Cappoquin 3 April 1997:
Leading Tillage farmers and Contractors from a wide area were
able to see the first demonstration held in Ireland of the latest
technique in slurry disposal. At a demonstration organised by
Julian Martin and Michael Houlihan of Agrilife Ltd.
The Chavtrac Tanka 410 was operated with a 20 metre Tramspread slurry spreader operating in winter wheat for Cappoquin Estate.
The Tanka 410 is fitted as standard with flotation tyres which allow all year access to both grassland and tillage areas without crop, soil or pasture damage and yet the unit is still compact enough to pass through narrow farm entrances..
On the day at Cappoquin the combination was able to travel the normal tramlines without marking the crop and spread an even coating of pig slurry across the farm's 20m tramline width.
Richard Price from Chavtrac explained that farmers in England were now growing high yielding wheat crops without artificial fertiliser by applying up to 4 dressings of slurry through the growing season. Crop health was improved due to the slow release of nutrients and the addition of organic matter helps to keep the crop growing through dry spells.
Inspecting the field a month later John Collins,
farm manager at Cappoquin was delighted with the results. Despite
the dry conditions, with slurry still visible above ground, the area of wheat treated with pig slurry showed a marked improvement
in growth compared to a comparison area treated with normal fertiliser.
As well as spreading a farmers own slurry Agrilfe will be making
arrangements to supply tillage farmers with surplus slurry from
intensive livestock producers.
The Chavtrac Tanka 410 carries 1600 gallons of slurry
on the softest ground conditions without crop or soil damage and
is finding wide acceptance with farmers and contractors in the
UK and Ireland. The Tanka 410 is powered by a Perkins 1004T 112hp
and has 4 wheel drive and powershift transmission.
