Research results shared at open day
WEATHER data gathered by researchers in Carmarthenshire could help convince the Welsh Government to introduce flexibility to the all-wales Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) regulations.
These are areas highlighted as being at risk from agricultural nitrate pollution.
The results of the Tywydd Tywi Weather project run by the Agriculture Research Centre (ARC) at Coleg Sir Gar at Gelli Aur, near Llandeilo will be shared with farmers at an open day at the site on September, 15, between 11am and 3pm.
The pilot project has involved siting weather stations on farms along the Towy Valley from Llansteffan to Llyn Brianne reservoir to gather multiple data including rainfall, temperature and wind speed.
Ground sensors have also monitored soil moisture, temperature and leaf wetness.
An app which interprets that data in combination with weather forecasts has now been designed to allow farmers to access that information to inform their farm management decisions.
John Owen, project management lead at ARC, said the app provides a “traffic light system” to inform farmers if conditions are suitable for applying nutrients, allowing them to maximise nutrient benefit and meet legislative requirements.
Mr Owen said he is hoping that the project can be used to persuade the Welsh Government to allow flexibility to NVZ regulations.
Adding: “Throughout the 2021/22 closed period, the app gave the green light to spreading, but in February and March, when the closed period would have ended, it turned red.
“It illustrated the risks of basing nutrient management regulations around calendar dates.’’
Speakers include grassland specialist Chris Duller, who will provide advice on efficient nutrient management; Keith Owen on the requirements of slurry/silage storage structures for Control of Pollution Regulations; and Hugh Martineau, head of sustainability at Map of Ag (a leading New Zealand-founded company specialising in data-driven insights into farm performance) who will discuss nutrient balance and greenhouse gas emissions.
The event is being run jointly with Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and Farming Connect.
To register attendance for the open day visit the Farming Connect website at https://wales.business-events. org.uk/en/events/gelli-aur-collegefarm-open-day/