24-May-2006
- The Environment Agency 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 Emma Townsend for the Environment
Agency.
'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.'
Farmers are being urged 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,' added Emma Townsend.
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. However, farmers face increased
problems this year, increasing the risks of causing
pollution.
