Tramspread offers low-cost solution to looming splash plate ban
23rd February 2023
Slurry specialist Tramspread has set out to help farmers reduce the cost of complying with the government’s Clean Air Strategy that will impose a nationwide splash plate ban in 2025 by retro-fitting dribble bar and trailing shoe applicators to tankers.
Retrofitting dribble bars is a cost-effective way to meet impending slurry application legislation.Tramspread managing director Terry Baker said: “In less than two years there will be thousands of tankers left potentially redundant, having not been converted to work with a precision applicator to adhere to the splash plate ban.”
To combat the issue, the company has developed a universal solution to retro-fit its Suffolk range dribble bar systems, with working widths of 6 metres to 10.5 metres, to near all sizes and brands of tankers. The key element is a four-point attachment that does not mount to the door of the tanker.
“Rust can form around doors, and the hinges are often not secure enough to fit dribble bars to,” Mr Baker explained. “By welding a four-point attachment to the body of the tanker, we provide new fixing points on the rear of the tanker that the boom framework attaches to using telescopic arms.”
The 2025 splash plate ban seeks to reduce ammonia (NH3) emissions in the UK, around 88% of which come from agriculture. Nitrogen, in the form of ammonia, is released into the atmosphere through open storage of organic manure, but also through the use of splash plates, especially on warm or windy days.
The initial ban will be followed by further regulation in 2027 that will require all slurry to be covered. To help farmers comply with the Clean Air Strategy, the Rural Payments Agency is offering grants for ‘Annex 3: FEFT 2023 productivity and slurry eligibility items’ to assist with the costs.
Mr Baker added: “Many farmers and contractors have already embraced precision application as it improves overall nutrient management and has the potential to reduce reliance on manufactured fertiliser.
“However, for those who have not updated their applicator there are grants available and retrofitting an old tanker is a cost-effective option that will help the farm comply with the 2025 splash plate ban.”
