The soil is the top layer of the earth's crust. And although you might not think so, it is actually just a very thin and fragile skin on top of an enormously thick layer of rock. This small layer of soil plays a very important role in the planet's freshwater cycle, as a carbon reservoir (essential for plant growth) and even in climate regulation. Large-scale agriculture and modern methods to increase agricultural production have rapidly depleted the soil of nutrients such as carbon and minerals. Faster than nature can replenish them. Moreover, the diversity in soil life has significantly decreased due to harsh interventions in the soil and because often only one crop is grown.

Minerals in the soil = minerals in grass and forage

You may have heard that Dutch hay is deficient in certain minerals. Magnesium, for example, or selenium. This is not true for all hay, as it depends on the type of soil. The grass absorbs minerals from the soil it grows on. Many Dutch soils do not have a sufficient amount or all available minerals. Partly, this is a natural process due to erosion and leaching of minerals after rainfall. The minerals then disappear through groundwater and surface water to rivers and eventually to the sea. Partly, the disappearance of minerals from the soil is caused by the harvest and removal of crops. In addition, the injection of animal manure, which contains a lot of ammonia, causes acidification in the soil. Acidification (lower pH) causes minerals to be released more easily from soil particles and therefore washed away more quickly. On sandy soil, liquid manure washes out rapidly and contaminates groundwater.

Soil life is essential

Injecting liquid manure on clay soils is disastrous for soil life. Earthworms and various small creatures in the top 20 to 40 cm of soil are crucial for soil health. This is called the soil ecosystem. For example, earthworms are very important in making minerals available for plants. But the soil microbiome (countless microscopic organisms) is also very important for soil health. For example, because organic matter is broken down into 'digestible chunks' by these tiny soil creatures, which plants can then absorb. The injection of manure, as well as the use of chemical fertilizers, reduces soil health and therefore the uptake of minerals and carbon by plants. This results in our hay being mineral-deficient and also reduces the yield. Healthy soil life is essential for the production of healthy forage for animals and food for humans.

Tips for good pasture management

• Sow different types of grass, preferably with horse mixtures.
• Divide the land into at least two sections so that the grass can recover after grazing. Preferably use strip grazing.
• Do not let your grass grow too long in the fall to prevent sugar accumulation and laminitis. Because grass does not grow in low temperatures (cold nights), sugars are not used for growth and remain in the grass.
• Regularly clean your pasture.
• Have your pasture mowed regularly.
• Put a few sheep with the horses. Sheep eat everything and make sure that even the plants that horses do not like are eaten. This way, you will have fewer large patches in your pasture where horses do not eat.
• If you have a small piece of land, there is a risk that the soil will be too compacted by your horses. You should then plow the soil occasionally, or better yet work it with a fixed-tine cultivator to aerate it and introduce carbon.
• Fertilize your pasture with well-rotted farmyard manure. If you use sawdust in the stable, the manure should have been lying for at least a year. If you use straw, one season is sufficient.
• Use pasture minerals from pure seawater to supplement the minerals.

Minerals from seawater for higher production and better quality

Pasture minerals based on seawater have been used in arable and horticulture for years. There has been a lot of research into the effectiveness of these sea minerals on the harvest. They have a positive effect on both yield and quality. Animals that eat these crops grow better, are healthier, and have a higher resistance. Usually, a concentrate of water from the Bering Sea is used because this seawater contains hardly any pollution. It contains microscopic algae that make the micro-elements and minerals from seawater much more absorbable for plants and animals. Did you know that all minerals on earth eventually end up in the sea through rivers? Therefore, a concentrate from the sea contains all the minerals available on earth. Pasture minerals stimulate soil life and increase fertility and drought resistance. Plant health improves, making the grass more resistant to diseases and insects. Furthermore, more grass grows per hectare.

Use pasture minerals on your grassland three times a year

Weidemineralen uit de Beringzee are available for your grass and your horse. One liter of concentrate corresponds to 100 liters of Bering Sea water. You can use pasture minerals to provide your grass with minerals so that it is healthier and your horse can absorb the essential minerals by grazing. Spray the pasture minerals in a water solution on the grass three times a year, for example, with a pressure sprayer. Never do this in full sun or when it is raining heavily but preferably early in the morning when there is dew on the grass. The minerals are then absorbed directly by the plants. Below are the minerals in the Bering Sea water concentrate: If your horse does not receive enough minerals through pasture or forage, or is on a small piece of pasture, you can also feed minerals from seawater directly as a supplement. Sea-based products are certified for animals and plants and are also commonly used in dairy farming.