How Bioactive Substrate Works

How Bioactive Substrate Works

A bioactive substrate contains a high level of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and nematodes) that break down organic matter. (feces, urine, and plant matter.) These microorganisms develop naturally in organic materials as they decompose.

Our Biobed consists of grass, herps, and willow wood chips that have been composted for about 8 months, resulting in a high content of microbial life. Because Biobed is made from willow, which has a low lignin content, it decomposes much faster than, for example, hardwood chips. In general, fast-growing trees compost fast and slow-growing wood will compost very slowly

The forest floor

Microorganisms are nature’s own decomposers, and it works just like on a forest floor.

Microorganisms break down organic material from animals and convert ammonia to ammonium, thereby removing ammonia vapors from the habitats where the animals are kept.

This creates a healthier environment for both animals and their keepers, who no longer need to spend time in areas with ammonia vapors. It also gives the guests a better experience

Because the surface is moist, dust is also avoided — which can be harmful to both animals and humans.

Explanation:

• A moist surface helps bind dust particles, preventing them from becoming airborne.
• Dust can irritate the respiratory system, cause allergies, and carry harmful microorganisms.

How zookeepers can maintain a healthy bioactive substrate:

Add beneficial invertebrates like isopods and springtails
These animals also consume feces and aerate the substrate by digging tunnels, which benefits microbial life. Add dried leaves on top of the Biobed.

This is also food for the microorganisms.

• Moist(bottom) environments provide enough water for microbial metabolism and growth without creating anaerobic (oxygen-lacking) or overly saturated conditions.
• Too much water (wet conditions)can actually limit oxygen availability, which can inhibit the growth of many aerobic microorganisms.
• Too little moisture (dry conditions)slows down or halts microbial activity because water is essential for biochemical reactions inside cells.

Avoid using chemicals directly on the substrate. A healthy substrate should not smell like ammonia or have a sour/musty odor. It should smell like soil or forest.

Microorganisms in Bioactive Substrates

All types of microorganisms help break down animal feces and plant material and convert ammonia vapor into ammonium, which is not airborne and does not smell.

Fungi:

• Saccharomyces
  → One of the first fungi to appear. It breaks down sugars, especially common if the substrate contains sugary plant parts (like willow) or fruit scraps.
• Penicillium
  → Helps decompose organic material and produces antibiotic compounds that suppress harmful bacteria.
• Trichoderma
  → A beneficial fungus that breaks down cellulose and also protects against pathogenic fungi.
• Mucor
  → A fast-growing mold, one of the first to appear in moist compost. It aids in quick breakdown but may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
• Aspergillus
  → Important to note: harmful levels of Aspergillus have never been found in Biobed.
  
  

Bacteria:

• Nitrosomonas bacteria convert ammonia to nitrite,
  and Nitrobacter converts nitrite to nitrate, and then to ammonium,
  This process minimizes odor, as ammonium is not airborne.

Other beneficial bacteria commonly found in bioactive substrates include:

• Bacillus
• Pseudomonas
• Actinobacteria

All are excellent decomposers of organic matter

Nematodes:

• Small, transparent worms that appear naturally.
• Most are predators and help maintain balance in the substrate by eating larvae and fungus gnats.
• A valuable part of the bioactive ecosystem.