mistake of stopping their PondBugs dosage over winter while the pond’s not in use. Here’s why you should keep up the PondBugs over winter…
On the lead up to winter many farmers aim to empty or lower their effluent storage levels in preparation for the wet dormant season where spreading isn’t an option. In doing this you’re also removing much of the bugs, or good bacteria that had accumulated in the effluent being stored. This is why one of the best times to be treating your effluent pond/storage is right after emptying.
Keeping up with your regular dose of PondBugs over winter ensures everything will be working well as the pond starts to fill up, and the PondBugs will have more time to get going before you need to pump out again. Like many living organisms, PondBugs won’t be as active over the colder months, but you’ll want them working away and ready to do their job come spring when they’re most active.
All effluent storage ponds/tanks/sumps need biological activity to keep it clean and healthy, which in turn provides a smoother flow through your effluent system, and a quicker, more consistent release of nutrients out to pasture. Some ponds are able to maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria all on their own, while others benefit from a little extra help. So keep up with your PondBugs over winter for a healthier, nutrient rich and hassle free effluent pond in spring.