Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow.

My research in general is about turning municipal sewage sludge into a sound fertilizing agent without causing progressive contamination towards the surrounding environment. Two types of plants are being used, 1 being turmeric (Curcuma longa)  and the other plant being misai kucing (Orthosiphon stamineus). Looking at the experiment sets, they are fully dependent on several factors.

First, there is the weather factor. The ideal condition is that it rains once a day with the remaining of the day being sunny and warm. Anyway, the weather is unpredictable but so far the weather factor has already delayed my research progress for a minimum of 2 weeks.

Secondly the supplier factor, a large amount of analysis is required, meaning large dosage of chemicals will be consumed. Unfortunately I have to go through the protocols and red tapes of comparing which company quotes the best price, which company provides the best quality bla bla bla. So far this single factor has delayed my research progress for at least 6 weeks. Bureaucracy… Zzz…

Last but not least, the ANIMAL FACTOR! My experimental site aka mini farm is located within a large plot for agricultural use in UTM. Apart from many types of plants, herbs and trees, some 20 to 30 fat goats can be found grazzing grass from a spot to another spot leisurely. Well, goats are cute except the fact that stink a lot and have a great appetite for small shrubs AND my misai kucings happen to be one of their all time favourite. They have the potential to delay the entire research progress for months, with their appetite.

My farm is fenced with wires and fishing nets yet these stuff don’t deter the goats from wishing to graze in the “forbidden” land protected by the fence. Like humans, they like to dig. We dig with tools while the goat dig with their horns. Oh ya, did I forget to mention they like to chew and bite also? Therefore the fence are damaged all the time thanks to these intelligent animals. Quote this from wikipedia:

…Goats will test fences, either intentionally or simply because they are handy to climb on. If any of the fencing can be spread, pushed over or down, or otherwise be overcome, the goats will escape. Being very intelligent, once a weakness in the fence has been exploited, it will be repeatedly exploited until they determine it can no longer be overcome…

Well, so far the goats invaded into my territory for 2 times but none of my medicinal plants become the victims of these big appetite mammals. They cause irregularities in my analysis by providing extra nutrient through their backside when grazing. Furthermore, I do not wish to accidental turn one of the goats into a mutant with my uniquely prepared fertilizing sludge.

This is a war against goat invasion and it will be a long fight until my experiments are completed. Wish me luck in combating those cute yet annoying creatures. =)

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