A recyclable “drip tape” irrigation system is being put to the test by Norfolk potato growers who are seeking new solutions to water resource pressures.
Richard and Will Overton at HA Overton and Sons on Laurels Farm in Catfield, near Great Yarmouth, were among the first to trial the innovative thin pipe which delivers water directly into planted rows, and can be recycled at the end of the season. The farm used 12 acres last season and is increasing to 30 acres for 2022. The availability of water is a long-running concern in the area, particularly following the Environment Agency’s review of farming water abstraction licences in the Ant Valley in a bid to protect rare wildlife habitats.
Richard Overton said: “We saw a need to replace the ageing irrigation reels and saw drip irrigation as an opportunity to reduce the labour requirement and lower the water and energy usage ahead of the restrictions on licencing in this area. “The trials have gone well and we are looking for a significant reduction in both the water and energy required to produce our pre-pack quality potatoes.” The Streamline X Re-Gen system was supplied by irrigation specialist Howseman Agriculture, with its sister company DripUK.
KEY FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TOWARDS THE SUCCESS
- • Source of water for irrigation: having the possibility to irrigate – having access to the water and the necessary equipment.
- • Financial capacity: Being in a position to invest in the production and storage equipment
- • Responsiveness: Having the tools to be able to react quickly to changing circumstances (frequent periods of drought, etc.)
- • Labour: Having it available at harvest time and having the possibility to increase the labour force during the harvesting period.
- • The market and marketing: Guaranteeing the volumes sold to certain customers in order to limit the volatility risk, which is quite significant in this sector.
Managing director Andrew Howseman said: “One of our tape suppliers, Netafim, has developed a product that can use polymer extracted from drip tape. We have worked with Netafim to develop a tape retrieval system that removes the drip tape from the field so that it can recycled. “We will supply 800 rolls of drip tape this year, sufficient for 200 hectares, which previously would have gone to landfill. The recycling route removes the problem for the grower and they have a certificate to show conformance to an assured produce scheme.”
Mr Howseman said growers of both pre-pack and processing potatoes will benefit, adding: “We can install the system almost immediately after planting. This gives growers the crop insurance they need to ensure soil moisture levels are exactly where they need to be at tuber initiation.” The system will be one of the new farm science and technology exhibits being demonstrated at the Innovation Hub at the Royal Norfolk Show on June 29-30. The hub is hosted by Agri-TechE in partnership with the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA) and sponsored by the British Beet Research Organisation (BBRO).
- Under the “Farming Champions” theme, one of the big changes at this year’s show will be the introduction of a large agricultural machinery demonstration area.
- About five acres of the main showground is being allocated to bring the event’s displays of farm machinery to life, including the latest in robotic technologies and automated drones.
- The show’s traditional array of around 700 trade stands and livestock competitions featuring more than 3,000 animals will return, along with a packed Grand Ring programme.
- Although the schedule is still being finalised, attractions confirmed so far include the national show for Aberdeen Angus cattle being hosted in Norfolk for the first time, the Shetland Pony Grand National in the Grand Ring, and races of horse-drawn mail coaches.
