Here is my final episode in a series from tour stops during the 2016 IFAJ Congress in Germany. In this program David Lembrich, Product Stewardship Manager at Bayer gives us an overview of the Bayer Phytobac system. This is a system Bayer has created to prevent contamination of surface waters. An example would be a crop protection products. Any pesticides in the rinse water that is left over after cleaning in the farmyard are broken down in exactly the same way as they would be naturally – only more efficiently. It is a customizable system for different size operations and needs. Here’s an infographic that might be helpful to understand the system.
The Phytobac™ system developed by Bayer experts ensures that contaminants cannot get into sewage systems or nearby bodies of water when spraying equipment is filled or cleaned on the farm. The dirty water first flows into a mud tank, where the rough dirt settles as sediment. The clear residual liquid is stored in the second tank and fed in doses into the substrate container filled with farm soil and straw. The straw serves as an additional source of carbon which promotes microbial degradation. Measurement and control elements regulate the soil moisture levels, creating ideal living conditions for microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. The enzymes in these tiny helpers break down residues of fungicides, herbicides and insecticides while the water evaporates.
You can listen to the presentation here or watch below to learn more: David Lembrich, Presentation
2016 IFAJ Congress Photo Album
