Over 40 years ago, my dad stopped battling bugs and started working with them. No more spraying for bugs in any way. No more spraying cows for flies or using bug sprays on the horses, in our homes, or on our bodies.
It took a few years before we started to see the changes. Our ecosystem became alive with a huge diversity of bugs. And even though you might ask why we want so many bugs, remember that insects are the foundation of our ecosystem.
Lots of bugs feed many different types of animals which then feed other wildlife. We started to see our cow manure decomposing and dung beetles putting manure back into the ground where it belonged rather than sitting on top of the ground turning into a hard, grey disc. This is one of the signs of a healthy mineral cycle.
Cows eat plants, then poop them out as nutrients, and then bugs utilize those nutrients and make them available for the soil. I call it fertilizing the soil.
This is just one of the many things we do here at DCR to build a healthier ecosystem. Here are some pictures of manure breaking down.
And now my 3 year old grandson, Enzo, is learning to value this manure gold. Is that precious or what?
May you always find water and shade (only Arizonans will understand that one) & (fans of The Wheel of Time),
Kimberley
Comments