Knowledge Trail 2011

The Knowledge Trail, with five Action Areas offers the opportunity for visitors to gain valuable 4 NRoSO and 4 BASIS points by providing in-depth information on a range of important cultivation and establishment topics, which include:

Cultivate best blackgrass control: Latest BASF-funded blackgrass dormancy results from Sarah Cook of ADAS, who wwill also be explaining the implications on timing and choice of control options this autumn. She will also be previewing Dow-funded grasss weed germination work, which will be released later in the season.

Herbicide performance: Prof.Paul Miller, the UK's leading application scientist, is explaining the results of his research into herbicide performance in different moisture levels in min-till seedbeds. At Tillage-Live he will be replicating the typical worked ground and different trash levels.

Focus on container cleaning: Detailed advice on best practice container rinsing and cleaning techniques will be demonstrated by Bill Taylor, an independent spraying expert. Here operators can also test their skills to assess just how effectively they are currently cleaning cans, and see how they can improve their techniques.

Best practice pelleting: Improving slug pellet application precision will help make the best use of limited metaldehyde resources as well as help protect the environment. Engineers from Spreader & Sprayer Testing (SCS) will be demonstration how to service, set-up and tray test applicators for the most accurate results and safe spreading.

Focus on soil structure: Cultivation machinery expert,Philip Wright,will be digging a soil profile pit to explain how to identify compaction, its cause and how to use and set various implements to remedy problems. He will also provide advice on how best to prevent damage to the structure.

Controlled Traffic Farming: Tim Chamen, the UK's leading expert from CTF Europe, explains the benefits that come from confining traffic to set wheelways in fields and how setting up a sytem is much easier than many first imagine.

Alongside the Knowledge Trail and working demonstrations two further arenas offer the opportunity to suilably-qualified operators to drive the latest sprayers as well as gain valuable hands-off practical experience of using guidance and auto-steer systems.