Owing to this years exceptionally dry weather conditions, results have shown that working the soil to greater depths has little impact upon potato emergence.
Agricultural contractors have previously reported that working the soil at depth creates compaction. Compaction is particularly caused by working deep in wet conditions. On average the optimum depth is 20-50cm. Usually, the potatoes planted at soil worked to 50 cm would show significantly large differences in bulk density and rootability. However, this year it is a different story. Agricultural contractors have found consistent quality when planting between 19 – 54 cm.
On a different track, agricultural contractors will be pleased to hear that the NFU are going to take up the ‘Red Tape Challenge’ set by the government. The Red Tape Challenge was designed to give the general public the opportunity to have an input about the red tape experienced in daily life.
The NFU are planning to highlight the environmental regulations restricting the work of agricultural contractors, in the current theme of ‘the environment’. Farmers continuously face a battle with red tape in their bid to produce good yielding crops that fit within the somewhat restrictive boundaries set by the government.
Whilst the NFU are keen to promote farming that is environmentally friendly, their input in the Red Tape Challenge aims to put forward to the problems that some of the restrictions put upon farmers.
If you are a farmer or a rural contractor and have not already registered as a member, remember it is 100% free to register as a farm contractor, so sign up today!
Tags: Agricultural Contractors
