Phil_Chris
New Member
Quick search here reveals lots of interest and some questions. For TFF members in north west and midlands, two exponents of this system in grassland are speaking at farmer meetings the week after next (Tue 24th, NW Lancs; Wed 25th, Staffs).
If you're interested but unable to attend, please post your unresolved questions here and I promise to (i) put the questions to the two gentlemen, and (ii) strive to explain their responses here. Meanwhile, here's the press release (no product mentions so fingers crossed our moderator allows this) including how to book a place:
Attention to soil health offers big livestock payback
Livestock farmers who can match their progressive arable counterparts in improving soil health can expect markedly higher grassland and animal productivity as a result. That's according to Derbyshire dairy farmer Dave Lievesley, who is working with Envirosystems UK to close the livestock-arable knowledge gap and help this take place.
Together, they have arranged for New Zealand farmer and global leader in this field David Law to visit the UK and address farmer meetings in Lancashire and Staffordshire on Tue 24 and Wed 25 January.
Information about Mr Law's approach can be found at forwardfarming.co.nz. Details of the two meetings are available at envirosystems.co.uk and farmers can book places with the company on 01772 860085.
- oOOo -
Additional information [c.280 words]
In arable farming, healthy soils are all the rage for very good reason, according to Envirosystems applied biologist Sally Russell. "They produce more plant life and higher yields of saleable crop," she says. "The same applies not just to grassland reseeds, but permanent pastures too. It's just less obvious."
Good soil health depends on a below-ground population of micro-organisms. In a typical soil, one hectare contains about 50 tonnes, mainly worms, eelworms, bacteria and protozoa.
Above ground, Sally Russell points out that a hectare will support about two dairy cows. Under their feet, the amount of microscopic soil livestock is equivalent to about 67 cows. Without these microbes, she suggests the two cows above ground would not get fed.
"This is why soil health is becoming a hot topic in grassland farming, where one factor with an important impact is spreading slurry. Too often during storage, fibrous material floats to the surface and forms a crust, through which light and oxygen cannot penetrate. Below this, small particles sink and form a sludge at the bottom, with a liquid portion above it."
In a zero oxygen environment, anaerobic microbial activity creates acidic, septic and foul smelling conditions in both the liquid and sludge layers. Spreading this does contribute plant nutrients and organic matter to soils, but it also inoculates them with a high loading of potentially damaging anaerobic microbes, washed into the ground as an acidic soup.
In contrast, Sally Russell reckons it is possible without mechanisation to maintain oxygenated conditions in slurry, break up a crust or prevent one forming, and create uniform consistency from surface to the bottom. This means minimal stirring before spreading, reducing workload and fuel consumption involved.
If you're interested but unable to attend, please post your unresolved questions here and I promise to (i) put the questions to the two gentlemen, and (ii) strive to explain their responses here. Meanwhile, here's the press release (no product mentions so fingers crossed our moderator allows this) including how to book a place:
Attention to soil health offers big livestock payback
Livestock farmers who can match their progressive arable counterparts in improving soil health can expect markedly higher grassland and animal productivity as a result. That's according to Derbyshire dairy farmer Dave Lievesley, who is working with Envirosystems UK to close the livestock-arable knowledge gap and help this take place.
Together, they have arranged for New Zealand farmer and global leader in this field David Law to visit the UK and address farmer meetings in Lancashire and Staffordshire on Tue 24 and Wed 25 January.
Information about Mr Law's approach can be found at forwardfarming.co.nz. Details of the two meetings are available at envirosystems.co.uk and farmers can book places with the company on 01772 860085.
- oOOo -
Additional information [c.280 words]
In arable farming, healthy soils are all the rage for very good reason, according to Envirosystems applied biologist Sally Russell. "They produce more plant life and higher yields of saleable crop," she says. "The same applies not just to grassland reseeds, but permanent pastures too. It's just less obvious."
Good soil health depends on a below-ground population of micro-organisms. In a typical soil, one hectare contains about 50 tonnes, mainly worms, eelworms, bacteria and protozoa.
Above ground, Sally Russell points out that a hectare will support about two dairy cows. Under their feet, the amount of microscopic soil livestock is equivalent to about 67 cows. Without these microbes, she suggests the two cows above ground would not get fed.
"This is why soil health is becoming a hot topic in grassland farming, where one factor with an important impact is spreading slurry. Too often during storage, fibrous material floats to the surface and forms a crust, through which light and oxygen cannot penetrate. Below this, small particles sink and form a sludge at the bottom, with a liquid portion above it."
In a zero oxygen environment, anaerobic microbial activity creates acidic, septic and foul smelling conditions in both the liquid and sludge layers. Spreading this does contribute plant nutrients and organic matter to soils, but it also inoculates them with a high loading of potentially damaging anaerobic microbes, washed into the ground as an acidic soup.
In contrast, Sally Russell reckons it is possible without mechanisation to maintain oxygenated conditions in slurry, break up a crust or prevent one forming, and create uniform consistency from surface to the bottom. This means minimal stirring before spreading, reducing workload and fuel consumption involved.
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