ORGANIC FEED PRODUCTION

The use of animal waste as fertilizer.

With the deposition of animal waste on the soil begins the aerobic thermophilic decomposition of organic matter and the conversion of waste into a stable compost. This process converts the organic substances of the animal waste into inorganic ones,making it possible for the plants to use these substances. The composition of the manureincluding N, P and K is considered to be the most suitable fertilizer. The dispersion of manure in the cultivated areas is an ideal use as a soil conditioner.

In general, in recent decades there has been a decrease in the use of manure as a fertilizer. This is mainly due to the lower cost of the production of chemical fertilizers and the increase in the cost of processing and managing manure. There are many differing views on the choice between chemical fertilizers or manure as soil conditioners. Chemical fertilizers have a negative impact on the environment, for example nitrogen pollution of water, but it is a more economical option for growers.

At Makris Farm we have made our choices. We use animal manure as the only soil conditioner. In this way we produce organic feed, without the slightest use of chemicals. With the organic feed we produce, we feed our animals during the winter, when theycannot find food in the pastures.