Planning To Get Slurry On The Ground

Under the Nitrates Directive Action Programme, all slurry must now be spread close to the ground using inverted splash plate spreaders, band spreaders with trailing hose or trailing shoe, soil injection or soil incorporation techniques.

Most slurry in Northern Ireland is spread by the splash plate method. In the past, splash plates on many spreaders were designed to distribute slurry in an upward direction and this often produced an aerosol drift creating problems including uneven distribution and odour. Under the Nitrates Directive Action Programme the use of machines with these attachments and ‘Sludgigator’ type attachments is no longer permitted to spread slurry or dirty water. Even when using inverted splash plate spreaders, remembering to switch the pump off as soon as the spreader is empty may reduce odour further. Better still, switch the pump off just before the spreader is empty, as this is when most aerosol is created.

Spreaders may be converted to meet the new requirement by fitting an inverted splash plate attachment. This modification is straightforward and relatively inexpensive (less than £100). Spreaders already fitted with an inverted splash plate should also be checked to make sure that they are not damaged and that slurry application will be uniform and accurate.

Further guidance on slurry application methods is available in the draft revised Code of Good Agricultural Practice for the Prevention of Pollution of Water, Air and Soil which is currently available for public consultation. Anyone wishing to receive a copy of this consultation document should contact Countryside Management Branch, DARD, Lindesay Hall, Loughry Campus, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone BT80 9AA. Tel: 028 8675 7507, Fax: 028 8675 7511.It is also available on the Northern Ireland Departments Consultation Register at www.consultationni.gov.uk