Farmers see latest techniques to avoid soil compaction

Editorial Department • Published 22 Jul 2010 16:00 0 Comments

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Tyrone and Fermanagh farmers pictured at one of the eight stops on the Alcorn Focus Farm event at Omagh which was concentrating on alleviating soil compaction.

The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Western Dairying Development Team which covers Fermanagh and Tyrone held two afternoon events to demonstrate a range of machinery used in minimising the impact of soil compaction on grass production. The events were hosted by Focus Farmer, Reggie Alcorn of Laurelbank Farm, Ballynahatty, Omagh.

Over 250 farmers attended the knowledge and technology demonstration events. The farmers were welcomed by Reggie Alcorn who outlined the management of his 200 cow dairy herd with the focus on utilising grazed grass and increasing milk from forage by producing quality grass and silage. Currently, a yield of 30 litres of milk per cow per day is being achieved including over 20 litres of milk taken from grass.

This year, due to excellent weather conditions, Reggie has adopted the technology of soil aeration by using a spiker and shakerator to reduce soil compaction encouraging better drainage and aeration for grass roots. This has been applicable on many farms in Fermanagh and Tyrone following the last three difficult seasons which has left ground compacted. As a result of the compaction, grass growth is restricted particularly in spring and autumn and leaves ground more prone to damage by cattle poaching and machinery. By alleviating the soil compaction, Reggie has found an improved grass growth on the farm.

The farmers attending the demonstration at Alcorn's had the opportunity to discuss with Alex Higgins, AFBI Soil Scientist, the importance of maintaining soil structure and drainage. Alex gave a very practical talk highlighting the value of digging a number of soil inspection pits to examine the depth of grass root development, to check if a pan has formed and the level of worm activity. He provided the farmers with a number of practical key points to take home and use on their own farm situation.

At the events, farmers were able to see in action a range of spikers and subsoiling equipment including Erth Panbuster Subsoiler, Spaldings Flatlift Subsoiler, Opico Sward Lifter, McConnell Shakerator, Sumo Subsoiler, McCord Grassland Subsoiler and Pogue Grassland Spiker. Each machine was demonstrated during the two hour farm tour and farmers had an opportunity to discuss the benefits of each machine on display.

At the events, CAFRE Senior Dairy Development Adviser, Olwen Gormley commented that the number of farmers attending clearly highlighted the relevance of the topic.

She said: "Profitable milk production in the West depends on making maximum use of quality grass for either grazing or silage. The Alcorn farm is evidence of this with 8,200 litres sold per cow per year, with over 3,500 litres produced from forage. It is essential that land is well maintained and Alex Higgins showed the many benefits from effective drainage, alleviating soil compaction methods and ploughing where soil structure needs improved."

Olwen thanked her staff Trevor Alcorn and Alan Warnock for their input to the events. She also acknowledged the valuable contribution made by the machinery exhibitors who provided their equipment and time to demonstrate the various machines. Finally, thanks went to Reggie and Ruth Alcorn for their significant input to the event on their Focus Farm and generous hospitality to all who attended.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 22 Jul 10

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