The past two weeks I continued on preparing the trial plots for digestate and fertilizer application. Soil temperatures were closely monitored over the past two weeks. On Friday, soil temperatures were taken and averaged at approximately 11 ºC. Soil samples were taken and sent to JHG Laboratories for microbiological analysis. Digestate was applied to all three farms. Digestate was applied by trailing shoe at 4km/hr at a rate of 3500 gallons/ha.
This week I continued training on devising nutrient management plans (NMP) for TGL Consulting clients and I also trained on carrying out groundwater vulnerability maps from GSI.ie. I have now learned how to carry out NMP and assess the LPIS information and I am continuing to learn how to detail the report for the farmers to advise them on both organic and chemical fertilizer applications. On Tuesday, I presented via skype my research proposal on using organic fertilizers as a substitute for inorganic to improve the efficiency in nitrogen use and uptake and to impact the carbon footprint. I will continue next week on my research proposal and also on NMP’s and groundwater vulnerability maps. I am also continuing to take herbage samples each week to freeze, so they can be analysed down the line if necessary. Each week I am also monitoring soil temperature, so I will be able to depict the most suitable time for the digestate to be applied and currently soil temperatures are averaging at 6.5ºC.
This week I received three days training on devising nutrient management plans (NMP) for TGL Consulting clients. I received training from one of the consultants who showed me how to input the client information, animal information, soil analysis and LPIS information. I have now learned how to carry out NMP and assess the LPIS information and I am continuing to learn how to detail the report for the farmers to advise them on both organic and chemical fertilizer applications. On Wednesday I attended a conference in Teagasc Moorepark on the precise application of fertilizers. It was a fantastic insight into both the environmental and practical aspect of fertilizer application and how the NMP online system has been a key component in assisting in this.
