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Don’t Waste Expensive Nutrients - SAC Meetings in NE Address Fertiliser Efficiency

SAC News Release Ref. No: 11N23
Published: 25 Feb 2011

The recent international scramble to buy a stake in potash mining is the latest confirmation of the importance fertilisers have to food production. Prices are climbing high with limited supplies and almost endless demand. All the more reason for local farmers to ensure they are using their fertilisers to best effect.

SAC meetings planned for Elgin, Mintlaw and Huntly in March will consider how to get the best return from nutrients applied to crops and grassland. Efficient use of fertilisers involves using only what the plant needs at the time it works best.  Applying too much is not only costly but can lead to pollution and possible penalties. Responsible farming involves both business profitability and environmental awareness.

At the Eight Acres Hotel, on 3rd March, the Country Park Inn on Monday 7th and the Gordon Arms Hotel on Thursday 10th local SAC Consultants will outline how best to use home produced fertilisers like slurry and farm yard manure (FYM) as well as those delivered in bags. Knowing the nutrient status of your soil prevents pounds spent on unnecessary additives. Gavin Elrick, SAC Environment & Design Consultant, will explain the new PLANET Scotland nutrient management software, which farmers can use to balance their nutrient budgets.
 
At the Elgin and Huntly meetings the latest precision farming techniques will be highlighted. Using satellite navigation and other tractor mounted technology to match fertiliser spreading with soil analysis. Elaine Nicol, North of Scotland Area Manager with Yara, will discuss applications such as the nitrogen sensor and how these can help improve efficiency.

With increasing concern about the diffuse pollution unused fertiliser can cause to water courses, the Mintlaw meeting will highlight the ongoing work to reduce pollution in the river Deveron and Ugie Catchments. Eddie Nicol of environment watchdog SEPA will discuss the work they are doing to address run off and the general binding rules (GBRs) surrounding it.
 
The two meetings form part of a series which receive funding from the Scottish Government as part of its pollution advisory activity. SAC organisers would value an early warning of those wanting to attend so they can organise tea/coffee.

To book a place for the Mintlaw meeting (Country Park Inn 7th March) please call the SAC Turriff office on 01888 563333.

To book a place for the Elgin (Eight Acres, 3rd March) and Huntly (Gordon Arms 10th March) meetings please call SAC Elgin office on 01343 548787.

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News Release Issued By

Mr Ken Rundle
Senior Communications Officer
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, King's Buildings, West Mains Road,
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG
TelWork 0131 535 4196

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