Soil health tops agenda for agricultural engineers

Soil management technology – and the way it will change farming – will be discussed at a national conference next month.

Organised by the Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE), the one-day event takes place on 1 November at the Peterborough Suite, East of England Conference Centre, on the outskirts of Peterborough. 

Agricultural engineers are uniquely placed to improve soil health, says IAgrE. Intensive agriculture especially broad-acre crop production has had a negative effect on the soil, it adds, resulting in erosion, compaction and organic matter loss.

“Our conference will interest people working within agriculture and its associated industries plus equipment manufacturers, dealers and service providers being explored and what we can expect in the future,” says IAgrE chief executive Charlie Nicklin. 

Profitability

To understand these key issues, conference speakers will explain how farmers and contractors can farm more sustainably, supporting carbon net zero and seizing other  opportunities in a way that is good for profitability and the environment. 

George Sly, managing director at Horizon Agriculture, will explain how the company is applying these concepts to its  seed drill development. Their no-till approach is driving a number of innovative features and technology being employed on their products.

This importantly provides a host of efficiency benefits for the customer, whilst working towards a sustainable future. 

Ben Taylor Davies, of RegenBen, will offer delegates a fascinating journey through his farming career, specifically how to farm sustainably in harmony with the environment.

The audience will be taken through his regenerative agriculture approach and how it is being practically applied in a commercial farming enterprise and what the future holds.  

Sustainability

Ole Green, chief executive and founder of AgroIntelli, will give a presentation about sustainable mechanisation on the Land. Mr Green will explore a new kind of agricultural mechanisation offering some great sustainability credentials.

AgroIntelli’s Robotti robot (pictured) has a light footprint to ease soil compaction, It is driverless to reduce costs and suited for tasks such as mechanical weeding to reduce chemical use. 

Dr Paula Misiewicz, senior lecturer in soil and water management at Harper Adams University, will give an in-depth look at the various research projects centred around soil mechanics and management.

Dr Misiewicz will focus on ground compaction reduction methods, alternative tillage systems and precision agriculture methods. She will also explain how science is providing the answers to sustainable land use and food production. 

For more information and to secure your ticket, visit https://iagre.org/