There is little data to suggest the long-term reliability of lagoon additives for reducing the depth of sludge in a properly designed and managed waste treatment lagoon. Some producers have reported beneficial effects, but others, under similar conditions, have not. After ensuring the that the lagoon is properly loaded and managed, if an additive is to be utilized to address excessive sludge levels, a general rule is to pay for performance and have a third party verify the results. There is more information on additives for odor reduction than for sludge reduction. You might consult this article that reviews additives for pits and lagoons:
North Carolina State University Extension publication on additives.
Author: Mark Rice, North Carolina State University
