MP-220 does two very important things when added at the recommended rate to manure ponds or pits.
First, MP-220 helps break down the solids that build up in the manure pond both on the bottom and the top. Solids build-up in manure ponds is a major problem today, as they reduce pond capacity. When pond storage is inadequate, new ponds must be added at considerable cost to the producer. MP-220 creates an environment in the pond that helps break down the solids that build up in manure ponds, as they have become anaerobic. By suspending the solids into the upper layer of the pond, it exposes the solids to more oxygen and enzymes, which helps to break down the material. MP-220 does this by changing the pond from an anaerobic to an aerobic condition, turning the solids that have become a problem into an easy flowing solution that can easily be pumped on the fields. In this way MP-220 helps restore manure ponds back to their capacity.
Secondly, the MP-220 helps to reduce the offensive odor that comes from manure ponds. The MP-220 changes the manure pond from an anaerobic condition to an aerobic condition using a non-sulfur cycle. Generally, decomposition is accomplished through the sulfur cycle, which releases hydrogen sulfide, ammonia and methane gas which creates the offensive odors. Since the MP-220 stimulates breakdown from a non-sulfur cycle, the offensive odors are reduced. A manure pond has what are called “facultative” microbes in it. These microbes will turn to any energy source that is readily available. By their very nature, these microbes do not care whether they use sulfur or oxygen molecules for their energy source. If the pond is full of settled solids and very little oxygen, then the pond has no choice but to go into the sulfur cycle. When the MP-220 is applied to the pond, it breaks down the solids and makes more oxygen available, and the pond becomes more aerobic. Once the microbes get into the oxygen cycle with more oxygen and water, the gaseous byproducts created are carbon dioxide, water and some oxygen, which are fairly odorless, or at least less pungent.
When a pond is changed from an anaerobic to an aerobic environment, organic breakdown is greatly accelerated. Aerobic bacteria work best in conditions around 50° F, which is the normal temperature for most manure ponds. Anaerobic bacteria in contrast work best at temperatures of 100° F and higher. At normal pond temperatures, aerobic bacteria break down four to six times more organic material in a manure pond than anaerobic bacteria. Aerobic bacteria need oxygen to survive. As they digest organic material, their by-products are carbon dioxide, water, and oxygen. In contrast, byproducts from anaerobic bacteria metabolism are primarily ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and methane. These three compounds are the source of most of the unpleasant smells in and around manure ponds.
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