Spreading your slurry - get ahead of the game!
Slurry spreading in Ireland is imminent and you can get ahead of the game byanalysing your samples with IAS as soon as possible. Nutrient levels in slurry vary massively and applying without analysing levels can lead to inaccurate rates being applied, impacting yield and quality. Make sure you get ahead of the game by testing slurry, helping you increase yields and save time and money with IAS.
If you’re in the UK,contact NRM to book in your tests.
Why should farms spread slurry?
Research has shown that organic matter supplied by cattle increases the size of the topsoil microbial biomass by 50-60% and by 25-30% if cattle slurry is consistently applied over a 20-year period. This can increase yields and reduce the need for nitrogen fertilisers, saving money. Measure the nutrient levels in your slurry now.
When can I spread my slurry?
All slurry application needs to be complete before 1st October, so getting an understanding of exactly how much you will need to apply now will make sure you meet the deadline in good time. Find out more on our website.
Why do I need to analyse my slurry?
Whilst the standard nutrient content figures published in RB209 act as a fantastic guide when calculating manure application rates, nutrient levels in slurry vary massively. Applying without analysing levels can lead to inaccurate rates being applied, impacting yield and quality. Make sure you understand yours.
Does analysing slurry save money?
The price of nitrogen fertiliser is still at £870/t for ammonium nitrate. You can save time and money by finding out what is in your slurry, so you don’t have to buy expensive fertiliser to top up. Get in touch with us today for an informal conversation about how we may be able to support you this year.
Frequently asked questions
How do I take a slurry sample?
Taking a slurry sample is not easy. Guidance also changes depending on what kind of slurry you have and how you store it. Find out more here.
How much slurry can I spread?
You must not spread livestock manure and slurry containing more than 170kg of nitrogen per hectare in a year. The Nitrates Action Programme (NAP) limits its spread to help prevent and reduce water pollution from agricultural sources.
Analysing manures and slurry helps you determine nutrient levels and help you comply.
How does testing slurry save me money?
The price of nitrogen fertiliser is still at £870/t for ammonium nitrate. You can save money by finding out what is in your slurry, so you don’t have to buy expensive fertiliser to top up.
How does slurry improve soil health?
Research has shown that organic matter supplied by cattle increases the size of the topsoil microbial biomass by 50-60% and by 25-30% if cattle slurry is consistently applied over a 20-year period.