Founded in 2023 as the sustainability division of Select Sires Inc., Low Carbon Technologies (LCT) focuses on helping producers maximize the value of cattle and their operations by earning a premium for low-carbon-production practices. Earlier this year, LCT teamed up with Resonant Technology™ Group in a new distribution agreement of products aimed at boosting the productivity and sustainability of livestock operations. The portfolio of products includes innovative manure-management and animal-health solutions powered by SOP™ Inside technology.
As a member-owner of Select Sires, CentralStar Cooperative now offers SOP Lagoon, the only natural manure product proven to reduce operational dairy expenses while simultaneously suppressing the release of ammonia, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and odors. SOP Lagoon metabolizes nutrients found in animal waste by activating bio-valorization. The powdered additive conditions the microbial populations present in manure to fluidify waste solids, reducing the need for agitation and bolstering its fertilization properties.
Supported by multiple scientific studies from esteemed institutions such as University of California, Davis (UC Davis), Davis, Calif., and the University of Milan, Milan, Italy, SOP Lagoon has been successfully utilized in Italy for more than 20 years. The product is now undergoing further evaluation in North America, with trials implemented in June 2024. These trials aim to validate the immediate effectiveness of SOP Lagoon, while also assessing the potential operational-cost savings it can provide to dairy farmers.
Currently, North American product trials are showing early positive results. One dairy producer, approximately three months into the trial, has already reported a noticeable reduction in odors and thinner crust formation in their manure lagoon, which is expected to reduce the time and cost of lagoon agitation before applying the manure to fields in the fall. Additionally, fewer flies around the farm and inside the barn have been observed. Another trial at a 1,200- head dairy reports a 46% reduction of ammonia emissions since implementing SOP Lagoon three months ago.
SOP Lagoon offers significant operational savings, improved manure-management efficiency, and environmental benefits. For more information, talk to your CentralStar team or LCT Product Specialist Ian Johnson at [email protected].
Immediate Operational Benefits and Savings:
- Reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers.
- Encourages improved soil health and plant nutrient uptake.
- Minimizes the need for costly pest management solutions.
- Lessens the frequency of liquid manure agitation and related fuel and equipment expenses by fluidifying lagoon waste, preventing crust formation and allowing for easier field application.
Environmental Protection and Social Responsibility:
- Dramatically decreases the production of GHG and ammonia emissions.
- Virtually eliminates animal waste odors