19-May-2006
- Environment Agency Wales is asking farmers to
keep up the good work to reduce water pollution
risks from silage making in the coming weeks.
Due to the recent wet weather,
farmers could find that their silage contains
a higher level of moisture than usual. This would
mean more silage effluent will be produced.
"Farmers have made tremendous
efforts in recent years to reduce pollution from
silage effluent", says Pete Redfern, the
Agencys agriculture specialist.
"After a cold start to
the season, the grass has grown very quickly in
recent weeks and together with wet weather this
week, gives the prospect of higher moisture content
and so more silage effluent."
We are urging farmers to take
special care to:
Consider weather forecasts,
avoiding making silage when wet weather is predicted
Before making silage, ensure
silos and effluent systems are in good condition,
Wilt the grass as much as
possible, as this can virtually eliminate effluent
Check drains and ditches daily
for any signs of leaking effluent
Ensure collection channels
and drains remain free of obstructions
Make sure effluent tanks do
not overflow
Take care when spreading the
effluent onto land
"We appreciate its a busy
time, but it is important to spend time making
these checks, especially if silage has not been
wilted as much as usual. This can avoid major
costs if things get out of hand. Please keep up
the good work in reducing pollution".
The enormous polluting strength
of silage effluent - up to two hundred times more
polluting than untreated sewage, is now widely
appreciated, as is the need to keep even very
small amounts away from streams and ditches. Farmers
are now taking more care and, as a result, pollution
incidents have greatly reduced.
We are, however, concerned that
farmers face increased problems this year, increasing
the risks of causing pollution.
