Injector units shares add bio-solids to soil
Injector units shares add bio-solids to soil
BIO-SOLIDS injected into growing crops – without any affect on yields or growing patterns – is what Cranfield University claims to be able to achieve following the development of a liquid waste recycling system.
Working in collaboration with Anglia Water Services Innovation and Greentrac, the system centres on the development of the Growing Crop Injector unit – a unit capable of injecting wastes into soil at depths of between 5cm and 8cm.
With a working width of 4.6m, the 18-leg umbilical machine uses shares, rather than discs, at its business end. These have been designed to work at shallow depths without disturbing plant roots, unduly. High underbody clearance to prevent damage to stems, is also a feature.
Cranfield Universitys Richard Godwin says studies have shown that improved incorporation of bio-solids into the root zone reduces harmful emissions and smells, without increasing concentrations of nitrate in soil water, and without affecting crop yield.
"Being able to inject bio-solids into the land during the growing season also has implications for storage and other logistical considerations," he says.
Prof Godwin believes that further corporate interest and sponsorship is required to develop the product into a 12m boom design for tramline work. This would reduce wheeling damage and improve work rates. *
Cranfield Universitys Growing Crop Injector. Note the high underbody clearance and use of shares – rather than discs – to achieve shallow injection depths.