Farm Waste Management Project
The Farm Waste Management Project looks at all types of farm wastes, to consider their minimisation and also their management in an environmentally sensitive manner. We aim to provide farmers with advice on cost-effective, alternative solutions where there is identified to be a need, and to generally encourage more sustainable waste management practices. The ‘Farm Conservation and Waste Management Project Officer’ has training and expertise in soil science and sustainable agriculture, and is also FACTS qualified. This position is funded by Hanson through the Environmental Trust for Berkshire (ETB).
Farm Waste Management talk at Mayfield Farm
Waste minimisation has clear environmental benefits, but the farm business can also benefit in many ways:
- By reducing the quantity of raw materials bought, raw materials will be more efficiently used
- Saving time and money in handling and managing wastes
- Reducing any disposal costs
- Reducing and making less likely any damage to the environment that could have a negative effect on productivity
- Working towards compliance with future regulations
MANURE NEEDS MANAGING
The Farm Waste Management Project is also looking at the potential causes of pollution from farms in the Pang, Kennet & Lambourn valleys and we give advice on resource management. We can give specific or general advice on resource management, which includes:
- Soil Erosion:
Soil washed into the rivers can have a significantly damaging effect on the chalk stream habitat that these rivers are noted for, as it clogs up the gravels that should make up the riverbeds. It can also carry with it phosphates, which enrich the nutrient content of the water (having a negative effect on the flora and fauna), and some pesticides that produce toxins in their breakdown. We can produce 'Soil Management Plans' to help avoid erosion, and to prevent soilwash reaching the rivers. - Manures and Slurries:
These need careful storage and application as their potential for polluting is huge, but they are also a very valuable nutrient resource. The new Nitrate Sensitive Zones that came into being in December 2002 cover a significant part of the Pang, Kennet & Lambourn valleys, and these regulations enforce this careful management. We can advise on the NVZ regulations, and produce 'Manure and Slurry Management Plans'. - Nutrients:
'Nutrient Budgeting' is a tool pioneered in Holland to assess the nutrient efficiency of a farming system, which can give an indication of where the inefficiencies in the system exist. It is a matter of accounting for all nutrient imports and all nutrient exports from the farm, the aim being to always strive towards a greater amount of inputs reaching the crops and products. This tool has saved some farms a significant amount of money by reducing the fertiliser bill!
If you farm in the Pang, Kennet & Lambourn valleys, please give us a call and we would be happy to carry out a free visit to advise on resource management, waste minimisation, conservation and grant schemes.
We look forward to hearing from you!