ONE of the main challenges with soil on farms is that the root systems of grass and crops are not growing deep enough in the soil. This means that during drought conditions they are not able to access the moisture and during heavy rainfall they are not helping to drain the land.

We need to go away from farming and feeding the top three inches and get the soil working from within. SOBAC Bacteriosol can help negate against the effects of drought and heavy rainfall, the fields will recover quicker.

The soil is organic matter, rock particles, air, water and micro life. A healthy soil will help the uptake of nutrients into the plant and the animal will have access to better quality forage. One company that specialise in bringing the soil back to life is SOBAC.

SOBAC is a company based in the South of France specialising in organic soil amendments. SOBAC came to Ireland in 2012 in partnership with P&T Stapleton Limited.

SOBAC’s products Bacteriolit and Bacteriosol are made up of a complex of micro-organisms which improves the level of micro-life in the soil, allowing the soil to fulfil its full natural cycle. It was developed by Marcel Mezy, a French farmer, in the 1980s. It also helps to transform organic matter into humus.

Fertilising

Bacteriosol is a granulated fertiliser that can be spread in a normal fertiliser spreader. The application rate is 40kg per acre for stud farms and the application rate for racecourses is 80kg per acre. We are currently working with a number of stud farms and racecourses who are using Bacteriosol, and we are advising them on all aspects of soil health which improves the surface and soil structure.

Bacteriolit is the first product that SOBAC developed and it is a selection of microorganisms. It can be added to the bedding of animals to reduce ammonia, smells and toxins. It is ideal for the use in stables. It can be used in slurry tanks and dry bedding of cattle also. It is very effective at breaking down organic matter and composting straw.

Testimonials

Owen Byrne, Tramore Racecourse

We started working with Tom Stapleton of soil.ie at the start of 2020. We have used SOBAC’s Bacteriosol on the track and we have also used his organic liquid spray.

We increased the application rates this year on the track and we are seeing improvements with the grass density and the recovery of the surface after racing. The root systems have increased which helps with drainage and we are very happy with the progress so far.

Chris Shanahan is our track foreman and is really committed to maintaining the track in the most environmentally friendly way possible. We are looking forward to welcoming the public back whenever that happens and I am sure they will see the improvements in the track.

Guy O’ Callaghan, Grangemore Stud

I started using Bacteriosol from SOBAC a few years ago. I was watching a farm that started using the process and decided to use it myself. I was looking for a natural way to fertilise the land and it fitted in with my plan.

The fields recover very well after the winter and the grass growth is consistent. The horses look well, overall I am happy with the product.

George Coyle, commercial hay producer

I do keep some stock and because I have paddocks fertilised with either chemicals or Bacteriosol I can compare the difference. The stock always seems to prefer Bacteriosol grass, grazing the paddock out evenly.

When it comes to making hay the process is definitely easier. The grass isn’t pumped with nitrogen and excess moisture.

I’ve had the hay tested and the results show that protein and dry matter content is higher in the hay cut from a field where I have spread Bacteriosol and my customers want that hay.

We have way more worms with Bacteriosol. Worms are so important for soil health.

Sean McDermot, dairy farmer

In April 2015 we did a soil profile. I think there were 50-60 people here. We dug the holes with the digger and we could not believe there was such a difference in it. The grass, and the roots of the grass went so far into the ground. We had fierce worm activity as well. It was an eye opener to me to see what was going on under the ground. We are happy enough so far.

For more information or to arrange a no obligation consultation, contact Tom at P&T Stapleton 087-2328051.