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Late July and early August has seen a flurry of silage activity across the country. With fields cleared of grass, there is a good opportunity to get slurry on land.
Ground conditions have improved in recent weeks and are better able to carry slurry tankers. Therefore, use this window to get storage tanks emptied, easing the pressure going into autumn.
When spreading slurry in late summer, the available nitrogen to the growing crop is lower compared to a spring application.
However, phosphorous and potash availability is similar and helps replace the nutrient offtake in silage.
Consideration
When working with slurry, always keep safety at the front of your mind. Slurry gas can kill. Keep out of sheds when mixing tanks.
Make sure the tanker is in good working order and PTO shafts are covered. Take responsibility for the safety of farm staff and family members helping out with slurry.
Cover mixing and fill points, especially when leaving the yard to empty the tanker. Keep farm pets away from these areas also.
Finally, slurry is high in potash. Therefore, leave a good three week interval before grazing cows in milk on swards that received slurry and provide magnesium supplementation.
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