Tank mixing molasses

[mikep]

Some interesting research seems to point to the fact that stable soil om is formed not from plant material directly but by bactetia residue which use the plant material as a food source. In the lab you could get good increases in om from just sugar without any plant material. Trying to slow down decomposition of plant material is counter productive as it may go to co2 before the microbes get to it.
Completely f**ks up current thinking if true and maybe we don't need to feed the soil but the bacteria. May be why molasses helps and a few litres could beat a cover crop?

 

[rob1]

Some interesting research seems to point to the fact that stable soil om is formed not from plant material directly but by bactetia residue which use the plant material as a food source. In the lab you could get good increases in om from just sugar without any plant material. Trying to slow down decomposition of plant material is counter productive as it may go to co2 before the microbes get to it.
Completely fudges up current thinking if true and maybe we don't need to feed the soil but the bacteria. May be why molasses helps and a few litres could beat a cover crop?

interesting but wouldnt the sugar be a bit like a druggie having a hit and then withdrawal rather than a steady feed from plant material or the bugs to live on

 

[mikep]

Probably but the point I think really is that it's not the quantity of plant matter but the quality we must must focus on I.e perhaps a more sugar focused cover crop.
Interesting to keep tabs on though just proves we are all learners and experts are often no wiser.

 

[Philip Hedeng]

I read that research summary. Doesn't N lock up after cultivation work the same way? First bacteria consume N during rapid crop residue digestion, but as the bacteria cycle N becomes accessible again to next crop. Now with C; bacteria consume it during digestion and when they cycle it becomes accessible again, in a more stable form in this case (and some lost as CO2 from cellular respiration). Or am I too tired for this right now?

 

[mikep]

I read that research summary. Doesn't N lock up after cultivation work the same way? First bacteria consume N during rapid crop residue digestion, but as the bacteria cycle N becomes accessible again to next crop. Now with C; bacteria consume it during digestion and when they cycle it becomes accessible again, in a more stable form in this case (and some lost as CO2 from cellular respiration). Or am I too tired for this right now?

I sometimes think if you accidentally find something works just keep doing it and don't try to work out why. Knowledge may empower but only if you are awake long enough.

 

[SimonD]

I sometimes think if you accidentally find something works just keep doing it and don't try to work out why. Knowledge may empower but only if you are awake long enough.

Do it because you think it's right or adding value. Don't worry about the masses as everyone will do what they believe is right for themselves and I wouldn't be concerned with justification.

 

[SimonD]

So I'm keen to try some of this, when is the best timing? I can add to liquid fert or fungicide, which is best? How much to apply?
Can get came molasses at 64% sugar.

Where are people getting their molasses from? Happy to buy it in ibc's.

 

[Howdenshire Farmer]

Where are people getting their molasses from? Happy to buy it in ibc's.

Got mine through Woldmarsh. Delivered in bulk and pumped into my IBC.

 

[Longneck]

I've only spoken to ACT... they can supply in pump off into tanks/ibc. Minimum of about 4-5t iirc

 

[wellingtonfarmer]

Got mine through Woldmarsh. Delivered in bulk and pumped into my IBC.

What time of molasses is it? I have some moleale which i feed the cows? Can I use that? What sort of rates?