Rains increase run-off risks
Rains increase run-off risks
RAIN after this years maize harvest has capped some soils making them more vulnerable to run off and increasing pollution risks.
Environment Agency rural land use scientist Richard Smith, says the risk is greater where growers are now applying slurry to bare maize ground.
"In some cases rain has capped the soil and trafficking has caused compaction and ruts which increase the likelihood of run off."
He suggests the barest minimum should be to plough maize aftermaths so that slurry cannot run off, or ideally wait until drier weather in spring before spreading.
However, when growers must go ahead, he recommends producers identify and avoid high risk fields, such as those which have capped or are steeply sloped.
The EA is also urging producers to check and maintain slurry stores to reduce the risk of overflows and leaks which if they led to water pollution, would incur heavy fines.
Dr Smith recommends checking that there is sufficient capacity to store slurry for the winter and covering slurry stores to reduce rain entering the store.
RAIN after this years maize harvest has capped some soils making them more vulnerable to run off and increasing pollution risks.
Environment Agency rural land use scientist Richard Smith, says the risk is greater where growers are now applying slurry to bare maize ground.
"In some cases rain has capped the soil and trafficking has caused compaction and ruts which increase the likelihood of run off."
He suggests the barest minimum should be to plough maize aftermaths so that slurry cannot run off, or ideally wait until drier weather in spring before spreading.
However, when growers must go ahead, he recommends producers identify and avoid high risk fields, such as those which have capped or are steeply sloped.
The EA is also urging producers to check and maintain slurry stores to reduce the risk of overflows and leaks which if they led to water pollution, would incur heavy fines.
Dr Smith recommends checking that there is sufficient capacity to store slurry for the winter and covering slurry stores to reduce rain entering the store.