Better use of FYM and slurry saves thousands
Better use of FYM and slurry saves thousands
MAKING better use of farm yard manure and slurry could save £17,000/year for a 200-cow herd, according to MGA agronomist Simon Draper.
"Farm yard manure is an under- used resource on many farms and should be regarded as a positive benefit rather than a waste material," Mr Draper told producers attending an MGA/BGS joint meeting.
"FYM typically contains 1.2 units/t of nitrogen, four units of phosphorous and nine units of potassium. Slurry contains four units/1000 gallons of nitrogen, five units of phosphorous and 27 units of potassium."
When availability of these nutrients is taken into account, this is equivalent to £70/cow/years worth of nutrients, said Mr Draper.
But timing of application is critical for maximising availability of these nutrients. Ideally, FYM should be applied in autumn, winter and spring, explained Mr Draper.
Spreading muck over this longer period also lessens the environmental impact.
"For a crop of maize, FYM can supply all its nutrient requirements. Two cows produce enough FYM for 1ha of maize assuming that it is applied from autumn through to spring."
Where possible, grass to maize rotations offer the biggest window for applying FYM.
Maize to maize or maize to grass situations shorten the window due to late harvesting of maize, he said.
"Many farms have three year grass leys which means the grass to maize rotation occurs one twelfth of the time whereas changing to a four year rotation would mean the grass/maize switch would occur 25% of the time."
Timely applications of FYMand slurry could be worth £17,000/year to a 200-cow herd, says Simon Draper.