May 01 2010
METHODS and advice to improve production from grass and how to get the most out of slurry were covered at Langhorn Farm, near Egremont, with demonstrations of a sub-soiler, aerator, over-seeder, fertiliser drill and slurry injector.
The day offered information on the importance of having healthy soil to improve grass growth. Featuring tips on how to correct nutrient levels, assess / improve soil compaction and which machinery to use and when according to the severity of the problem. Speakers included Charlie Morgan and Hannah Studholme with slurry injection by Tim West.
The March demo event was sponsored by Carrs Billington and Sellafield Ltd and was made possible by the kind permission of Tom, Stephen and Ann Beaty. 39 farmers attended.
The day featured:
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a presentation by agronomist Charlie Morgan on soil structure
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machinery provided by Carrs Billington included sub-soiler, aerator, overseeder and fertilizer drill
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advice on soil sampling and fertilizer application by Hannah Studholme
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Slurry injection demo by Tim West
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Info on concrete ground slurry store from Macrete
The programme was started with an excellent presentation on the principles and financial benefits of good soil and grassland management. Watch Charlie Morgan on Eblex's "Assessing Soil Compaction" video below:
A demo of the change to the soil structure when two different types of machine (aerator and sub-soiler) were used to alleviate the compaction problem and an explanation of how they worked was shown. The group then discussed when to use them and how to select the correct machine for the job.
For more information on when to use which machinery, click here for Eblex's guide "Improving soils for Better Returns" (pdf)
A demo of over seeding and a presentation on how to manage the land to get the most successful over seeding. Demo of slurry injection and discussion of the benefits of using it.
During the day the farmers also had an opportunity to:
- Discuss soil sampling and get advice on correcting nutrient levels in their soils.
- Look at one option for above ground slurry storage.
The feedback was very positive, with many farmers asking for a copy of the facts presented during the day, with a view to putting some of the ideas into practice on their farm.
by Judith Weston (Cumbria Farmer Network)