Optimisation of fertiliser inputs, compliance with NVZ regulations and the impact of the Glasdir scheme are just a few of the burning topics that will be discussed by experts from leading environmental consultancy ADAS at this year’s Royal Welsh Show.
The show, which attracts crowds of more than 250,000 landowners and farmers, takes place between the 20th-23rd July at Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, from 8am to 8pm daily.
ADAS, which has over 500 staff covering more than 60 specialisms, will be on-hand to advise visitors on some of the key topics affecting the farming industry.
Following a drop in the application of lime on grassland in Wales over the last 15 years, along with more recent rising costs of fertilisers, consultants at the stand will be providing advice on how soil pH can affect grassland productivity and response to fertiliser applied. The stand will feature an exhibit on different grassland swards, soil samples of different soil pH and examples of measures that farmers can adopt to ensure that they get the optimum results from fertilisers and organic manure.
The new NVZ regulations, which came into force this year and affects approximately four per cent of land in Wales, will be discussed and consultants will be advising visitors affected on how to ensure compliance, while simultaneously saving significant sums on inputs through appropriate management of manures and storage. ADAS is behind the development of the Defra and Environment Agency-recognised PLANET software, a practical tool that helps farmers to optimise nutrient use in fields each year and ensure compliance with the NVZ rules.
For many, the new regulations may signal a need for investment in additional storage facilities and ADAS will be advising visitors on low cost ways, which avoid a significant capital spend, of ensuring compliance – from changing building layouts to diverting clean water on farms.
Glasdir, the new environmental scheme to be introduced by the Welsh Assembly from 2012, will also present farmers with new challenges, including how to increase the utilisation of renewable energy. ADAS has worked with farmers across the UK to consider the feasibility of wind power on farms – looking at factors such as the suitability of sites, the environmental impact and planning requirements associated with an application – and will be available to answer any queries about renewable energy proposals.
Visitors to the show will be also be able to find out more about the latest ADAS research into grazing management of semi-natural grassland, which looks at how to maintain biodiversity and production within these areas, along with research into balancing animal health with environmental responsibilities on a farm, which focuses on lamb growth rates on different forage rations and sward composition.
The stand will be located in the Countryside Care Area (CCA 833) adjoining the Environment Agency stand and overlooking the biodiversity pond.