Pasture land, Basalt, and its Application

FOR FARMING AND GRAZING -

In open ground and were re-seeding occurs - in meadows, pasture or in field crops of vegetables, grain, rapeseed, etc., the application of Mother Earth's Minerals can be done with a spreader. Laying down a course of the basalt one to three days prior to seeding gives the basalt time in exposed conditions - and if the weather conditions are favourable - it will rain, hail, sleet or snow. Seeding can really begin any time after Mother Earth's Minerals are applied.

Allowing the re-mineralized ground to stand for a time exposed is a great start but may not be necessarily ideal for your situation. Water will carry the smallest particles of basalt deeper into the soil for immediate access by micro-organisms, while the larger particles remain closer to the surface for a more gradual breakdown from the elements. Turning the soil isn't necessary - and breaks down stable soil particles - and the basalt as well - creating an un-necessary saturation of minerals all at once. The benefit of this product is that it does not need to be reapplied for at least three years. We have suggested that it take a bit of time for the best crop to mature in grassland when using volcanic basalt, but our own experience in Mother Earth's Garden has been to the contrary: first crop seeded grew larger and stronger than those without it.


Pasture with buttercups and horse, near Chesham - geograph.org.uk - 186619

Livestock should be moved from the pasture they have most recently occupied, to the one that was seeded and re-mineralized first; just as you would have originally done with basic crop/field rotation. Seed germination is your guide here, not Mother Earth's Minerals - they help the process.

Based on the allotted time animals normally graze on one plot, re-seed and mineralize the second, third (fourth and fifth) pastures to allow them to be used as they were used before these improvements were made.

PLEASE CONSIDER: As re-application of volcanic basalt needs only be done every fourth year, little disruption to the existing use of pasture land or any additional disturbance of animals is not required. Continue to normally re- seed over the first application of volcanic basalt for three years and then re-apply.

Crop rotation is key to avoid over-taxing soil but when your crop - grassland - can't be changed for its need for grazing, consider the alternative. Recent studies in the UK show the benefits of using older varieties of tougher grasses to hold topsoil in place. Livestock grazing has a huge impact on topsoil. The weight of livestock and their eating methods destroy the root structure of fine bladed grasses. Topsoil washes away under these conditions. Broader, flatter growing grass species can be inter-mixed with long grasses for more sustainable growing. Volcanic basalt makes any plant stronger, so a broader root system with more plant types creates better soil stability.

Field rotation is equally important when feeding grazing animals. Moving horses from one open pasture or even a small holding area routinely - such as a paddock - allows for seeding, crop rotation and regrowth. Whether there are five acres, fifty acres or five hundred acres in rotation, grazing can be sustainable - sustainability for both the pasture as well as the animals grazing on it.

Livestock should be moved from the pasture they have most recently occupied, to the one that was seeded and re-mineralized first; just as you would have originally done with basic crop/field rotation. Seed germination is your guide here, not Mother Earth's Minerals - they help the process.

Based on the allotted time animals normally graze on one plot, re-seed and mineralize the second, third (fourth and fifth) pastures to allow them to be used as they were used before these improvements were made.

Lambs, Morden Hall Park British White calf

AMOUNTS AND COST

4.3 ton of Mother Earth’s Minerals volcanic basalt is recommended per agricultural acre. It is your choice to use more or less but remember that the application of volcanic basalt strengthens the plant structure of the grass that can hold the topsoil as well as passing trace elements and vital minerals onto your animals.

One ton of loose basalt is £60 or £258 per acre. Divide this figure by three and you have the annual cost of the maintenance of an acre of pasturage – £71.60 – plus the cost of seed. We recommend you compared this cost to that of any fertilizer you now use, while considering the following benefits:

  • No chemical exposure during the application process - just use a mask - it’s very dusty!
  • No chemical residues past onto your horses, cattle or any other grazing stock
  • No harsh chemicals leeching into the soil that can kill off the natural micro-organisms needed to transfer the minerals back to the plants and on to people or your animals
  • No issue of down-stream chemical runoff that can affect your neighbours
  • Purchasing Mother Earth's Minerals volcanic basalt this year means you won't re-apply the organically sourced soil enhancer again until the year 2017