A new Defra-funded study carried out by ADAS and Bangor University is investigating the agronomic and environmental impacts of slurry separation, using a combination of laboratory and field experiments.
Slurry separators offer many potential benefits, they can:
- increase the storage space of slurry lagoons (as solids can be stored separately)
- reduce the cost of spreading
- generate good material for bedding
- allow farmers to better target their nutrient needs because the phosphate and nitrogen (the two key nutrients in slurries) are largely separated and therefore can be applied where they are needed (e.g. some fields will need the nitrogen, but not the phosphate, allowing the farmer to make better use of that phosphate where it is needed).
Join the project
The project is looking for 40 slurry-based cattle farms with either a screw press or screen separator, so that they can characterise the nutrient content of the solid, liquid and whole slurry.
Representative samples of each fraction will be analysed for dry matter, total and available Nitrogen (N), total Phosphorus (P) and P fractions, organic Carbon (C), total Potassium (K) and Sulphur (S). Farmers will get an in-depth analysis of their own slurry, and the wider project findings at no cost.
The results could be of considerable value to participating farmers (especially as they look to plan their Spring fertiliser applications), and the project should be beneficial to the agricultural industry. The project will involve one short visit from the project team.
How to get involved
Farmers who would like to be involved can speak to Soils and Nutrient Research Scientist John Langley-Randall on 07435 981 531, or email john.langley@adas.co.uk
Sampling staff will need access to an above ground reception tank, as well as the solid and liquid outlets of the separator.