Dairy Event and Livestock Show News
SOIL AERATION AND SLURRY APPLICATION IN ONE PASS NOW POSSIBLE
18 August 2010
The Super 6 OxyGenerator launched by The Glenside Group means grassland farmers can now realise the dual benefits of soil aeration and increased accuracy of slurry applications in a single pass, so saving both time and money.
“Combining aeration with slurry application improves the efficiency of nutrient recycling which increases grassland productivity while reducing fertiliser and application costs,” comments Glenside Managing Director Ian Robertson.
“Aeration introduces oxygen into the soil which increases biologically activity within the soil. Physical opening of the soil improves surface drainage and the absorption of slurry and dirty water, boosting the supply of nutrients to the plant while reducing the diffuse pollution risk.”
The UK built Super 6 OxyGenerator can be tractor or tanker mounted and has a six metre working width, hydraulically folding to 2.5 metres for road transportation. It is fully galvanised to withstand corrosion.
Aeration is achieved through 54 240mm long and 11mm thick solid boron steel blades which can be adjusted to three different positions to allow straight or offset angles, allowing close control over the degree of soil disturbance achieved. Offset blades result in more lifting of the soil which helps increase slurry absorption.
Slurry and dirty water can be applied either via low trajectory splash plates or trailing hoses. (Macerator is supplied with some models). Both slurry and dirty water are supplied using umbilical connections.
“The Super 6 OxyGenerator is effective on any soils that will benefit from having the surface layer broken up before slurry is applied, this means most grassland will benefit from the OxyGenerator” observes Mr Robertson. “The ability to offset the soil by upto 250mm is particularly valuable in maize stubbles.
“Trials at IGER show that aeration increased production in grazing swards by 26kgDM/ha/day while rapid absorption of slurry reduces losses due to ammonia and boosts the nutrients available to the plant.”
The Super 6 OxyGenerator weighs 1,500kg unballasted and 2,500kg when fully ballasted. A 150hp tractor is required to pull it and work rates of 3-4acres per hour are standard.
The Super 6 OxyGenerator costs from £16,000
-ends-
Issued on: 29 July 2009
For more information: Ian Robertson
Tel: 07970 286420
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