Traditional agricultural techniques have had hugely damaging effects to our environment in the years that have passed and are still a major environmental problem at present. Perhaps the biggest pollutant of agriculture; stubble burning has been outlawed but it has been replaced by another major polluter, ploughing.
When you consider that we have 6 meter Claydon Direct Seed Drills currently placed with contractors who cover over 2500H/a of land in one season using one drill and one tractor it is surprising that farmers are still using traditional methods of crop establishment at all!
To put it into perspective the following are approximate savings farmers will experience when using the Claydon Direct Seed Drill in comparison to fully cultivating just 500H/a of land:
- Fuel – equivalent to 15,000 litres of diesel.
- Time - equivalent of 2 students working 50 hour weeks for 3 months.
- Money - equivalent to £40,000.
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When you consider a saving of approximately 15,000 litres of fuel over 500 H/a of land the reduction of CO2 emissions and harmful greenhouse gasses it becomes obvious how you can do your part to reduce global warming and help preserve the earth for future generations whilst saving yourself a fortune.
As discussed in the soil structure section the Claydon Direct Seed Drill only disturbs the soil in the seeded area, reducing compaction, erosion and river contamination, improving the soil quality and increasing the abundance and diversity of soil organisms including earthworms. The natural soil structure also encourages more constant, steadier water flows in to rivers and reservoirs which are cleaner thanks to far less erosion. The Cleanliness of the water also reduces the need to spend time and money on waterway maintenance. The rows of straw also provide cover and natural habitats for wildlife including birds, small mammals and insects such as spiders that spin webs to aid the capture of aphids. The drainage technique used by our drill and water retention properties of unturned soil also help sustain better food security in extreme conditions as the plant does not become water logged in the wet but can tap into the banks that retain water in the dry. |
