Liliana Y. Nolasco Ph.D., The Sunswine Group
Managing manure pits presents one of the most persistent challenges for pig producers, with issues such as odor, foam, solid buildup, and harmful gas emissions creating significant environmental management hurdles. These problems not only hinder productivity and animal welfare but also pose safety risks for workers and generate environmental liability. With all these challenges, there is good news. The innovative enzyme-based solution ECO-PIT™ is revolutionizing manure pit management, offering farmers an efficient, plant-based alternative to tackle these challenges.
ECO-PIT™, a proprietary formula from the biotech company Enzyme Solutions (www.enzymesolutions.com), was developed specifically to address the unique challenges of efficient and sustainable manure, pit, and lagoon management. At the heart of its effectiveness is its ability to control odor and gases by harnessing the power of natural enzymes like cellulase, protease, and lipase.
These plant-based enzymes target odor-causing compounds such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, dramatically improving air quality in and around barns fostering a healthier environment for animals and workers alike.
In addition to odor control, ECO-PIT™ breaks down solids, as well as reducing crust and sludge which enhances manure liquidity. This results in streamlined agitation, pumping, and transportation. The effectiveness was validated through a study conducted by the Department of Agriculture at North Carolina State University (Sharara, Shah, Kolar, & McKinney, 2021). The study demonstrates statistically significant improvements (P-value < 0.005) in key parameters, including reduction in total solids, total suspended solids, and chemical oxygen demand in enzyme-treated units. Additionally, the findings revealed that manure treated with ECO-PIT™ enhanced its
suitability as a fertilizer by optimizing the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) nutrient profile, notably achieving a 70% reduction in phosphorus levels. These results highlight ECO-PIT™’s mode of action in accelerating manure decomposition and improving its agricultural applications.
Unlike microbial-based products, this enzyme-driven solution delivers faster, more effective results while being easy and safe to apply. This revolutionary product sets a new standard in modern manure pit management across a wide range of pH levels.
ECO-PIT ™ Ammonia Reduction in Growth/Finish Hog Production
Figure 1. Ammonia reduction in South Dakota Grow/Finish pig barn before and after ECO-PIT™ application
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Farmers consistently report dramatic improvements in gas reduction and manure pit conditions following ECO-PIT™ application. A long-time user of ECO-PIT™ shared their positive experience, emphasizing its transformative impact on barn air quality and manure management. Initially skeptical, the producer observed ammonia levels drop from 30 ppm to under 10 ppm within weeks of application. The treated manure displayed notable differences compared to untreated sites, with the absence of foam allowing for fuller tank fills and more efficient manure hauling.
The user also praised the flexibility of ECO-PIT™ applications, transitioning from weekly to monthly use without compromising manure composition. They highlighted the product’s consistent, proven results and exceptional support from the Enzyme Solutions team.
Real-World Success Stories: ECO-PIT™ in Action
Case Study 1: Dramatic Transformation in Grow/Finish Pig Barn
In a South Dakota Grow/Finish pig barn, ECO-PIT™ demonstrated its transformative power. Initial measurements revealed severe ammonia concentration and crust issues especially in the west rooms (Figure 1). After four (4) months of treatment, ammonia level
Nursery Barn with Severe Fly Infestation
Figure 2. Ammonia reduction in South Dakota Nursery pig barn before and after proper ECO-PIT ™ application.
Grow/Finish Pig Barn with Severe Fly Infestation
Figure 3. Ammonia reduction in South Dakota Grow/Finish pig barn before and after ECO-PIT™ application.
dropped by 72% in the west room and 37% in the east. This reduction highlights the product’s ability to deliver real, measurable improvements on farm.
Case Study 2: Solving Complex Challenges in a Nursery Barn
Another South Dakota farm faced combined challenges, including extreme ammonia levels, severe crust buildup, and overwhelming fly infestation. The nursery and grow-to-finish barns both faced issues, but the nursery barn posed the greatest difficulties, with fly infestations so severe that masks were required to enter.
Initial ammonia readings in the nursery barn, taken by an Enzyme Solution representative, appeared deceptively low due to the pit having been recently pumped and newly populated with piglets (Figure 2). Both barns received the initial super charge of ECO-PIT™ (35 ppm of pit capacity), followed by a maintenance dose of 10 ppm per month. While the nursery barn showed favorable ammonia reductions after three months, the finisher barn results raised concerns (Figure 3).
Upon investigation during the third reading, it was discovered that ECO-PIT™ was not being applied according to label directions. Instead of evenly distributing the product inside the barns’ centers, it had
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been applied externally through the pit access outside the building. Once the farmer corrected and adhered to the recommended application method, the transformation was dramatic.
Within two months (April to June) of proper application, ammonia levels dropped by 50% in the nursery barn and over 60% in the finisher barn (Figure 2 & Figure 3). Fly infestations were brought under control, significantly improving conditions for both animals and workers. Continued maintenance dosing sustained these improvements, achieving a remarkable 90% reduction in ammonia levels from the farm’s worst recorded readings.
This case study highlights the rapid and lasting efficacy of ECO-PIT™ when applied as directed, offering an improved and sustainable environment for swine operations when applied as directed.
ECO-PIT™ is more than just an enzyme-based manure additive—it’s a transformative tool reshaping how pig producers manage manure pits. With its proven ability to reduce odors, control harmful gas emissions, enhance manure liquidity, and improve air quality, ECO-PIT™ sets a new benchmark for sustainable and efficient manure management. From tangible results in ammonia reduction to addressing complex challenges in real-world setting, ECO-PIT™ sets a new benchmark for sustainable and efficient manure management. From tangible results in ammonia reduction to addressing complex challenges in real-world settings, ECO-PIT™ has consistently delivered measurable improvements for livestock operations. As producers continue to navigate the challenges of modern agriculture, solutions like ECO-PIT™ provide a clear path toward healthier environments, improved productivity, and a commitment to environmental stewardship.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to support environmentally friendly practices in agriculture. These programs provide subsidies for adopting technologies that reduce ammonia emissions and improve manure management. Subsidy availability and amounts vary by state and change year to year. Producers interested in the pit additive should
consult their local USDA NRCS offices to explore funding opportunities tailored to their operations.
ECO-PIT™ represents a groundbreaking advancement in manure pit and lagoon management, delivering measurable benefits for both environmental and operational efficiency. By harnessing the power of plant-based enzymes, ECO-PIT™ reduces odors, harmful gas emissions, and solid buildup while improving manure liquidity and air quality. The proven success of ECO-PIT™ in real-world settings underscores its role as a reliable, innovative solution for modern livestock operations. Ready to transform your manure management practices and create a healthier environment for your animals and workers? Contact Enzyme Solutions today at lyndsi@enzymesolutions.com or visit Enzyme Solutions for more information.
Take the first step toward efficient, sustainable manure management today!
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