Plocher™ System: Kat, K, T and G
Use: Composting and Nutrition Aid
The Plocher™ System of products was developed in Germany. It takes a holistic approach that establishes a natural balance of bacteria on the farm and involves revitalizing water and improving nutrient conversion, milk quality and the general health of animals. It also improves the quality of slurry, soil and humus.
All Plocher™ products use mineral substances, such as calcium carbonate or dolomite, as a base. The first step is to add the Plocher Kat™ device to the drinking water system to reduce levels of minerals such as copper, iron, manganese and lead. This reduces the number of harmful bacteria and improves the taste of the water so animals drink more, which flushes their kidneys. The Plocher Kat™ requires no upkeep and no electricity. It has a life expectancy of 20 years.
The second step is to start the composting process by adding Plocher K™ to bedding to reduce the ammonia that irritates animals’ respiratory system, improve their health and avoid the traditional disinfectants that kill good and bad bacteria. The third step is to supplement the animals’ diet with Plocher T™ to improve digestion, overall health and milk production. The slurry will contain a higher level of favourable bacteria on which the action of Plocher G™ is even more profitable. The final step is to add Plocher G™ to the liquid manure to stimulate aerobic bacteria to decompose the manure, maintain a consistent texture to the liquid, reduce odour, retain nitrogen, reduce e.coli and improve the value of the slurry as fertilizer.
A dairy farmer in Eastern Ontario observed that most flies around the manure disappeared in 5 weeks. He saved money by not having to spray insecticide and by reducing his fertilizer by 30%. As well, the animals were more comfortable, odours were reduced significantly, the handling of the manure was easier on the machines and yields are just as good as previous years. The barn is cleaner and somatic cell count dropped.
Benefits
As a holistic treatment for animal health and composting, the Plocher™ system:
- Stimulates the microbial life necessary for aerobic decomposition of compost, which reduces odours.
- Increases nutrient levels and availability in manures and slurry.
- Increases feed conversion, improves nutrient uptake and overall health and performance.
- Improves hygiene, air quality and animal health.
- Is effective against e.coli, salmonella, clostridia, staph uberus, enterococci and coliforms.
- Requires no turning or ventilation and reduces agitation time.
- Turns deep litter systems into firm dry beds that require less management.
- Speeds up decomposition by 40%.
- Improves the fertilizing value of the slurry.
- Reduces somatic cell count, diarrhea and calving problems.
- Reduces the number of flies and fly larvae in the bedding.
Directions for Use
Plocher Kat™:
- To add to water line or pipe: one Plocher Kat™ device/20 animals or per 396 gallons or 1,500 L of daily water consumption.
- Do not use with lead piping.
Plocher K™:
- For accumulated compost or manure: 1.4 oz./10 ft.sq. or 40 g/m2. Spread daily over compost layers or make holes and pour into an existing pile.
- For floors and gutters: apply 0.28 oz/1,100 lb or 8 g/500 kg once a week after removing animals and bedding. Reduce to 0.18 oz/1,100 lb or 5 g/500 kg once a week if using with other Plocher products.
- For walls: 0.1 oz /10 ft. sq. or or 3 g/ m2 3 – 4 times a year to reduce flies.
- To spray: mix 1.7 oz of Plocher K in 5.2 gallons or 50 g in 20 L of water. Let sit for 4 – 12 hours. Shake or stir well before using.
- To use dry: Mix 1 part Plocher K™ to 10 parts sand, sawdust or rock powder. Let sit for minimum 24 hours before using.
Plocher T™:
- Cattle and Dairy: 0.03 – 0.07 oz or 1 – 2 g/day. Add with water to feed. Start with 0.01 oz or 0.5 g/day and increase gradually to reach 0.07 oz or 2 g/day after 4 weeks.
- Calves: to prevent digestive problems: 0.06 oz or 2 g/day. For critical cases: 0.17 oz. or 5 g/day. Add to milk.
Use Plocher T Vital – Bovine™ and Vital – Calf™ with Plocher T™.
- Mix in a sufficient amount of water to pour over fodder and silage at least one hour before use or add to the mineral supplement.
Plocher G™:
- For accumulated slurry in a tank: apply 3.3 lb of Plocher G™ per 3,000 cu. ft. or 1.5 kg per 100 m3 of slurry.
- In buildings: apply 0.16 oz/1,100 lb or 5 g/500 kg once per week in the gutters and around the animals. Reduce to 5 g/1,100 lb or 500 kg once a week if using with other Plocher™ products.
- After major cleaning of buildings or twice a year: apply 0.07 – 0.1 oz/10 sq. ft. or 2 – 3 g/m2 on walls and floors.
- Mix 1.7 oz of Plocher G™ with 5.2 gallons or 50 g with 20 L of water and let sit for 4 – 12 hours. Stir or shake well before using. Spray or pour over gutters, the pre-tank or the tank in the liquid part of the slurry, making holes in the crust if necessary.
Packaging
- Store in a dry place, on wood. Avoid cement and metal surfaces. Keep clear (+ 5 ft. or 1.5 m) of fuse boxes, electrical motors and baseboard heaters.
Plocher Kat™:
- Small device revitalizes 158 gallons or 600 L/day. Suitable for 0.25 – 1 inch or 6 – 25 mm diameter pipes.
- Large device revitalizes 396 gallons or 1,500 L/day. Suitable for 0.75 – 2.75 inches or 20 – 70 mm diameter pipes.
Plocher K™:
- 22 lb or 10 kg powder
- 4.4 lb or 2 kg powder
Plocher T™:
Plocher G™:
- 22 lb or 10 kg powder
- 2.1 gallons or 8 L liquid
Safety
- Wear a dust mask when using large amounts of dry Plocher K™ products.
- Use appropriate precautions when handling any product.