A bigger site and new technology-focused Action Areas aim to make the new-look Tillage-Live event an even more useful source of information than the many successful editions that have gone before.

“In the new Knowledge Trail, visitors to Tillage-Live can get in-depth advice from industry experts on a range of topical issues, as well as gaining NRoSO and BASIS points,” explains organiser Duncan Russell, of the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA). “As the largest cultivations demonstration in the UK, Tillage-Live will provide a complete overview of the entire crop establishment process.”

Growers contemplating an auto-steering system to gain productivity and reduce input costs can get hands-on – or should that be hands-off – experience of this increasingly popular technology. And if it is being considered to adopt a move towards permanent tramlines, then a look at the Controlled Traffic Farming exhibit will also be worthwhile.

“The controlled traffic area will explore the effect of vehicle tracking on the soil and demonstrate the large variation in conditions within an area of just 6m x 6m,” says Tim Chamen, a consultant on CTF. “This will include visual examination, strength and soil friability tests, and show how different size soil pores have a dramatic effect on water movement up and down the soil profile.”

Mr Chamen will also set out the underlying principle of controlled traffic, the benefits it can bring, and how it can be achieved on farms of varying size, on different soils and with different cropping.

“We’ll also have case studies to show that many farms are now converting to controlled traffic farming at net negative cost while maintaining flexibility in their tillage and machinery operations,” he adds. “Farmers visiting our exhibit will see that using clever thinking and new technologies to confine all field traffic to the least possible area of permanent traffic lanes has few negative outcomes.”

The HGCA’s contribution will also focus on soil management, working with the Potato Council, a sister division within the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), and Catchment Sensitive Farming to demonstrate a range of techniques and practices that can help alleviate common soil management problems.

“Tramline management is a key element of soil conservation,” emphasises HGCA‘s Laura Temple. “So the exhibit will feature a live demonstration of HGCA-funded research into the use of low ground pressure tyres and a spiked harrow to reduce soil and nutrient losses, giving both financial and environmental benefits.”

With a vast range of cultivation equipment on display at the event, HGCA will emphasise the importance maintaining good soil structure – as illustrated by a pit showing the soil profile of the event site.

“Establishment regimes used by top farmers and growers are no longer focused solely on cutting costs,” emphasises Mr Russell. “While many new regimes do bring considerable savings, they take an inclusive approach that saves fuel, protects the soil and leads to higher operating efficiency – all of which will be reflected in the new format of the Tillage-Live event.”

Not just cultivation either

Live hands-on demonstrations of spraying equipment – which has an important role to play in crop cultivation, especially in a minimum tillage or no-till context – are being expanded at Tillage-Live.

In addition to a sprayer demonstration area, a new focus on pesticide packaging design and improved technology for pack cleaning will show how these can make an impact on sprayer filling efficiency.

“Pesticide containers need be cleaned immediately after being emptied and considerable advances have been made by all sectors of the industry to meet that goal,” says consultant Bill Taylor. “Sprayer manufacturers have introduced induction bowls with improved rinse systems that allow containers to be rinsed as effectively as ‘hand’ triple rinsing but quicker and as part of the sprayer loading routine.

“Pesticide manufacturers have introduced containers that drain more freely and without ‘trapping’ points such as open handles to further improve rinsing efficiency,” he adds. “And trainers and advisers have identified and promoted to operators the need for effective container cleaning using the most appropriate methods.”

At Tillage-Live, the AEA will encourage sprayer operators to experience further advances by loading simulated product from 20-litre and 10-litre BASF Eco-Packs, which have been designed for easier rinsing. Coloured dye will simulate pesticide residue to better understand how operators clean these containers.

Hypro’s new rinsing system developed for larger containers will be shown alongside the company’s standard design on a Knight trailed sprayer, while BASF will highlight encapsulated pendimethalin, a formulation that has less rinsing demands than traditional formulations.

Called Stomp Aqua, the new herbicide formulation will also feature in a presentation by Paul Miller, of TAG’s Silsoe Spray Applications Unit, on work looking at herbicide performance in different moisture levels in min-till situations.

Joining Prof Miller in a ‘Quiz the Expert’ drop-in centre hosted by BASF is Sarah Cook of ADAS, who will discuss the results of BASF-funded work on blackgrass dormancy and the implications on timing and choice of farm control options to be used this coming season.

She will also be on-hand to talk through the grass-weed germination work funded by Dow AgroSciences, which is due for release this autumn.

BASF will launch a Weed Identification app for the iPhone at the event, and a ‘Map My Weed’ application for oilseed rape growers to help in the identification of Crane’s-bill species and improve levels of control achieved.

In addition, applicator calibration specialists from Spreader & Sprayer Testing will provide practical advice on checking, setting up and calibrating slug pellet broadcasters to achieve top control while minimising pollution risks.

Tillage-Live Facts

• Date: 14 September 2011 – 8am to 3pm

• Location: Landmead Farm, East Hanney, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX13 5PA.

• Entry: £7.50 per car booked in advance; £10 per car on the gate.

• More information: www.tillage-live.uk.com