With the ban on farmers’ favourite slug control method – metaldehyde – coming into force next spring, Soil Association Scotland is inviting arable farmers in Aberdeenshire to a free event to find out how to use the best alternative, ferric phosphate.

“Ferric phosphate is more expensive, so you don’t want to waste it,” says Dr Andy Evans, pest management researcher at SRUC, who will be leading the morning session.

“Research has shown it’s as effective as metaldehyde,” he says. “But only if it’s used the right way, it’s not just a straight swap. Timing is really important as you need to use it when slugs are likely to be coming out – when it rains basically. So you need to watch the weather forecast.

“There are different timings for different plants, so with potatoes, for example, you need to put the pellets down just before the crop canopies meet across the rows so the pellets get to the base of the plant instead of bouncing off it.

“With ferric phosphate at around £15/ha, you don’t want to be scattering it like confetti to no effect.”

Though still used in Europe, metaldehyde has been banned in the UK because it harms wildlife and gets into the water system.

Attendees will find out about Scottish Water’s Drinking Water Protection Scheme, which pays for the difference in switching to ferric phosphate for farmers in the River Ugie catchment.

The event takes place on Thursday 25 April, at 10am-1pm, in the Mintlaw Public Hall, Mintlaw, AB42 5EH. It’s free for farmers and land managers.

Book your place online at http://bit.ly/slugpatrol