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Lagoon Management in Animal Agriculture

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Over the years, agriculture has become more efficient, meaning we can feed more people on fewer resources, less waste, and fewer emissions. According to the USDA, land usage has decreased by 24% and labor by 75% over the last 65 years. As the population continues to grow, communities are starting to encroach closer to farmland. Most folks like the idea and serenity of the countryside, but not all appreciate the smell that can come along with it. Just as land and labor efficiencies have advanced over the years, odor management has followed suit in the development of new technologies.

Agricultural lagoons

The main purpose of a lagoon is to store and treat organic waste found in wastewater. There are a couple of different types of lagoons, including anaerobic and aerobic lagoons. Most farms use anaerobic lagoons, as they require fewer input costs and work well in rural locations. Two layers of waste are formed in anaerobic lagoons: the sludge layer and effluent layer. The sludge layer is the portion of heavy organic particulates that sink to the bottom. The effluent layer is the water on top, which is extremely important in the regulation of pH and proper degradation of organic matter. In addition to primary lagoon uses, the effluent has additional applications. For example, portions of this layer can be pumped off to use in flush systems in barns or as fertilizer on fields (Texas Animal Manure Management Issues).

How do lagoons work?

Treatment of anaerobic lagoons involves stabilization of the waste, which is a two-step process (EPA).

#1 – The acid phase: Acid production must take place to produce acetate, propionate, and lactate. 

#2 – Methane production: The acids mentioned previously are converted to acetate and are then used to produce methane. 

Methane production is the end result of waste stabilization. If volatile fatty acids are found in high concentration, the lagoon is not working properly and requires further treatment to stabilize pH.

AgriGro’s Innovative Technology

Indigo® is a wastewater treatment designed to reduce odors and enhance biodegradation of organic matter found in lagoons. This state of the art technology enhances methanogenic bacterial production to control odors and stabilize lagoon organic matter. 

While most lagoons used in agriculture are anaerobic, this product is extremely versatile and can be used in both anaerobic and aerobic lagoons. With Indigo®, you will see a difference in odor within only 48 hours after application. Increase the lifetime productivity of your lagoon with the help of Indigo®.




Learn More About Indigo®

SOURCES:  Wang, S. L., Nehring, R., and Mosheim, R. 2018. Agricultural Productivity Growth in the United States: 1948-2015. In United States Department of Agriculture- Economic Research Service. Retrieved from https://www.ers.usda.gov/amber-waves/2018/march/agricultural-productivity-growth-in-the-united-states

AgriGro Attends the 8th Annual Aqua Forum in Monterrey Mexico

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Monterrey Mexico

Recently, AgriGro attended the 8th annual AquaForum in Monterrey Mexico. This event is a gathering of international experts in the wastewater treatment, pool, and spa industries with regional and national distributors and manufacturers that interact directly with end users who are responsible for the maintenance and operation of wastewater treatment plants, portable water plants, pools, and spas.

AgriGro proudly works with Spin Group as our Mexico, Central and South American Distributor for our Agro-industrial and wastewater treatment products.

During our time at the trade show, our team had the opportunity to network with many different representatives of companies in the wastewater industry from Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia. We also hosted a seminar to provide education on the benefits and effectiveness of our industrial wastewater products and met with Spin Group executives.

 

 

With 52 years in business, Spin Group is a multicultural Mexican company.  Founded by Humberto Abaroa Martinez, along with his wife Elvira and their four children Humberto, Veronica, Hector, and Luis.  They have owned and operated the company since 1957 and excelled in the manufacturing and commercialization of products and services  in the pool, water treatment, and chemical specialties for the food, construction, gardening, and automotive maintenance industries; consolidating themselves as national leaders with a marketing presence in Mexico, Central and South America, Europe, and the Caribbean.

Agri-Gro Marketing, Inc. formed AgriGro Mexico, S.A. de C.V. in 2008, and aligned with Spin Group in order to add our prebiotic biodegradator and animal feed supplement to their pipeline.  Spin Group has been a gracious host and tremendous partners in the industry.

Throughout the summit, AgriGro worked along side of Spin Group with each bringing representatives to both host a booth and a breakout session.

Fred Helwig, AgriGro’s Latin American Representative presented during the breakout session on the technology behind AgriGro Mexico’s wastewater treatment product BDM-50. Samantha Marquez,  Brand Manager for AgriGro products and Head AgriGro Representative for Spin Group, hosted the AgriGro BDM-50 booth.

Also in attendance at the event was AgriGro Corporate Representatives, Shannon and Lori Smith. Shannon is Co-Owner, Vice President and Sales Executive of AgriGro Marketing Inc. He specializes in Livestock with nearly 3 decades of experience in the agricultural industry. Lori Smith, Shannon’s wife, is AgriGro’s Digital Marketing Director and Home and Garden Sales Representative specializing in online sales.