Organic Matter
Peter Thomas Keaveney on 01 Dec 2021
Raft of new kit from Lemken
At a recent field event in Germany, Lemken showcased its updated range of equipment ahead of the 2022 season. Peter Thomas Keaveney attended.
Andy Doyle on 10 Nov 2021
Tillage: cover crops and 10% of straw to be incorporated
The major focus on tillage in the climate action plan is for straw incorporation and catch crop planting but there continues to be no recognition of tillage as a low emissions land use.
Gary Abbott on 20 Oct 2021
Amazone cultivation and crop care equipment updates
Last week, Amazone held its pre-Agritechnica press launch. Among updates to existing ranges a number of new machines were unveiled. Gary Abbott outlines some of the standout announcements.
Darren Carty on 20 Oct 2021
Boost for straw and Protein Aid schemes
There is now €7m funding available with this geared towards expanding the range of eligible crops and ultimately increasing the volume of protein feeds Ireland produces.
Pat O'Toole on 25 Sep 2021
A Signpost towards sustainability - Kermit would approve
Boris Johnson's remark this week to the UN that it's easy being green might be true for him, but tell that to a Welsh miner or a Bórd Na Móna worker from Edenderry or an Irish farmer.
Andy Doyle on 14 Sep 2021
Is tillage about to be ambushed by EU bureaucracy once again?
Tillage farming over the coming decade seems set to be hit once again by significant changes in the CAP but many other factors will also impinge on it.
Siobhán Walsh on 12 Sep 2021
Sustainability: five top tips to make improvements
Here are five things to look at that could improve the sustainability of your farm from an environmental and economic point of view.
Andy Doyle on 06 Sep 2021
Electricity cost hit sugar cane production in south Queensland
Sugar cane is perceived to have significant cost advantages over sugar beet, but free water and high yields are still important.
Contributor on 01 Sep 2021
In the Garden with Gerry Daly: Japanese anemone
Gerry Day discusses Japanese anemone, taking geranium cuttings and the jobs to get done this week
Andy Doyle on 01 Sep 2021
Organic manures - the ultimate investment for tillage land
Organic manures bring short- and long-term benefits, especially on worn tillage land. Andy Doyle reports.
Andy Doyle on 18 Aug 2021
Have your say on CAP policy direction
Tillage farmers would be well advised to interact with the CAP consultation process to voice their opinions ahead of the final agreement.
Peter Thomas Keaveney on 18 Aug 2021
Getting straw incorporation right
The Irish Farmers Journal tillage and machinery team recently travelled to Co Carlow where they took a look at correct practices and machine settings for the incorporation of chopped straw.
Stephen Robb on 08 Aug 2021
Watch: how sowing date affects cover crop growth
Cover crop drilling is currently ongoing around the country, but how does drilling date affect crop development.
Contributor on 30 Jun 2021
Nitrogen loss to water from tillage land
Tillage land appears to be leaking nitrogen when crops are not growing, writes Edward Burgess from Teagasc’s Agricultural Catchments Programme.
Andy Doyle on 30 Jun 2021
Why we should consider break crops in the rotation
While any crop needs to be able to stand on it own (economically) break crops shoudl be assessed across the full rotation because of the additional benefits they bring, writes Dermot Forristal
Andy Doyle on 16 Jun 2021
Principles behind successful straw incorporation
Successful straw incorporation will bring short- and long-term benefits, as well as some risks, so it is essential to understand the objectives, writes Andy Doyle.
Andy Doyle on 19 Apr 2021
Tight crop farm management at Parkes
When yield is highly uncertain in hot dry climates, one must be more careful about crop spend and the level of investment in overheads.
Lorcan Allen on 10 Feb 2021
EU opens public consultation on new soils strategy
The EU’s new soils strategy is due to be rolled out in the second half of 2021 and is a key part of its overall ‘Green Deal’ initiative.
Andy Doyle on 08 Feb 2021
Integration is the basis of survival
In a state where scale is large and the climate is harsh, the integration of livestock and cropping is critical for farm survival.
Lorcan Allen on 05 Feb 2021
EU opens public consultation on new soil strategy
The EU’s new soils strategy is due to be rolled out in the second half of 2021 and is a key part of its overall green deal initiative.