The pH Shield is non-corrosive and does not add sodium or heavy metals such as alum
The new organic poultry litter treatment (Credit: Agri Marketing, Inc.)
Gypsum-based products producer USA Gypsum has introduced an ammonia control poultry litter treatment for organic poultry producers.
The new poultry litter treatment has been released following several years of university tests and field trials.
The common poultry litter amendments used by non-organic farmers to control ammonia and pathogens were banned for organic farms in the US due to the application of synthetic chemicals.
The pH Shield is comprised of natural acidified calcium sulphate, a lightly hydroscopic mineral
USA Gypsum’s pH Shield includes natural acidified calcium sulphate, a lightly hydroscopic mineral. It helps to minimise ammonia release from the litter and increase water holding capacity, enabling to control free moisture and dust.
The new ammonia control poultry litter treatment is non-corrosive and safe to handle, as well as does not add sodium or heavy metals such as alum.
According to the company, the university trials confirm that pH Shield compares positively in containing ammonia with no adverse effects to the birds.
The pH Shield is comprised of gypsum, USDA Conservation Practice Standard 333 to improve soil health, including enhanced filtration, reduced subsoil aluminium and minimised transport of pathogens.
Gypsum also reduces dissolved phosphorous runoff, a major reason for water pollution and creating dead zones in surface waters that impairs water used for industry, agriculture and drinking.
Phosphorus is a crucial plant nutrient and pH Shield allows to keep it where it is required in the field for crops to use.
University research confirmed that pH Shield offers ammonia control similar to other commercial ammonia control product. It can be used in organic poultry production.
Established in 1998, USA Gypsum produces gypsum-based products for use by industry and farmers in the form of gypsum fertiliser, soil conditioners, amendments, and animal bedding.
The company’s Denver facility is comprised of blending, packaging, storage and bulk shipping capability. It supplies gypsum products across the US and Canada.