Cereals 2011: Discover more about precision slug pelleting

According to the Metaldehyde Stewardship Group’s Colin Myram, it is a chance to reassess bout intervals, understand what the maximum application rates really mean and to take a closer look at calibrating machinery.

“Our research from the ongoing Get Pelletwise campaign clearly shows total recommended dose rates of metaldehyde set out in the guidelines aren’t well understood,” says Mr Myram.

“It’s understandable, given different slug pellet formulations contain variable percentages of the active ingredient, which translates to different maximum kg/ha rates.

“But it’s crucially important. Water regulators are closely monitoring the impact of catchment activities designed to reduce the risk of metaldehyde in raw water at the point of abstraction.

“Given exceedances were still being found in 2010 - a very low usage year for slug pellets - it’s a cause for concern.”

There is no longer any leeway for wasted pellets, says Mr Myram. “We will be demonstrating to growers and operators just how inaccurate spreading to a 24 metre interval with a quad bike- mounted spinning disc can be and the benefits of reducing the bout width to 12m. We are operating in an environment where every slug pellet could count.

Guidelines

The total dose rate guidelines are unchanged this autumn.

“The maximum total application rate is 210g/ha, but on the recommendation of a BASIS qualified advisor this can be reduced to 160g/ha or less for metaldehyde-based slug pellets applied between August 1 and December 31.

“Taking a typical rate of 5kg/ha as an example, that translates to a single application using 75g of metaldehyde with a 1.5 per cent slug pellet; 150g with a 3 per cent; and 200g with a 4 per cent pellet.”

Additional displays and information on the Metaldehyde Stewardship Group’s ‘Pelleting Precision’-themed stand will clearly show how slug pellet dose rates translate to maximum rates of grams of active ingredient and the different factors involved in achieving accurate pelleting.

It is also a chance to hear from a line-up of water companies, environment specialists, pelleting manufacturers and slug experts.

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