Teagasc Examines New Tillage Systems
Research carried out by scientists at the Teagasc National Tillage Centre at, Oak Park, Carlow shows that 'eco-tillage', where crops are sown without ploughing, can cut costs and increase productivity, especially on larger tillage farms.
However, the scientists warn that it is far too early to dismiss the plough from tillage farming.
Growing cereal crops without ploughing has become a feature on a small number of tillage farms in recent years. This new practice is now the subject of a comprehensive research programme by Teagasc at Oak Park, the initial results which were outlined by Dermot Forristal at the Teagasc National Tillage Conference in Carlow today (Wednesday, 30 January).
Dermot Forristal stated that 'eco-tillage' had up to 40% faster workrates with similar savings in labour requirements compared to conventional ploughing systems.
''These non-plough systems use less energy and offer the potential to reduce crop establishment costs by 30% - 45%. However, the story is not all plain sailing. The working window is much tighter than with ploughing systems'', he said.
He said initial results from the 'eco-tillage' research project are promising with cereal yields similar to those from conventional ploughing.
''The potential machinery benefits and initial crop results make the new system attractive to the larger grower. However, it will take a number of years to see how soil structure, weed population and other environmental indicators are affected'', he said.
New Protein Crops
Teagasc scientist, Dr Jim Crowley, told the conference that beans offer the best prospect as an alternative home grown source of protein for the animal feed industry.
The Irish feed industry currently imports up to 1.5million tonnes of protein. The ban on meat and bone meal and the increasing non-acceptability of genetically modified protein sources, such as soya bean, has led to an upsurge in demand for Irish-grown protein feeds.
''Research by Teagasc has shown that field beans offer the best and most immediate opportunity to increase home-grown protein feed production'', said Dr Crowley.
He said Irish weather conditions are ideal for bean production. A well-grown crop of beans will yield up to 6 tonnes per hectare. The crop can be effectively stored on-farm or can be sold to feed compounders for inclusion in animal feed.
''A consistent supply of home-grown protein feeds would reduce our reliance on imports and potentially reduce animal feed costs. It would also offer a new opportunity to Irish tillage farmers'', he said.
For the full proceedings, click here.
