Environment
SMARTER_BufferZ
SMARTER_BufferZ Riparian buffer zones are patches of land adjacent to rivers, streams and drains, removed from intensive production. When designed correctly, they play a significant role in the reduction of diffuse inputs from agriculture entering our waterbodies. Buffer zones provide a variety of environmental and ecological services, including: a habitat for biodiversity […]
24 March 2021
The Caha Project
The Caha Project The Caha Project is a project where nine farmers have come together to protect a section of their local river. This length of river is particularity important as it has been identified as having a High Status Objective and is a Priority Area for Action under the Water Frameworks […]
24 March 2021
Drainage Maintenance to protect Water Quality
Drainage Maintenance to protect Water Quality Ireland lies in a temperate zone where the main role of drainage is the removal of excess water in the root zone of crops from surplus rainfall, improving land trafficability and increasing productivity. Meabh O’Hagan, ASSAP Advisor and Niall McLoughlin, Lakeland Dairies has some advice. When […]
24 March 2021
Phosphorus Use on Peat Soils
Phosphorus Use on Peat Soils A recent analysis conducted by the Teagasc Rural Economy and Development programme indicates that approximately 6% of the country (420,000 Ha) is made up of cultivated peats across a wide range of farming intensities. Fiona Doolan, ASSAP Advisor Kildare/Laois, discusses Phosphorus Use on Peat Soils A recent […]
24 March 2021
Managing farm roads to protect water quality
Managing farm roads to protect water quality Farm roadways are an essential piece of infrastructure on most livestock farms and in particular dairy farms. Under new Nitrates rules there shall be no direct runoff of soiled water from farm roadways to waters from 1st January 2021. Padraig Fitzgerald, Teagasc Advisor lists the […]
24 March 2021
What is a Riparian Margin & what can it do for Water Quality?
What is a Riparian Margin & what can it do for Water Quality? A Riparian Margin is the land that runs alongside our rivers and streams. Here, Fiona Doolan, Teagasc ASSAP Advisor, Co. Laois, talks about a variety of riparian margins. She explains the benefits of a riparian margin on water quality […]
24 March 2021
ASSAP – Working with farmers to improve water quality
ASSAP – Working with farmers to improve water quality The Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme – ASSAP is in existence since 2018. Advisors are working with farmers in Priority areas for action (PAA) across the country to improve water quality. ASSAP advisors Deirdre Glynn and Cathal Somers give information about the […]
23 March 2021
Why LESS is more
Why LESS is more Slurry application on Irish farms was often seen as a chore, done to relieve pressure on slurry storage systems in late winter / early spring, traditionally spread by splashplate. Today this is changing fast with the use of low emission slurry spreaders (LESS), as Eamonn Lynch Dairy Advisor,explains […]
23 March 2021
Clover – Why Now?
Clover – Why Now? Ever thought of increasing the diversity in your swards? This can be simply and profitably done across the whole farm over 3 years adding to the health of the soil, animals and consumers as well as reducing losses to water and emissions to the atmosphere. Lane Giles, ASSAP […]
23 March 2021
Why You Should Use Protected Urea
Why You Should Use Protected Urea Protected urea allows farmers to spread urea based nitrogen during the growing season without the worry of nitrogen (N) being lost from the field through ammonia emissions. It also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and nitrate leaching when compared to CAN Cathal Somers gives more information Teagasc […]
23 March 2021