The Albrecht concept is very simple in its basic logic. Tests were initially done on soils that
consistently grew the highest quality crop yields and it was found that these soils all had
a similar chemistry with Calcium levels being between 60-70%* and Magnesium 10-15%*.
Very definite levels were also established for N, P, K, S and the trace elements.
Over seventy percent of agricultural crops and high production pastures grow best
within this range of soil chemistry. It has been proven, again and again, that a balanced approach to
soil chemistry is the key to successful plant growth and that when this occurs soil pH, aeration,
drainage, structure and beneficial soil biology also improve. Thus, if we can balance our soil
chemistry including the trace elements, improved productivity and plant and animal health will be a
natural outcome.
Important things to remember are:
YOUR SOILS SHOULD HAVE BETWEEN
60-70% Ca
*
&
10-20% Mg. *
*This information is based on a Brookside Laboratories Inc Soil Audit
The total of available Calcium and Magnesium should = 80% |
The Brookside approach aims not only to solve the problems of imbalanced soil, which are associated
with low productivity, but to improve plant & stock health and the quality of the produce that you raise.
THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ALBRECHT & BROOKSIDE LAB
The history of the joint research of Dr William Albrecht and Brookside Laboratories Inc has been a success
story that has changed the face of our understanding of soil-plant-animal nutrition, giving practical
results to farmers whilst increasing their profitability and productivity.
From Tragedy to Triumph
The Brookside Organisation was the brain child of E. Kuck [said "Cook"], but its history stemmed from
tragedy when after the loss of Mr and Mrs Kuck's ten year old son and the extreme sickness of Mr Kuck's
mother through undulant fever in 1937, Mr Kuck proceeded to dedicate his life to basic research into the
subject of safe and nutritious milk. His first step was to acquire the family farm "Brookside Farms" in
Ohio, U.S.A. He was able to produce and process Certified Table Milk and was fully licensed in 1938.
At the same time a smoke house on the farm was converted to establish the Brookside Farms Laboratory.
In the late 1930's Mr Kuck together with the services of Professor Oscar Erf researched into finding the
causes and possible remedies for such disorders as Brucellosis, Milk Fever, Mastitis and 'White Scours' in
young calves. However, after five years of research no concrete results emerged, although a substantial
pattern developed that indicated nutrient balances affect health disorders in cattle. But it was not until
1945 that an unusual occurrence happened that launched Brookside Laboratories to its world class ranking.
This occurred when a building was constructed to house new calves. Mr Kuck and his associates noticed that
when the calves were placed in their stalls, they literally started to eat the plaster finish from the walls
and some scouring calves appeared to be miraculously cured!
The Albrecht Influence
The association of Dr Albrecht with the Brookside Organisation stems back to a personal friendship with Mr
Kuck, which proved to be highly rewarding in finding the answer as to why the calves stopped scouring.
After consultation with Albrecht, Kuck determined that the animals' hunger was for the calcium carbonate
and magnesium carbonate in the plaster material. Both nutrients had been removed from the soil and had
never been replaced. Continuing research started to explain and rectify this imbalance by supplying these
essential elements in mineral supplements that were fed to the cows. This resulted in the eradication of
white scours in their young calves and improved herd health. Albrecht noted to Kuck that when animals take
elements from a 'mineral box' it was an act of desperation, for they are not naturally mineral eaters.
Albrecht wrote "Soil Fertility - The Basis for Formulating an Agricultural Policy" specifically for Kuck
and his associates. This document added a new emphasis to coordinated research at Brookside Laboratories,
which resulted in the identification of disorders affecting dairy cattle being linked to mineral deficiencies
in the soil and the plants they consumed.
On retirement from the University of Missouri, Albrecht chose to work at Brookside providing technical
training for consultants [like Neil Kinsey and many other] whilst he continued his research*, which helped
lay the foundations for coordinated research that has gone on to have worldwide success. But proven success
in the paddock does not necessary meet with scientific approval.
Rejection By Traditional Science
Mr Kuck together with his Brookside colleagues were excited about their new finding how Magnesium was
essential to both the prevention of calf scours and for the improvement of soil and plant health.
They invited eminent scientists to a field day to share and discuss their findings. The scientific
community basically ignored and refused to attend, as these new unorthodox practices were contrary to
their traditional views. In desperation Brookside allowed the publication of their findings in a major
country paper and within days they were inundated by 1,000's of farmers' letters asking for assistance
and more information. This new found support gave Brookside a new momentum that carried it into further
research at both a laboratory and practical on farm level. In 1951 Kuck and six friends incorporated the
Brookside Farms Laboratories Ass'n Inc, which was the first organisation to fully integrate soil-plant-animal
nutrition and the rest is history.
* Upon his death Dr Albrecht's personal agricultural notations were donated to Brookside Laboratories, so
that his work could be continued.
The information contained in this publication has been formulated in good faith, the contents do
not take into account all the factors which need to be considered before putting that information
into practice. Accordingly, no person should rely on anything contained herein as a substitute for
specific professional advice.
S.O.S. Rev 9.2 All rights reserved.
Contact: www.healthyag.com © Gwyn Jones 2001
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