In May 2015 the UAS Committee set up a sub-group to
consider what should be the ongoing research and
technology priorities for the arable and horticulture sectors in
Northern Ireland. Based on the ‘Review and Strategic
Priorities for the Development of the Arable Sector’
published by the UAS in January 2014 the sub-group
reaffirmed that:-
The arable sector is unique amongst the major sectors in
Northern Ireland in being in a position to making a positive
contribution to sustainable production through effective
utilisation of excess nutrients available from the livestock
sector;
and that
In the case of combinable crops such as cereals, rape and
field beans there is a huge local market through import
substitution for imported cereals and protein.
The sub-group drew up a list of research topics which it felt
reflected the most important topics. At the Summer Outing
on 26th of June UAS members attending were invited to rank
the topics according to their importance. 34 members
completed the questionnaire. This represents about 30% of
our membership,
Survey of Members Views
Members were asked to score each topic as of High,
Medium of Low importance
Continuation of the existing research project on
organic manures in arable cropping.
The existing AFBI project “Impact of organic manure
application on soil quality and nutrient availability for
sustainable and profitable cereal crop production in Northern
Ireland” to be continued through to effective completion in
2019. The Society remains convinced through experience
and its discussions with specialists and practitioners both
inside and outside NI, that the soil quality is of fundamental
importance to sustainable crop production. To stop the work
before there has been sufficient time for microbial
populations to respond and impact on soil structure, is a
short sighted economy which will squander much of the
investment to date
Scores H/M/l = 25 / 9/ 0 Weighted score = 152
Ranking = 1
Safe and effective use of animal manures and
organic material for arable crops.
This has been a recurring requirement highlighted by the
Society over many years and with the ever increasing rise in
arable production costs and reduced margins, and the
growing volumes of poultry litter available, work must be
undertaken to investigate using HACCP principles to
establish how the risks in using this valuable product can be
reduced if not eliminated.
Scores H/M/l = 23 / 11 / 0 Weighted score = 148
Ranking = 2
Economic value of poultry manures.
A short economic study should be completed to establish
the economic value of poultry manures to arable production
in Northern Ireland. With 1 tonne of litter said to contain the
equivalent of 100kg of 17.17.17 fertiliser there is anecdotal
evidence but a study which validates this and quantifies the
volume being applied will inform both growers and policy
makers of the benefit of this practice.
Scores H/M/l = 21 / 11 / 2 Weighted score = 140
Ranking = 3
Black Grass prevention and control.
Black Grass has the potential to cause immense problems
and introduce large cost penalties to NI cereal production. A
study of best practice in GB and elsewhere should be
undertaken and guidance produced working with the
industry, to minimise its introduction and spread. Scores
H/M/l = 18 / 12 / 4 Weighted score = 130
Ranking = 4
Septoria resistance in wheat.
Management information is required to develop protocols
which limit septoria levels early in the season and prolong
the active live or reduce resistance development to the
available fungicides.
Scores H/M/l = 17 / 13 / 4 Weighted score = 128
Ranking = 5
Compaction remains a major issue in all arable
production.
Work is reported to be ongoing within AFBI but this needs to
be continued to fruition and practical implications and
guidance produced for growers.
Scores H/M/l = 12 / 19 / 3 Weighted score = 120
Ranking = 6
Overcoming the challenges of growing, dryings
and supplying protein crops (pulses) in Northern
Ireland.
Protein is hugely important to NI livestock production but is
virtually all imported from volatile markets. The strong body
of research and advice available at Teagasc needs to be
validated under local conditions and made available to NI
growers
Scores H/M/l = 13 / 11 / 10 Weighted score = 108
Ranking = 7
Economic potential for winter barley.
The potential of winter barley needs to be investigated
taking account of the increased yields now being achieved
and the ever increasing cost of growing winter wheat.
Scores H/M/l = 10 / 15 / 9 Weighted score = 104
Ranking = 8
Additional Suggestions
(i) Sterile Brome prevention and control = 3
(ii) Control and resistance of net blotch in Barley = 1
(iii) Cost control / management – farms must know which
crops pay best in rotation. = 1
(iv) Benefit of adding extra phosphate to winter cereals
above RB 209 requirements. = 1.