Organic fertiliser on offer – and free
South West Water is seeking more land on which to spread free fertiliser in the form of sewage biosolids.
Currently, South West Water produces 250,000t of biosolids a year, requiring 10,175 ha (25,000 acres) of land on which to spread it.
But as other methods of disposal are closed and spreading windows narrow, more land is required.
“There really is no easier, cheaper and more environmentally friendly way to fertilise your fields,” said operations director Stephen Bird.
“Biosolids contain nitrogen, phosphorus, organic matter, trace elements and small quantities of potassium.
They work as an incredibly safe and effective organic fertiliser and soil conditioner.”
South West Water will supply, deliver and spread the organic manure free of charge, potentially reducing fertiliser bills by up to £74-£99/ha (£30-£40/acre).
Eric Down from Fordlands Farm, Chevithorne, has been using biosolids on his 81ha (200 acres) of arable land for five years.
“Because of the cost saving, biosolids are probably the difference between growing the crop and not growing the crop,” he said.
