A Perfect Soil

Managing a farming operation is no small task. In fact over the period of the earth's history more time has been devoted to promoting agricultural development than any other topic. It stems back to the earliest records of human activity, and is recognized as of the highest importance-we don't even regard a group of people as civilized until they begin to lean to cultivate and tend to crops in order to sustain them.

Over time society realized that there are certain elements that can be added to soil to increase the productivity of that soil. The American Indians taught the pilgrims that the addition of a fish to the soil in their corn plots would produce higher yields. Couple this with the knowledge they brought with them and thus the science of soil amendments was born in our country. Since that time we have invested massive amounts of money in research to drive our country to the top of the list as far as farm producers of the world are concerned. During this time of mass learning and application we have learned many things, yet perhaps none more important than the fact that the addition of organic matter to soils is one of the most crucial steps in sustainable agriculture.

Our soils are our lifeblood in agricultural communities. Roosevelt stated "The nation that destroys its' soil destroys itself". Farmers are indeed stewards of this important resource, and are rewarded in their efforts to maintain their soils with increased yields of their crops. All farmers know deep down that organic matter, and in particular humus, is a vital component of their soil matrix. Humus increases water holding capacity which is especially critical in these years of drought. It also increases nutrient holding capacity and stabilizes soil structure. In sum, humus is the main source of fuel and energy in the soil. When we think of the richest soils don't our minds automatically envision a black prairie grassland soil, rich in these organic constituents?

For years before chemical fertilizers were available, farmers would incorporate manures and other organic wastes into their soils in order to meet the nutrient needs of their plants. We soon recognized that the addition of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium were indeed the elements needed to increase plant growth. An entire industry was born to meet the farmer's need of these three elements. Further research, however, has revealed that trace elements, often called micronutrients, are just as important as N, P, and K. The chemical industry has led us to believe that we should focus only on the "big three" and as we do that our farms and soils become mines from which these essential micronutrients are stripped and exported in the crops we produce. With each yearly harvest, our soils are depleted of these vital elements and the organic matter that holds them.

The difference between a farm and a mine is simple: farming is a renewable resource dependant on our inputs to the soil, while a mine follows a vein of mineral that will, over time run out. There is no input that will make more ore. So we ask ourselves, are we farmers or miners? Will we deplete our soils of all their vital elements and then move on? We don't have to. We can build up and fortify our soils thanks to the research of thousands of people dedicated to the preservation and increased fertility and productivity of our soils.

If we were to build the perfect soil, where would we start? The mineral fraction of the soil is important, and here in the valley we have many variations in the mix of sand, silt, and clay. The nutrients are there, but can be leached away if there is nothing to hold onto them. Organic matter acts as a magnet to hold those nutrients in place where our crops can use them. Without it, they are free to be washed away. Organic matter also helps keep our topsoils where they should be- on our farms, not blowing away out on the desert. So we need the minerals and the organic fractions of the soil to be productive, and we have already mentioned the need of macro (N, P , K) and micronutrients. Is there anything else we need to make this perfect soil?

The answer is a resounding yes. Without the microorganisms present in the soil, our farming attempts would be in vain. These bugs include bacteria, fungi, nematodes, insects, and earthworms, as well as the many other animals that we find in a typical soil. Without these critters, we would never be able to complete the processes needed to have productive agriculture. Just think-no nitrogen fixers, no breakdown of crop residues into humus. Our fields would quickly turn into organic trash piles.

We all have the mineral portion of the soils sitting there on our farms. In our western soils organic matter is a limiting factor. So where do we go for that? Well, there is a soil amendment (biofertilizer) that will not only add pure organic matter rich in humus-boosting your water and nutrient holding capacities, but will also stimulate the biologic growth of your soil by introducing beneficial bacteria and other microorganisms into your soil. That product is quality compost- a real superbrew of nutrient, organic matter and microbes designed specifically to alleviate the problems of our typical western soils. Community Recycling, one of the foremost in compost research states:

"Compost benefits are of two kinds-first in immediate crop growth, and second in long-range buildup of soil health and fertility. Side benefits include savings in use of pesticides, herbicides, and traditional fertilizers. It all begins with build-up of soils fertility, humus, and biological activity in the soil."

The nutrient content of good compost is a unique by-product of the decomposition process. Composting facilitates the breakdown of organic products to release the elements needed for crop growth. Although nitrogen content of compost is typically lower than in commercial fertilizers, it is more greatly available to the crop because it stays in the soil. Leaching and vaporization are key loss factors in the application of commercial nitrogen fertilizers, but compost, with its humus "nutrient magnet" retains that nitrogen where it can be utilized by the plant. Over time, the nutrients are released to the plant, instead of being wasted away.

But how can it save me money on pesticides? The answer is simple. The soil food web provides a natural means of destroying disease-causing organisms. Compost enriches this web, creating natural competition for food sources by the introduction of beneficial species. Some of these species also put out anti-biotic chemicals that attack pathogens, while others "seek and destroy" these bad bugs directly by feeding on them. Other biological benefits include the attraction of earthworms, which aerate the soil while also producing their own nitrogenous fertilizers.



W. Tyler Tuttle
B.S. Environmental Science
Brigham Young University Dept. of Agronomy

Compost Use in Reducing Water Consumption


When the thought of rich American soil comes to mind, typically we picture the moist Iowa cornfields with their black color. These humus-rich soils are the result of decades of grassland biodegradation, Mother Natures own composting facility. The reality we live with here in the West, however, s that most of our soils contain les than 1% organic matter. Our soils are limited by the absence of this principal constituent of a healthy soil. In the past few years, this absence of organic matter has been magnified by the drought conditions we have faced. Irrigation restrictions have become commonplace in most of the western states with no relief on the near horizon. This paper will explain the importance of soil organic matter to general soil health with an emphasis on water conservation and measures that may be taken to increase water holding capacity during drought conditions.

The organic fraction of the soil has long been known to be one of the leading factors in productivity of soils. Organic matter can hold twice its weight in water and can slow release that moisture to the root zone of plants. Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas, one of the foremost groups in the research of organic matter and its effects on soil water holding capacity, states that for every 1% increase in soil organic matter, the soil can hold 16,500 gallons more water per acre (attra.ncat.org). To illustrate this principle, the following graph appeared in their paper.

Source: ATTRA

Such a linear relationship helps us to understand the importance of soil organic matter and soil water holding capacity. In another publication, Experts in Texas cited the following:

"In Texas urban areas, about one-half or more of municipal water supplies
are used for landscape and garden watering. Estimates are that
just a 5 percent increase in using organic materials on lawns and
gardens could reduce watering by as much as 60 percent." (Beck 2002)

These statistics cannot be overlooked. To maintain attractive landscapes while doing our part to conserve our precious water resources, we must implement best management practices. Some recommended practices for increasing soil organic matter levels include:
Use of compost in establishing lawns: Amending soils with 3-5 cubic yards/ 1000
square ft. of high quality compost is an excellent way to begin. Compost is typically 80% organic matter by weight and improves existing soil structure (i.e. loosening up heavy clay soils).

Topdressing existing lawns: Applying ¼ inch layer of compost to existing lawns
saves water two ways.
1. By increasing soil organic matter and
2. By creating a micromulch around the plant root base.

All landscape professionals use mulches around trees and shrubs to reduce the amount of evaporation in the surrounding soil. A topdressing application of fine particulate compost allows the same mechanism in your lawn. According to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, mulching does all of the following:
· Reduces the loss of moisture in the soil by as much as 70%.
· Prevents weeds, meaning less work and more water and nutrients for your grounds.
· Insulates and keeps the soil temperatures more even.
· Prevents crusting of the soil, thus allowing water to seep into the soil more slowly.
· Decreases soil erosion and the need for cultivation. Source:( http://www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org/drought/sixtips.html)
Application of the above methods can significantly reduce the need for irrigation over the course of a blistering summer. With water restrictions looming, now is the best time to begin to implement these practices. . If applied only for its water conserving benefits, compost also provides these other benefits:
· Encourages the formation of appropriately-sized aggregates which protect soil from erosion and compaction
· Eliminates (some say reduces) the need for chemicals which may pollute ground water
· Conserves water as penetration and retention are improved, erosion and run-off are reduced.
· Stabilizes and regulates pH at optimum level for nutrient availability
· Allows better root penetration in clay soils.
· Improves moisture retention in sandy soils so water loss and leaching are reduced or eliminated.
· Improves drainage in clay soils
· Promotes fertility through higher quantities of macro and micro nutrition, as well as improving the availability of the nutrition
· Stimulates plant root development. Overall root environment is improved due to better structure, porosity, and density of the soil.
· Soil-borne plant pathogens are controlled or suppressed.
These techniques, coupled with programmed water application schedules can help us get through this summer with healthy lawns and gardens while conserving water for other uses.
W. Tyler Tuttle
B.S. Environmental Science
Brigham Young University

Fertilizing for the market

With modern agricultural advances, we are better able to custom tailor our crops to end user's ideals. As they are the ones who determine the market and consequently the price of our goods, it is in our best interest as producers to meet their needs. In the hay market, quality determines marketability, which shows up as a better price for the goods produced.

In the hay business, we are all trying to find practices that will allow us to make the most of our land. One of the main issues is increasing the relative feed values of our alfalfa. Studies and local trials have shown that soil-building practices increase the RFV of the crops produced.

A healthy alfalfa plant is able to take care of its nitrogen needs through symbiotic relationships with soil microbes. The microbes feed on substances given off by the roots, and return the favor by fixing nitrogen from the air into a form that the plant can use. We typically worry about nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, but what of the other elements?

Take calcium for example. In producing dairy quality hay, we should definitely take a look at calcium. Why does milk do "a body good"? It's the calcium content of the milk. That calcium comes from the feed that the animal gets. Now I know our soils have a lot of calcium in them, but is that calcium available for plant uptake? The reason that we have to apply twice the amount of commercial phosphate fertilizer for "available phosphate" is that it becomes bound to calcium in the soil. We need to find forms of all these elements that are readily available to our crops without the potential to tie up with other elements, volatilize into the air, or leach out of the root zone.

Sulfur is another critical element that is often overlooked. In considering protein assembly, both nitrogen and sulfur are vital. True, the majority of the amino acids that chain together to form a protein molecule are nitrogen dependent, but the form of the molecule is dependent on sulfur. You see, sulfur forms the disulfide bridge that binds the molecule together. So without sulfur, you have no protein.

We could go on and on about each microelement that has been cited by university studies to be vital to plant growth, but the bottom line is that traditionally, it was much too expensive to supplement crops with additional iron, copper, manganese, zinc, boron, sulfur, and calcium. For years we have concerned ourselves with only the big three: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Now we have here in the valley a source of all of these critical elements: quality compost.

The nutrients in compost are different from those you get with commercial fertilizer. They are all bound to organic molecules, such as humic acids. In this form, the nutrients are ready for absorption into the plant, while being protected from leaching and tying up with other elements. This process is called chelation. Chelated minerals are by far the best form for plant nutrient purposes.

Here is one aspect concerning using compost to improve our crops that I would like to point out. Compost does contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in ratios that our plants need. In fact, if you only buy compost for its N, P, & K, you get all the other elements for free, not to mention the increased water holding capacity and organic matter that compost provides. Because of the recent rate hikes in natural gas, nitrogen fertilizer prices are expected to continue to rise. Compost may be the most economical nitrogen you can buy.

Most farmers have a spot of ground on their place where they have torn out an old corral. Is that not the best ground on your place? These areas have been fertilized by these chelated nutrients. The good thing about compost as opposed to raw manure is that it is much easier to handle, weed seed free, and contains more nutrients, as they become concentrated during the composting process. After last year's experience with growers in the valley, we have determined that 2 tons of compost per acre will serve to produce better hay while building the underlying soil structure and nutrient reservoir. Generally relative feed values have been high. The possibility exists that higher yields will now be limited to micronutrient deficiencies, therefore the wise farmer will choose fertilizer that supplies these nutrients.

W. Tyler Tuttle B.S. Agronomy Brigham Young University

Nutrient Content of Compost

Last week we focused on the overall history and soil-building capacity of compost. My purpose today is to present an analysis of the nutrient content of the compost produced by BIOREM, and to explain the total value, in nutrient terms that this compost will add to your farming operation. Nutrient content of compost is a natural product of the decomposition process carried out by the bacteria, fungi, and other biology present. Many farmers have been concerned with the N, P, K analyses of organic fertilizers, but we will clarify today what a superior product quality compost can be.

As I researched this week, I found an interesting study that was conducted in Sweden over a thirty-two year period. In this particular field, I believe it has been one of the most comprehensive studies on a long-term basis on the overall results of organic vs. inorganic farming. Let me share a few things that I learned.
Dr. Artur Grandstedt and Dr. Lars Kjellenberg have been involved with this project and recently published their findings. During the time between 1958 and 1990 crop yields:

"Increased 65% overall with the biodynamic (organic) practices, while only 50% was achieved with conventional (inorganic) practices. The analysis of soil data showed that nearly all chemical (pH, P, K, Mg, C, and N) and biological (respiration, DHA, urease, earthworms) parameters assessed were improved by organic fertilization whereas no such improvements were observed following the application of mineral fertilizers." (Grandsted and Kjellenberg 1997)

This is truly an eye-opening report. It was also noted in the study that as crop yields increased so did the quality and nutrient content of the crops produced.

The main focus of any fertilizer program is to get more nutrients into the plants to further their growth. I would make the comparison of using a chemical fertilizer to the using of ordinary aspirin to mend a broken bone. Sure, it can reduce the pain, as often as you take it and relive the symptoms of the injury, but it will not heal until more drastic measures are taken. The bone must be reset to its proper alignment in order for it to be restored to its full capacity. With inorganic chemical nutrient application, we are relieving only symptoms, we are not getting to the base of the problem.

Any farmer knows that nitrogen is a vital element in the production of almost any crop. One of the most interesting aspects of the Sweden experiments was that although the organic additions were lower in total nitrogen, the crop yields were 15% higher than in a high inorganic nitrogen addition. Why? The answer is found in the soil itself. If the plant is unable to get to the nitrogen applied, it does us no good. In fact, nitrogen is so abundant in our world that you would think we should never be nitrogen deficient. 80% of the air we breathe is pure nitrogen gas. What happened in the organic applications is that the compost increased the soil's mineralization capacity, which is the measure of a soil's ability to make nitrogen available to plants.

"The mean mineralization capacity during the 32 year period was on average 95% higher in the organically farmed treatments as compared to the treatments receiving commercial fertilizer. The higher mineralization capacity compensated completely for the absence of applied mineral nitrogen in the organically farmed treatment." (Grandsted and Kjellenberg 1997)

Please be advised that our intent is not to convert local farmers to organic practices, but only to emphasize the importance of organic constituents in maximizing soil potential. We recognize that optimum yields are probably found in the combined schools of thought.

Here are the numbers for a typical application to an alfalfa field at a recommended rate of 2 tons/acre. Depending on freight, our cost is approximately $36 per acre delivered and spread. Let's analyze the nutrient value of this application. On an average compost analysis you would get $56.82 per acre worth of N, P, and K, $102.80 per acre of Sulfur, Magnesium, and Calcium, and $32.06 of Iron, Manganese, Copper, Zinc, and Boron. As you can follow in the table provided, you get a total nutrient value of $191.68 and that is chelated mineral fertilizer. The term chelate is defined as "an organic chemical that forms a ring compound in which a metal is held between atoms strongly enough to diminish the rate at which it becomes fixed by the soil, thereby making it more available for plant and microbial uptake." (Furhmann et al 1999) Thus, these nutrients are not instantaneously "fixed" in the soil; they are ready for plant use. In addition to these nutrient values, we must also consider the value that is found in humic acids. These substances carry out many important functions in healthy soils. Dr. William R. Jackson gives a list of these vital benefits:

1. Improved seed germination
2. Greater growth of fibrous roots
3. Increases in legume root nodule formation
4. Greater resistance to insects
5. Greater plant resistance to drought and effects of frost damage

"These effects are of economic value in that they contribute to increased yields and to improved crop quality, including the storage life of perishable crops." (Jackson 1993)

These acids have a market value of $2.50 per gallon and our compost typically averages 274 gallons per ton. The value of just these humic acids is $1,370 for our 2-ton/acre application. Overall this brings our total value to $1,562.

The nutrient benefit alone is a no-brainer. Yet, if you're still not convinced, let's throw in a few more considerations:
When you purchase any commercial fertilizer you generally get only one or two elements. With compost you are adding back all other essential elements for FREE!

When adding compost to the soil, you are adding over 1200 lbs. of organic matter per ton of compost, increasing nutrient and water-holding capacity.

According to recent GPS and Variable Rate technology, the organic matter reading on your soil test is the best indicator to determine where in your fields your best yields will come from.

Humic acid is teeming with beneficial microflora which help to suppress disease while promoting plant growth and high quality crops.



W. Tyler Tuttle
B.S. Environmental Science
Brigham Young University Dept. of Agronomy

Works Cited:
Gransted, A. and L. Kjellenberg. "Long Term Experiment in Sweden"Proceedings of International
Conference. Tufts University March 19-21,1997.

Jackson, W.R. Organic Soil Conditioning. Jackson Research Center 1993 p 174, 177.

Furhmann, J. et al. Principles and Applications of Soil Microbiology. Prentice hall 1999 p. 523.

With nearly 30 years experience in the agricultural biological industry, we have seen many products come and go. Our goal of sustainable and profitable growth for our customers has always been #1. Our product line targets this goal.

Our trademark, Pharmgrade, explains the difference between our philosophy and that of our competition. We gather pharmaceutical-grade inoculant strains of beneficial bacteria and fungi the world over for use in our composts and teas. Each one of these specialized strains is chosen for a specific function that we wish to perform in our product and in the soil. Some strains are chosen for their predatory behavior towards known disease causing bacteria and fungi. Others are chosen for their roles in nutrient cycling, unleashing the nutrient potential that your soils have tied up for years. We are constantly researching the capabilities of new inoculants and adjusting our products for specific uses.

Potato School Program

In our compost manufacturing, we employ these specialized strains to produce a compost that is high in humic acid content and rich in biological diversity. We add our proprietary blend of bacteria and fungi to enhance the compost product. The compost feeds and houses the microbes as we deliver them to the field. This enhancement is in addition to the great water retaining and soil building properties that compost already possesses. Our compost product has shown excellent results in bringing some of the worst soils and yields up to par. That's the best money spent- If you can bring your worst ground up to average you are driving profit to the bottom line. And that's the reason you are in business in the first place.

Pharmgrade Tea is a fast-acting biological supplement that has produced significant results for growers. This product differs from other teas out there in its potency and makeup. We take the pharmaceutical-grade microbes with the specific functions we desire and multiply their numbers to achieve our active blend. By dominating the leaf and soil with beneficial microbes, the plant can better defend against disease-causing organisms. The natural plant growth stimulus that we observe with our tea is a function of metabolites and enzymes produced in the process. These also add to general plant health. A healthy plant is the best way to avoid disease. We use the slogan "Got Potato Disease? We're Working on It!" because that is our ultimate goal, to find natural cures for potato disease. We feel that the greatest remedies are found in balanced biodiversity in the field.

After years of perfecting our product line through university-level research and in-field trials, we can be confident in saying that we can drive profit to your bottom line. This past year alone, we have collected 600 lines of in-field data all over the Western States. After careful data analysis, we show an average of $3 return for every $1 investment in our products. If you want to build soil, increase yield, reduce disease, and blacken your bottom line, the only real answer is Pharmgrade Compost and Pharmgrade Compost Tea.

What Your Crop Needs


Potatoes Need: Pharmgrade Compost Comments:
may supply:
(check tests on website)

Sulfur 25-100 lbs. per acre 48 lbs. per ton There is evidence that larger amount of sulfur applied in furrow can substantially decrease tuber infection by common scab and black scurf.
depends on availability There are no negative effects associated with excessive sulfur.


Nitrogen 150-200 lbs. per acre 26 lbs. per ton Too little Nitrogen results in smaller tubers, higher sugar levels and lower starch content than desired
depends on availability Too much Nitrogen results in poor root development and delayed tuber development equaling smaller yields
Nitrogen in the presence of adequate phosphorous and potassium stimulates rapid canopy growth , leaves and branches.
Nitrogen needs to be present from emergence to flowering


Phosphorous 50-250 lbs. per acre 36 lbs. per ton Phosphorous influences the size and proportion of tubers
depends on availability Excessive phosphorous will not injure potatoes
Too little phosphorous results in slower growth and smaller tubers


Potassium 40-120 lbs. per acre 94 lbs. per ton Potassium promotes larger sizing of potato tubers solely by increasing water accumulation in tubers resulting in lower levels of dry
depends on availability matter content.
Deficiency of potassium results in short plants with shortened internodes, poor root growth and shortened stolons. Tubers are predisposed
to black spot bruising and are decease susceptible.
Too much potassium may result in tubers being rejected for holding too much water for potato chips.