Agriculture • Horticulture • Forestry • Environment • Amenity

LANDWARDSEarly Spring 2005

Robotics

Crop Storage www.iagre.org

Volume 60 No.1 Volume Bionic Buildings IAgrE JOURNAL BRANCH MEETINGS

DIARY of EVENTS

MARCH 2005 Speakers to include: Jeff Kew, RSPB; Tuesday 12 April 19.30 h Professor Jim Harris and Dr Mike East Midlands Branch Monday 7 March Hann, Cranfield University Silsoe; and ‘State of the Art Milking’ – A tour East Anglia Branch a representative from Ready Mix and presentation of one of the Branch AGM and Technical Talk Concrete country’s most modern milking par- Speaker: Professor Dick Godwin Talk:‘The Society for the lours Further details to be advised Environment’ Venue: Nottingham University’s School Speaker: Christopher Whetnall of Agriculture, Sutton Bonnington, Monday 7 March 19.15 h Tour: Marston Vale Millenium Nottinghamshire West Midlands Branch Country Park This is a joint meeting with the IAgrE Branch AGM and Technical Talk Venue: Marston Vale Millennium Livestock Group ‘An Update of Spraying Country Park, Marston Moretaine, Development’ Bedford Wednesday 13 April 18.15 h Speaker: President-Elect, Professor Paul For further details contact the IAgrE Western Branch Miller, SRI Secretariat or visit the IAgrE website Branch AGM and Technical Talk Venue: Friends Meeting House, www.iagre.org ‘New Holland Agricultural Diesel Stratford upon Avon Engine Development’ For more information contact: Monday 14 March 19.30 h Speaker: Mike Hawkins, New Holland [email protected] Wrekin Branch Venue: Lackham House,Wiltshire Branch AGM and Technical Talk College, Lackham Monday 7 March 19.30 h Speaker: Presidential Representative Contact Nick Paul [email protected] if Wrekin Branch Venue: Harper Adams University interested in attending this meeting. ‘Second User Applications for College Military Vehicles’ Final details to be confirmed – contact Monday 25 April 19.15 h Speaker: Stuart Hockley, Head of Branch Secretary West Midlands Branch Business Development, Leavesley ‘Stirling Engines – An Update by International Thursday 17 March 2005 Norris Bomford Venue: Harper Adams University Young Engineers Competition Venue: Salford Priors Village Hall College For further details contact the IAgrE For more information contact: Secretariat [email protected] Tuesday 8 March 19.30 h Yorkshire Branch Friday 18 March 19.30 h ‘Bird Management CSL’ East Midlands Branch Venue: Buckles Inn,Askham Richard Branch AGM and Dinner Provisional date - final details to be con- Venue: The Red House Country firmed – contact Branch Secretary Manor, Main Street, Kelham, Newark, Nottinghamshire Wednesday 9 March Meet at 19.30 h for 20.00 h dinner IAgrE Annual Conference ‘Sustainability in Engineering Design’ March Venue: Harper Adams University Scottish Branch College Branch AGM and Conference See details on Back Cover of Landwards Date and further details to be con- firmed Thursday 10 March Herts & Essex Branch APRIL 2005 Branch AGM and Technical Talk Speaker: Geoff Freedman, Forestry Civil Tuesday 12 April 19.30 h Engineering, Forest Enterprise Yorkshire Branch Further details to be confirmed Branch AGM and Technical Talk Venue: Buckles Inn,Askham Richard Monday 14 March pm Date and final details to be confirmed – South East Midlands Branch/Soil & contact Branch Secretary Water Specialist Group Mini-conference:‘Restoration Engineering’ Volume 60 No 1, 2005

The Professional Journal for Engineers, Scientists, and Technologists in Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Environment LANDWARDS and Amenity CONTENTS Editor Eur Ing Prof Brian D Witney Feature Articles

PhD CEng CEnv FIMechE HonFIAgrE MemASAE FFCS LAND TECHNOLOGY LTD 2 BIONIC BUILDINGS 33 South Barnton Ave, Edinburgh, EH4 6AN The future of agriculture: Agricultural Transformation Tel/Fax:+44 (0)131 336 3129 Clustered Greenfactories E-mail: [email protected] Constantino Valero and co-authors Website: http://www.landtec.co.uk

Advertising 8 ENGINEERING DESIGN All enquiries to IAgrE Tel:+44 (0)1525 861096 Your future is at stake Fax: +44 (0)1525 861660 Geoffrey F D Wakeham Origination: David King 9 ROBOTICS Printing: Barr Printers Ltd Harvesting in the future: autonomous self-helping machine Publisher network Landwards is published bimonthly by: Ole Peters and Christiane Albrecht IAgrE, West End Road, Silsoe, Bedford, MK45 4DU 13 CROP STORAGE Tel:+44 (0)1525 861096 Fogged protection for food on the move Fax: +44(0)1525 861660 E-mail: [email protected] Terry Mabbett Website: http://www.iagre.org

President Membership Matters centrefold Peter L Redman BSc(Hons) CEnv FIAgrE

Chief Executive & Secretary Christopher R Whetnall News and Comment CEnv IEng FIAgrE MemASAE 7 News scan 15 Conference report: Managing soil for the 21st century 22 Company and product information

Front cover: ‘Shipping combine harvesters to Bulgaria’ – overtly disguising a flight simulator in preparation for the next generation of parasonic autonomous machines, see feature articles (Photo courtesy:AGCO Ltd)

The views and opinions expressed in individual contributions are not those necessarily of IAgrE or the Editor. Landwards is compiled from information received by IAgrE but no responsibility can be accepted by the governing Council, the Publishers or the Editor in respect of any errors or omissions. The Editor reserves the right to edit any material sent to the jour- nal. Material from this publication may be quoted or reported on condition that full credit is given to Landwards and to the author, and that the date of publication and volume number are stated. In the interest of factual reporting, reference to trade names and pro- prietary products may be inevitable. No endorsement of the named products or manufacturers is intended and no adverse criti- cism is implied of similar products which are not mentioned. © The Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) ISSN 1363-8300 BIONIC BUILDINGS

A conceptual model of a greenfactory displayed during the lecture presentation at the AgEng 2004 International Conference THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTUTRE: AGRICULTURAL TRANSFORMATION CLUSTERED GREENFACTORIES Constantinos Valero, Pablo Gutierrez, Teresa Riquelme, Victor Gil,Luis Ruiz, Belen Diezma, Maria Marin, Natalia Hernandez and Jose Rodriguez

Abstract • energy consumption. suggesting the extent to which A forecast view of agricultural we can influence our future. production is outlined inside a Population More people and higher incomes new type of building with Despite humanity’s success in worldwide are multiplying photosynthetic walls and in vitro feeding a growing world humanity’s impact on the culture inside it. Recent population, the natural resources environment and on natural advances in genetic engineering, upon which life depends, i.e. fresh resources. (Hardner & Rice, 2002; nanoelectronics, biosensors and water, cropland, fisheries and UNFPA, 2002) bionic building will make this forests, are weakening. In the futuristic type of greenhouse new millennium the population Water BIO NOTE possible. growth is slowing at a much Water may be the resource that Constantino Valero, Department of Rural faster rate than was previously defines the limits of development. Engineering, Polytechnic University of Introduction predicted. However, significant The supply of fresh water is Madrid (UPM), Av Complutense s/n, 28040 Looking ahead to year 2200, growth continues, meaning that essentially fixed, and the balance Madrid. 913365862, Spain. E-mail: activities associated with more people will be sharing such between humanity’s demand and [email protected] Dr Valero agricultural engineers have finite resources as fresh water the available quantity is already coordinated the formal presentation of the influenced world characteristics and cropland. precarious. While global project by the participating members of all through previous centuries, in Having reached nearly 6.1 population has tripled over the the team. areas such as: billion in 2000, the human past 70 years, water use has This paper was selected for the UNACOMA • population increase; population continues to grow. grown six-fold. Worldwide, 54% Vision Award 2004, AgEng Conference in • water availability; Population projections for the of the annual available fresh water Leuven, 12-16th September 2004. A web • food production; year 2025 range from 7.2 billion is being used, two thirds of it for page has been created on the project at • land usage; to 8 billion and for 2050 range agriculture. By 2025, this figure http://iru16.iru.etsia.upm.es/atcg_en.htm • biodiversity; and from 7.9 billion to 10.9 billion, could be as high as 70% because

2 LANDWARDS EARLY SPRING 2005 of population growth alone, or consumer, but also as producer. 90%, if per capita consumption everywhere reaches the level of Objectives, materials more developed countries. and methods: available Currently, 434 million technologies people face either water stress A solution should be planned or scarcity. Depending on separating food production from future population growth rates, the land, with the following between 2.6 billion and 3.1 objectives: billion people may be living in • obtaining more land for either water-scarce or water- housing stressed conditions by 2025 • maintaining ecosystems as (UNFPA, 2002). For 2025, preserved as possible, for water usage will be 800 km3 recreation and biodiversity higher, and other related purposes problems will worsen, such as • creating a self-contained, high soil salinity and underground yielding production system water (Hardner & Rice, 2002). which is autonomous in terms of energy and mass Food • producing a diversified To accommodate close to 8 agricultural output (food, billion people, expected on energy, materials and earth by 2025 and improve their recycling) diets, the world will have to The tools that agricultural double food production. Since engineers have to carry out this available cropland is shrinking, goal are: most production will have to • advances on renewable come from higher yields, rather Fig. 1 3D tower view illustrating the magnitude of the enterprise energies; than new cultivation. However, • artificial photosynthesis, traditional high yielding crops does not always end in an of the skyscraper is considered biotechnology; require increasing levels of economic improvement for the inappropriate, as much by its • ‘in vitro’ culture; input. Taking into account the inhabitants of the zone dehumanisation as by its • genetics advances; crop surface to extract a certain (Hardner & Rice, 2002). A technological limit. The • bioelectronics; quantity of protein and also that strong demand for land actually inevitable technological progress • nanomechatronics; required to feed an animal to pushes traditional crop fields should find its equilibrium with • nanocomputing; produce the same quantity of away from the landscape. the ‘bio-ecological’ recuperation • new constructive materials; animal protein, the conclusion of natural medium. and looks clear. In a decreasing Biodiversity and Bionic science is shown as • bionic architecture. worldwide crop surface, the ecological equilibrium an alternative, for the source of proteins must come with urban areas philosophical reflection and the Results and from photosynthetic organisms. In the last few decades as scientific development of Conclusion: production population growth has peaked, humanity, in urban models. inside ATCGs Land deforestation rates have Bionic and bio-ecology are two Food production should be Agriculture uses more than 50% reached the highest levels in innovative concepts of urban planned in high performance of the inhabitable areas of the history. Deforestation of these philosophy, and agricultural closed environments, built in planet at present. Urbanization areas cause irreversible loss of engineers have the potential to volume (not surface), self also affects food production by species and also contributes to bridge nature and architecture. supported in terms of energy removing agricultural land from the build-up of carbon dioxide and inputs (see Fig. 1). cultivation, as cities expand. On in the atmosphere. Energy Production will be carried out the other hand, agricultural Wild landscape should be The total consumption of the inside a new building:Agricultural activity is one of the bigger preserved, despite the evolution fossil fuels, oil and coal, would Transformation Clustered threats to the environment, of big urban areas. The involve a radical change in the Greenfactories (ATCG). having contributed to: solutions to the urban problems composition of the atmosphere, • deforestation; of the future should face the returning it to the carboniferous Energy collection • pollution of water; new reality of mega cities. period conditions. Renewable There will be several ways of • salination of soils; and Under the logic of energetic sources of energy, especially the obtaining energy in an ATCG • extinction of species (Jason rationality, accepting that the sun in its different exploitation but mainly it will be obtained Clay & WWF,2003; Postel, conquest alternative of the forms, are the key for future from energy from the sun. The 2001). vertical space facing the production. Here, again, most promising method is the The introduction of agrarian ‘extension without limit’ or the agriculture has much to say, not artificial mimicking of activities and cattle in wild areas conurbation, the present model only in its role as energy photosynthesis and related solar

3 BIONIC BUILDINGS

with a metallic element (Ríus de Riepen & Castro Acuña, 1996; Zavala López & Vasilievna Kharissova, 2002). Solar plates around the base of the building will warm the air. Hot air flows up inside the building and drives turbines that will produce electricity. This airflow also provides the necessary gas mixture (oxygen, carbon and nitrogen) for food production. The nitrogen in the air will be fixed by means of genetically modified micro-organisms, living inside structural cavities inside the ATCG. This organically obtained nitrogen will be used to produce chemical compounds of different order Fig. 2 Electrochemical energy collection;ATCG,Agricultural Transformation Clustered (Smil, 1997; Ludden & Roberts, Greenfactories;ATP,adenosine triphosphate; NADPH, chemically reduced form of nicotinamide 2002; Berman-Frank et al., adenine dinucleotide phosphate 2003). Another function of the energy conversion (Fig.2). fullerenes and fluorescein, acts accumulated. Special ‘captor’ ATCG will be to recycle The external walls of the as an antenna collecting light in proteins drive these products residual water. This water flows building will be formed by a the range of 320 - 400 nm, through the second through a microbial fuel cell, double polycarbonate layer, filled transferring its energy to the biomembrane which is where bacteria will metabolize with a mimicked vegetal reaction centre, fluorescein. The permeable to them. The their substrate – in this case, photosystem that will convert fluorescein can absorb the light supported membrane is organic matter in wastewater – photons in electrons [adenosine in the visible region (400 - 600 deposited on a polycarbonate to release electrons that yield a triphosphate (ATP), chemically nm) and transfer an electron to surface. Such a surface steady electrical current (NFS & reduced form of nicotinamide fullerenes, generating a charge possesses suitable topographic, Office of Legislative and Public adenine dinucleotide (NADH)] separated state (Jing & Zhu, chemical and electronic Affairs, 2004). by means of photosynthesis, 2004; Bourianoff, 2004). All the properties to adsorb and retain capable of feeding the components involved in the the supported membrane. The Production production units inside the charge transfer are designed to surface is made by a The basic production unit in the building. The oxygenic possess redox properties to nanoporous polymer. When the ATCG will be the meristematic photosynthesis, the reaction maintain the directionality of the ATP and the NADPH reach the terminal (MT), using ‘in vitro’ centre of Photosystem II in electron transport. Besides surface, driven by the ‘captors’, culture technology (see Fig. 3). plants, is the key to the most that, their disposition mimics they are released. By means of It will consist of a scarcely successful solar energy the highly organised natural pulsed concentration gradients, differentiated plant tissue, fixed converting machinery on earth. structure. the photosynthetic products inside a container. Dozens of The water oxidation is The ordered artificial percolate along the nanoporous MTs will be placed on shelves in catalyzed by a manganese system is achieved by matrix towards specific the different floors of the cluster and it is an abundant incorporating those reservoirs. These reservoirs ATCG. Each floor will be source of electrons, H2 and O2. components in a biomembrane, provide the production units devoted to the production of The H2 and O2 will percolate called a primary biomembrane. inside the ATCG with such one type of raw food. By the along nanotubes. They will be This membrane also plays a products when they are year 2200 seed companies and used in fuel cells for electricity fundamental role in the required for chemo-enzymatic tree nurseries will adapt its production (Terrones & generation of the proton metabolic processes. production practices to sell MT Terrones, 2004; Sun et al., 2003; gradient for the synthesis of The ATCG will also obtain replicates for food production Hammarström, 2003; Ferreira et ATP,as occurs in the natural energy in other ways. using ‘in vitro’ culture al., 2004). process. The primary Photoelectrochemical cells will technology. For this application, biomembrane is bound to a transform the solar power The MT will be able to fullerenes present a wide range second biomembrane, called a directly in an electrical current. produce the edible part of the of chemical and physical supported membrane (Bengt These systems will be based crop (not the entire plant) when properties that make potential Kasemo, 2002). A fluid-like also on carbon (nanotubes and it is stimulated to do so. By chromophores in photoinduced space connects both fullerenes). The conductive means of silencing the genes redox processes. A hybrid membranes. In this region, the substrate of the cell will be that control the production of consisting of Anthracene, ATP and the NADPH are nanotubes of carbon doped plant parts without commercial

4 LANDWARDS EARLY SPRING 2005 interest, the MT will generate electrochemical sensors and Advances in the carbon- decreasing the variability that only parts of the crop with micro injectors, to maximize based processors and photonic must be taken into agricultural interest, for example production and optimize food nanocomputing will make consideration in the robot fruits without leaves or quality (Pelacho Aja et al., 2002). possible to interact design. In addition, work objects branches. ATCG will produce food electronically with each MT. could be positioned in front of The control of totipotency but also materials for general Every group of production units the robot by means of allows the formation of any part use and also for its own internal (ATCG floors) will exchange coordinated conveyors, of a crop out of meristematic needs. For example, at present information wirelessly with the simplifying the travelling devices cells supplied with the correct the nanotubes are obtained by distributed computing network for the robots and their work nutrients and energy. physical and chemical systems of the ATCG. Artificial envelopes. Meristematic cells inside each (Terrones & Terrones, 2004) but intelligence based on fuzzy An external visual sensor MT units will be surrounded by in the ATCG, genetically neural networks will control the based on red/green/blue (RGB) a liquid medium (‘cellfood’) modified organisms will possess basic principles of production. signals will enable discrimination based on deuterium sulphate to the metabolic routes necessary Interaction with external between the work objects and dissociate the particle of water for obtaining the nanotubular computing networks will adjust the rest of the transport in to hydrogen and oxygen, compounds (Koza et al., 2003; production to consumer and systems, where the products permitting cell respiration. The Maddox, 2000;Alcalde, 2003). processing industry actual will be moving. The end-effector energy caption systems and demands. mechanisms will have specific mass transformation tanks will Production control Harvesting will be carried designs depending on the work feed the MTs. Control, monitoring and out by nanotechnology based objects but a simple pneumatic The liquid medium will stimulation of MTs will be done robot swarms and macrorobots suction system could be provide also the necessary by a combination of biochemical inside the building (Kondo & common in all cases. The nutrients for the correct growth pathways, electrochemical Ting, 1998), using machine vision products will be transported to of the crop. The growth culture interfaces and biosensors. and organoleptic sensors. the storage space through will be liquid to permit its Genetic vector nanorobots will Regarding the sub-topics conduction by airflow. change depending on the start the metabolic routes including in robotics technology, In the year 2200, it will be development stage of the needed to produce each crop, e.g. manipulator mechanism and possible to construct and cultivation: for example, control by stimulating/silencing of genes. its control, end-effector design, deploy legions of micro-robots, of hormones and growth Biosensors used in the ATCG sensing techniques, mobility and as small as a grain of salt or regulators in each one of the have been improved using work cell development, it is smaller. This possibility is made phases of production. nanotechnology. Some of the easily understandable/imaginable apparent by recent progress in Parameters such as pH, nanoparticle based sensors as a feasible solution for the fabrication of extremely temperature, lighting and the include the acoustic wave harvesting products in the small leg-like actuators for rest of factors that can influence biosensors, optical biosensors, ATCG. Both cultural and microelectromechanical systems the cultivations will be magnetic and electrochemical environmental conditions in the (MEMS) and by progress toward controlled, also by means of biosensors. ATCG will be controlled, the fabrication of ultra-densely integrated electronic nanocomputers. The integration of MEMS and nanoelectronics for the construction of such micro-robots in vast numbers is an obvious application of the rapidly advancing techniques for the economical fabrication of nanometer-scale structures, i.e. ‘nanofabrication’. Micro-robots made via contemporary techniques for nanomanipulation and nanofabrication are a logical next step toward the more difficult, longer term goal of constructing artificial nanometer-scale machinery, such as molecular assemblers.

References Alcalde, M. (2003). Evolución molecular dirigida (Oriented Fig. 3 Meristematic terminal culture; GAs, giberellins;ABA, abscisic acid; Eth, ethylene;Aux, auxins; molecular evolution). Investigación CKs, cytokinins; SAs, salicylates; JAs, jasmonates y Ciencia, 326, 69-77.

5 BIONIC BUILDINGS

Water, Make Energy. Monograph. Pelacho Aja,A.; Martín Closas, L.; María Cueva Bladomino, R.; Sanfeliu Llop, J.; Badía Solans, J.;Alins Valls, G.El Libro Electrónico del Cultivo “In Vitro”. (The electronic book of in vitro culture). Accessed 18/7/2002 and 14/06/2004. Postel, S. (2001). Aprovechamiento agrícola del agua (Agricultural use of water). Investigación y Ciencia, 295, 28-35. Ríus de Riepen, M.; Castro Acuna, C. M. (1997). La química hacia la conquista del sol. 96, 10. Smil,V. (1997). Global population and the nitrogen cycle. Scientific American, p 76-81. Professor Ettore Gasparetto (left) who presented the award on behalf of the sponsors UNACOMA Sun, X.; Li, R.;Villers, D.; to the winning team (standing, from left to right):Teresa Riquelme (with the prize money!), Jose Dodelte, J.P.;Désilets, S. Rodriguez, Natalia Hernandez, Luis Ruiz, Belen Diezma, Maria Marin, and Victor Gil;and in front displaying the award certificate, Pablo Gutierrez (left) and Constantinos Valero [Photo courtesy: (2003). Compiste electrodes Mike Hurst] made of Pf nanoparticles deposited on carbon nanotubes Bengt Kasemo (2002). Biological Jason Clay;WWF (2003).World por evolución (Invention by grown on fuel cell backing. surface science, Surface Science, Agriculture and Environment. evolution). Investigación y Ciencia, Chemical Physics Letters, 379, 99- 500, 656-677. Island Press,Washington. ISBN: 1- 319, 38-45. 104. Berman-Frank, I; Lundgren, P; 55963-370-0. Ludden, P.W.; Roberts, G.P. Terrones, M.;Terrones, H. (2004). Falkowski, P. (2003). Nitrogen Jing, B.; Zhu, D. (2004). Fullerene- (2002). Nitrogen fixation Nanotubos de carbono (Carbon fixation and photosynthetic fluorescein-anthracene hybrids: a photosinthetic bacteria. nanotubes). Investigación y Ciencia, oxygen evolution in cianobacteria. model for artificial photosynthesis Photosynthesis Research, 75, 115- 333, 76-83. Research in Microbiology, 154, 157- and solar energy conversion. 118. UNFPA (2002). The State of World 164. Tetrahedron Letters, 45, 221-224. Maddox, J. (2000). La ciencia del Population 2001. UNFPA, New Bourianoff, G. (2004). Kondo, N.;Ting K.C. (1998). nuevo milenio (Science in the new York. Nanoenergetics, nanomaterials, Robotics for Plan Production. millenium). Investigación y Ciencia, Zavala López, E.;Vasilievna nanodevices, nanocomputing - Artificial Intelligence Review, 12, 280, 6-12. Kharissova, O. (2002). Síntesis putting the pieces together. 227-243. NFS and Office of Legislative and de nanotubos y fullerenos European Materials Research Koza, J.R.; Keane, M.A.; Public Affairs (2004). Fuel-Cell (Fullerene and nanotube Society 2004 Spring Meeting. Streeter, M.J. (2003). Invención Microbes’ Double Duty:Treat synthesis). Ingenierías, 5, 7-13. Cervera, M. R.; Pioz, J. (1993). Hacia la cuarta arquitectura: Requiem por el arquitecto EurAgEng’s ‘UNACOMA Vision’ event (Towards the fourth architecture: Requiem for the architect). Two papers, one on Bionic Buildings and the at work already done. The ideas had to show Iberediciones, Madrid. other on Robotics, were entered for the UNA- lateral thinking and consideration of ecological Ferreira, K.N.; Iverson,T.M.; COMA Vision event which took place as part and economic factors had to be taken into Maghlaoui, K.; Barber, J.; of AgEng 2004 in Leuven, Belgium in account. The Vision event was sponsored by Iwata, S (2004). Architecture of September 2004. The European Society of the Italian Machinery Manufacturers’ the Photosynthetic Oxygen- Agricultural Engineers (EurAgEng) invited Association (UNACOMA). evolving Center. Science, 303 ‘visionary people from the younger age group’ The two submissions for the UNACOMA Hammarström, L. (2003). to answer the questions of ‘what can agricultur- Vision event were highly commended by the Towards artificial photosynthesis: al engineering do for society?’ and ‘what will judges drawn from the EurAgEng Council – ruthenium - manganese chemistry agricultural engineering look like in the future?’ Professor Bill Day (EurAgEng President), mimicking photosystem II Taking the form of a competition,‘young peo- Professor Ettore Gasparetto (Italy) and reactions. Current Opinion in ple’ of aged 35 or under presented papers with Professor Brian D Witney (UK) – and oral pre- Chemical Biology, 7, 666-673. their vision of the future of agriculture and sentations received well deserved praise from a Hardner, J.; Rice, R. (2002). technology in agriculture. Entrants were large audience of conference delegates. Replanteamiento del mercado allowed to bring details of inventions and pro- Congratulations to all the contestants for their ecológico (Rethinking the totypes to demonstrate their vision, with the commitment and enthusiasm as they embark ecological market). Investigación y emphasis on looking forward, not looking back on their careers in biosystems engineering. Ciencia, 310, 76-83.

6 LANDWARDS EARLY SPRING 2005 sus, time is short.” replicating, autonomous flying Professor withdrew his Flights of “No we don’t and no its microbots, fully equipped with reservations:“For all the world, not”, interjected the Ancient communication, navigation and swarms of these drones fancy Philosopher. “We need to collision avoidance networks as camouflaged with black and change our mindset and get standard. Each drone would yellow stripes would be The judges withdrew to the back to the future, then history have been fitted with indistinguishable from bumble inner sanctum to consult, con- will provide the outcome irre- retractable, articulated, multi-leg bees!” fer and communicate with the spective of disunity and in next landing struts, incorporating “And PB?”, queried the networked sources of per- to no time. self-levelling, active suspension Chief Adjudicator, anxious to be ceived wisdom. “Don’t you recall, well systems. Inbuilt appendage fully briefed before the General “This high rise tube project beyond any of those outmoded design redundancy would have Assembly reconvened. is just too far-fetched for Research Foresight programmes facilitated their partial “Oh that’s just to assert my words”, averred the Learned at the turn of the century, that redeployment capability as txting street ‘cred’. It originates Professor. “The logistics of the exciting innovative project that manipulators for crop handling from the Old English production processes have would have been completed and harvesting, together with entomological term ‘pollen been totally ignored. They precisely to overcome the very the ingenious PB cargo stowage basket’ and defined by the haven’t given a thought to serv- objection that has been raised? facility. Myriads of these cognoscenti as corbicula“, ice elevators and provender That futuristic construction microbots would have been whispered the Ancient chutes. Its an inaccessible ‘pie project would have essentially organised into squadrons, Philosopher, but nobody was in the sky’ ”. guaranteed the effective known as ‘flights of fancy’.” listening any more. Everyone The Chief Adjudicator technology transfer and After a pause to trawl knew PB meant ‘Pure heaved a sigh at the yawning commercial exploitation of the across the wealth of his Balderdash’. gap in unity:“We need consen- incipient research on self experience, the Learned BDW

MACHINE DEVELOPMENT British firm punches its way to New Zealand

A British company that has encouraging. and also helps to prevent director of Meade Machines invented and designed a “The UK Trade and accidents in the event of Ltd, participated in a trade machine for planting fence Investment team at the British hydraulic failure. mission to New Zealand. posts safely, reaps the rewards Consulate-General in Auckland Since its launch in 2001, Meade Machines Ltd also after licensing out its machine has been very helpful in terms more than 160 Postpuncher exports the Postpuncher to to equipment manufacturers in of organising the trade mission machines have been sold in the Sweden, Italy and Germany and New Zealand. Meade and promoting our product in UK. In order to expand is currently hoping to Machines Ltd based in Tisbury, the New Zealand media. business overseas Kevin introduce the product to Wiltshire has given Following our success in New Meade, co-founder and France and Spain. Postpuncher NZ exclusive Zealand, we have signed rights to manufacture and sell a another agreement with El-Gra machine that will improve the Engineering Pty Ltd which will safety of workers installing soon see our products fences.The deal was sealed marketed across Australia. We with the help of UK Trade & expect our turnover to Investment, the government increase by 30% over the next organisation that provides three years as a result of support services for UK increased sales in New Zealand companies trading overseas. and Australia,” added Mr Ross. The company’s managing The Postpuncher, is a post- There’s always a director, Ed Ross said:“I visited driver designed to be mounted bigger fish.... New Zealand in June to to the front of the parent support Postpuncher NZ at machine, increasing safety by Fieldays 2004, the third largest allowing the operator to easily agricultural show in the world. see the banksmen guiding the Half a dozen of our machines vehicle on the ground. The were sold at the show. unique tube design of the Achieving this at such an initial Postpuncher prevents post stage of partnership is very damage and operator fatigue see page 11

7 ENGINEERING DESIGN

SUSTAINABILITY IN ENGINEERING DESIGN YOUR FUTURE IS AT STAKE Geoffrey F D Wakeham

Mr Bush – or possibly his advisors – is unwilling to let the USA become marketing tool and have real involved in any way in the Kyoto agreement, writes Geoffrey Wakeham, of environmental value. I foresee that manufac- Harper Adams University College, Shropshire. They question the scientific turing will move away from basis on which the various targets and outcomes have been arrived at. It the UK, and companies appears they may be unwilling to compromise the economic must manage this to provide sustainability of their industries by getting entangled in what they could long term economic sustain- ability. This is likely to see as irrational activities such as trading in CO2 emissions and gross require a shift in design phi- unbalanced taxing of energy. losophy not only towards good environmental prac- s I see it, there is a ways of maximising the eco- tice, but also towards sys- real danger that nomic benefits of sound tems capable of local manu- Acompanies will environmental policies. facture without compromis- export their unsustainable Energy use can be reduced ing the function or life of activities to countries by improving processes and the product. Loss of repu- where pollution, Health & premises, while material tation in the market place Safety legislation and expen- costs and waste can be will ensure loss of long term sive labour laws do not improved by clever design viability. After all, green but present problems to gov- and by managing waste dead is not where any econ- ernments or industrialists. retrieval and reuse in such a omy wishes to be. However, in practice, US way as to be cost positive. For those who do wish industries are likely to be There are materials to be alive and green there less damaging to the envi- available that are seen as is a need to continually seek ronment than many other environmentally friendly. ways to ensure the long countries and they will con- Whether these can com- term sustainability of their tinue to seek ways of reduc- pete with more traditional enterprises. ing their impact on the envi- materials that are easy to A conference to be held ronment as the economies recycle is still in question at Harper Adams University become clear. Within the but certainly should be College in conjunction with BIO NOTE UK, companies will have investigated. the IAgrE on the 9th March Geoffrey Wakeham MIAgrE was formerly greater pressures put on It is possible within 2005 aims to help those Principal Engineering Lecturer at Harper them to become more eco- sophisticated markets to sell who seek ‘Sustainability in Adams University College and is the nomically and environmen- one’s ‘green credentials’ and Engineering Design’.For Convenor of the forthcoming IAgrE Annual tally sustainable than both obtain a price premium but details go to Conference (see Back Cover) on March 9th the USA and ‘emerging’ this has limited value in the www.iagre.org or ’phone 2005. Be there! Further details can be industrial nations. These longer term. It is more like- +44 (0)1525 861096. obtained from the IAgrE, West End Road, environmental constraints ly that a good end of life Help extend your future Silsoe, Bedford, MK45 4DU tel: +44 will impact on economic policy that benefits the cus- and that of the environment (0)1525 861096 or Harper Adams sustainability already under tomer and generates posi- you live in. University College, Newport, Shropshire pressure. tive cash flow for the suppli- TF10 8NB tel: +44 (0)1952 820280. There is a need to find er will be a more valuable

8 LANDWARDS EARLY SPRING 2005 ROBOTICS HARVESTING IN THE FUTURE AUTONOMOUS SELF-HELPING MACHINE NETWORK Ole Peters and Christiane Albrecht

Introduction engineering, adapted to the The improved utilisation of In agriculture of the future there natural and social conditions. In these production factors on the will be a rapidly increasing claim developing countries, the main perception of process for agricultural products, due to focus will have to be on the engineering will be one main a growing world population and most efficient utilisation and challenge in the future of raised living standards. preservation of the limited agricultural engineering. Scientists predict that world natural resources. In contrast, population will explode up to in developed countries, which Objective of paper seven billion humans by the year are characterised by highly It is necessary to think of new 2013 throughout the world intensive and high quality strategies. Single machines (Dustmann, 2004). production of agricultural cannot get bigger, heavier and More than before, farmers commodities in a very more efficient, it has to be will have to produce greater competitive market, the focus across the board. If only one amounts of food while, at the will be on a minimum human part of the chain is weak, the same time, achieving a higher and financial expenditure, in whole system is prevented from quality on soil of unchanging or addition to the attention working; the least chain link will even decreasing potential. Due towards the ecological factors. limit the mass flow. This is to urbanisation and In under developed countries, it because with unoccupied time unsustainable cultivation, will be important to stop the of up to 30 percent, single everyday 17,000 ha are taken environmental destruction and components can never then be away from massed farmland. to start with countermeasures fully loaded and every These contrary developments to gain more farmland which component is always calibrated will enforce an evolution in the can be used not just for short suboptimally, due to average processes of agricultural term sustainability. adjustment. A further

BIO NOTE Ole Peters and Christiane Albrecht are both students in the Programme of Agricultural Sciences, within the field of Agricultural Engineering, at the University of Hohenheim, Institute of Agricultural Engineering-440, Garbenstrasse 9, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany. E-mail: opeters@uni- hohenheim.de or nanealb@uni- hohenheim.de. This paper was presented at the UNACOMA Vision event, organised by EurAgEng and held at AgEng 2004 International Conference in Leuven, Belgium, 12-16th September 2004. Fig. 1 Development of robots

9 ROBOTICS

actions concerning areas such as, pest management, plant nutrition and crop rotation management. Their collaborative use of information (as with the ‘connected drive system’ used already in the automotive industry) will be based on: GPS information, active infrared picture processing and implement and wheel friction. Additionally, they will use all information stored from Fig. 2 Overview sugar beet harvest: path planned by stored single plant positions; preset using crop previous passes and previous models; identification of leaf and beet by image processing; beet conveying by conveyor belt or seasons. This information might further in the future by tractor beam contain the single plant positions, the weed pressure, disadvantage of this strategy is The main characteristic A major requirement for the soil type and the humidity the machinery weight and size. attribute of these robots will be these robots is the ability to interpreted from the wheel and For example, sugar beet their detached construction. work in wet operating implement friction and also the harvesting is one of the most This means, that every robot conditions, in addition to all yield. difficult harvest processes in will only perform one other conditions where Being very small, these Europe with impracticality of processing step. applicable. robots will be able to work both manoeuvrability on the Cropping by hand has the These robots will be very accurately and have the field and also in road traffic. A lowest sugar losses, so robots powered entirely by electricity ability to align themselves to 60 t heavy beet harvester developed in future should have preferably using renewable single plants if it is required for cannot be steered with an the same capability as energy, e.g. by fuel cells (Pehnt, important processing steps. accuracy of just a few harvesting by hand or an even 2004). The size of the robots Already, nowadays, in centimetres under wet better quality, reducing losses will vary greatly, from less than agricultural engineering an conditions and soft ground. further. The whole process will one hundred kilograms attempt towards specialisation Additionally, each plant has be divided up into individual (topper) up to several tonnes and self-propelled equipment different dimensions and processing steps, to optimise (beet hopper). The can be seen. The demands interacts differently with the the whole process (see Fig. 2). effectiveness of electrically towards the rise in accuracy of soil. Gathering beet usually Each processing step stands for driven systems is higher and equipment means that the costs takes place during bad weather one, or nearly one, robot unit. therefore more economical and of self-propelled machinery will conditions. The sugar beet For the example of sugar ecological, additionally; they are decrease. In addition, compact harvest creates a high technical beet harvesting, processing will smaller and more flexible. They fuel cells in all sizes are expenditure and work load. In consist of four robot classes: will guide themselves by global developing, enabling the particular, high demands on • topper/crown cleaner positioning systems (GPS) path provision of electric energy quality of working method, • lifter/beet cleaner planning (topper robot routed wherever needed. These especially the quality of topping • beet elevator by drill robot) and operate in influencing factors will assist a and also losses of sugar content • beet hopper close-up range by picture changeover towards detached, caused by damaging sugar beet The lifting robot unit will processing (Jahns, 2004). single function, equipment. during harvesting or storage. stand for all four robotic units The robots will use all Disturbing factors present Since 1985, robots entered to explain the general working available data and they will be in other assembly groups will our lives as supporting but not method of those robots. able to interpret it. Each robot be excluded; any control factor particularly adaptive systems so The lifting robot will have will have a small and highly can be adjusted to the far. Figure 1, shows a time bar to fulfill a lot of demands, for efficient processor which is requirements without which starts from the example the root of every beet compatible between robots, compromise. This concept development status in year has a different size, and the they will be built in a modular ensures that no component 1985 up to a higher lifting robot will have to lift system and for this reason they part ever has to remain idle. development status in year them free from breakage and will be able to repair Capable of artificial intelligence, 2030. Creation of artificial damage. It will have to harvest themselves. They will use all these robots will be able to intelligence is the next sugar beet without damaging this gathered data to optimise a monitor themselves and to important development them or causing mass loss to plant grow model. Due to the provide mutual care, in areas requirement in agriculture each beet, per unit area due to enormous amount of data such as calling for service, engineering (Anon, 2004). root breakages. However, the gathered, this ‘plant grow rescuing each other from An entirely autonomous robot should be able to remove model’ will become extremely dangerous situations and network of robots will open up bolters and dirt tare as part of accurate and will enable the advising each other of risks. completely new opportunities. its functionality. robots to decide on correct Using the principle of

10 LANDWARDS EARLY SPRING 2005 plurality, the breakdown of a and elective behaviour populated by the small robots operation will be beneficial. single topper robot will be towards barriers (i.e. person, (micro robots) like useful This will enable a gradual balanced by his eleven animal, leaf, soft ground) symbiontic insects. Micro approach to entire automation. colleagues, without stopping the • insensitivity towards dust by robots will be able to A precondition for this vision is complete process chain. The using infrared and ultraviolet reproduce themselves. They the future availability of fuel reliability of operations will light detection of will also be able to include new cells and the possibility of obviously, therefore, be raised. human/animals enabled by development standards adapting technology from This detached construction will heat-sensitive infrared themselves and insert this new automotive and defence allow a progressive approach to cameras important development into industry which will afford this autonomous self-helping • ability to realign in all agricultural robots. profitable development costs. community. circumstances by GPS/Galileo References Dustmann, F.W. (2004). Wachstum der Weltbevölkerung (Increase of world population), members.aol.com/jspanalysis/anal ysis/wachst4.htm Jahns, G. (2004). Autonome Fahrzeugführung in der pflanzlichen Produktion Autonomous vehicle in plant production), www.tb.fal.de/staff/jahns/papers/p df/auto01.pdf Pehnt, M. (2004). Bedeutung alternativer Antriebe und Kraftstoffe für den Ressourcen- Fig. 3 Survey of a lifting process und Klimaschutz (Acceptation of alternative drive trains and fuels Considering the very • feasibility of operating in Conclusions in reference of resources and different conditions and modes unfamiliar areas with only The rising demands on climate protection), of agriculture around the world, field boundaries specified by agricultural products in matters www.ifeu.de/verkehr/seiten/fuenft these changes will be the positioning system. of quality and quantity, can only hesen.pdf. introduced at different rates. In One of the main obstacles be satisfied by a higher level of Anon. (2004). Informatiksysteme well defined greenhouses, this of this development is the precision and automation. (Information technology will obviously happen sooner aspect of safety. Apart from the Towards the challenge of systems); www.iid.de/it- than in rough tropical terrain vision of exclusively GPS routed complexity, precision and safety, pro/kap4_2_1h.html – 27 with changing conditions and a vehicles, the system of picture the changeover to multistage big number of disruptive processing with the aid of factors. It is likely that in less infrared light is an than 50 years, robot slaves will improvement. In questionable process more than 80% of situations, a human can be operations in European consulted online. There’s always a bigger fish... agriculture. As a transitional solution Adapting previously human-controlled master-units, developed technology in this processing ambitious tasks, will area, for example opto- be accompanied by supporting electronic missile guidance slave robots, processing systems from the defence recurred workflows. For industry, may provide the example, fully autonomous following advantages: trailers may follow a forage • existing technology leading to harvester. In road-traffic these low development costs slaves will follow the human- • big production numbers controlled master in single file. resulting in low unit costs There will be another group • sophisticated military of robots which are responsible technology giving rise to high for service and maintenance reliability only. These small robots will • optical sampling and have dimensions of a few therefore capability to hundred millimetres. Back page 7 page 15 identify barriers and hazards Agricultural robots will be

11 NEWS SCAN

BIODEGRADABLES

issues and is based on eight key TRIF-ic news for waste research themes: sustainable resource consumption and management; The Department for the University of Nottingham have more sustainable ways to systems for resource recovery; Environment, Food and Rural been awarded funding, subject manage waste and to plan for residual wastes management; Affairs (Defra) has announced to contractual negotiations. the long-term. market development and £1.36m of funding for research As well as exploring new “With good management, intervention; social dimensions; focused on novel ways to divert treatment options to reduce we can achieve greater resource environment and health (risk biodegradable waste from the amount of waste going to productivity and a cleaner, assessment and impact landfill sites. Defra’s landfill sites, the research better-protected environment. management); economics; and Technologies Research and programme will investigate Better knowledge and decision tools. Innovation Fund (TRIF) funds techniques to speed up the understanding of waste issues research into innovative production of composting and are essential to underpin MORE INFORMATION technologies and processes that ways to produce clean hydrogen effective policy making and will help to meet England’s energy from waste. Potentially, specific action programmes Defra, Nobel House, 17 obligations to reduce the the programme could reduce designed to change the way we Smith Square, London, amount of biodegradable waste the amount of waste going to generate as well as manage SW1P 3JR. Tel:+44 – including kitchen, garden and landfill, open up new markets waste streams in the UK. This (0)8459 335577. Fax: +44 paper waste – going into landfill for high grade compost and programme takes us a step (0)20 7238 5529. Web: sites. England is committed to reduce emissions of greenhouse closer to our goals.” www.defra.gov.uk reducing landfilled gases. While funded separately Copies of the strategy biodegradable municipal waste Environment Minister, Elliot through Defra’s Waste document can be to 75% of that produced in Morley said:“Sustainable waste Implementation Programme, obtained from Defra’s 1995 by 2010. management is now a this work feeds into the Publications Unit or Research teams from the commercial imperative, not just government’s new strategy for downloaded online. University of Leeds, Chester’s an environmental ideal. This waste related research. The Web: C-Tech Innovation Ltd, Imperial research programme marks a strategy places a particular www.defra.gov.uk/enviro College London, University of key step forward in the emphasis on encouraging nment/waste/wip/researc Southampton and the Government’s plans to find research into cross-cutting h/index.htm

REGULATION Transport vote condemns animals to further suffering

Leading international animal Compassion in World thing to do with a lack of politi- improvements in animal wel- welfare group Compassion In Farming Chief Executive Joyce cal will to tackle this problem. fare; but points out that only World Farming (CIWF) has D’Silva said:“CIWF despairs of “CIWF will continue to high- very limited improvements in condemned the decision of EU the lack of courage shown by light the scale of animal cruelty, welfare during transport can leaders, including United the UK Government and by and the urgent need for reform ever be made without address- Kingdom Government the other Member States in within the trade in live animals ing the crucial areas of journey Ministers Ben Bradshaw and failing to tackle this crucial across Europe.” and rest times, and stocking Margaret Beckett, to sidestep issue, when all of the evidence, The modest package adopt- densities. crucial decisions affecting the scientific research and data ed by the Council in Brussels Last night’s vote saw welfare of millions of farm ani- points to the need to limit offers greater training, certifica- Denmark vote against the pro- mals across the continent. journey times. “This collective tion and enforcement of the posals, calling instead for The criticism follows last failure by EU Agriculture rules, including the use of satel- stricter rules. Germany, night’s vote by the EU Ministers means live animals lite navigation systems to moni- Belgium, Sweden and Agriculture Council to defer a can continue to be transported tor journeys on all vehicles by Luxembourg abstained, while all decision on new rules on jour- from Aberdeen to Athens sim- 2009. It also enables stricter other Member States support- ney times, rest periods and ply to be slaughtered; while national rules to be made – ed the proposal. stocking densities for animals politicians procrastinate, mil- which should allow the UK to during transport for six years. lions of animals will continue to maintain the effective ban on MORE INFORMATION EU Agriculture Ministers opted suffer for years to come. British horses being exported instead to support a limited “The decision to adopt a to the continent for slaughter. Compassion in World package of reforms aimed at six year delay has nothing to do CIWF welcomes both Farming Limited. Tel: +44 improving animal welfare within with the need for further work moves and acknowledges the (0)1730 233 904. Fax: +44 a new EU Regulation. to be carried out and every- opportunity they offer to bring (0)1730 260 791.

12 LANDWARDS EARLY SPRING 2005 Bimonthly EARLY SPRING 2005 MEMBERSHIP

MATTERSTHE NEWSLETTER OF THE INSTITUTION OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERS

OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE SOCIETY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT – THE CHARTERED BODY

n November 29th this award with more in the undergo the full process includ- 2004 at the Crown pipeline.The abbreviated ing a professional review inter- OEstates office in (Grandparent) procedure will view. So get those applications Carlton Terrace,The Society for be available to IAgrE members in now! Full details of how to the Environment (SocEnv) for- until September 21st 2005.After apply can be found on the IAgrE mally received its Royal Charter. this date, candidates will have to website. The Charter was formally presented to the Society by Alex Galloway (Clerk to the Privy Council) and received, on its behalf, by Will Pope, Chairman of SocEnv. This was a red letter day, not only for SocEnv, but for the ten licensed bodies of SocEnv. The opportunity was taken also to present each of these bodies with their full licences. Baroness Young was pre- sented with her Chartered Environmentalist certificate (numbered 1) by Peter Matthews, Chairman of the Registration Authority. IAgrE was represented by Chris Whetnall who is seen here receiving IAgrE’s full licence to award the Chartered Environmentalist qualification. (Left to Right) Chris Whetnall with Will Pope ( Chair SocEnv) and Peter Matthews (Vice Chair There are now fifty IAgrE SocEnv) displaying IAgrE’s full licence to award the Chartered Environmentalist qualification members who have received

1 NEWS for MEMBERS

CAREERS PRINCESS ROYAL LAUNCHES INDUSTRY CAREERS PROJECT AT THE ROYAL SMITHFIELD SHOW The BAGMA Dealer Centre at project website Smithfield was a hive of activity http://www.careertrack.info on December 2nd when the containing details of all those Princess Royal formally launched contributors to the project. the “World of Opportunity” This will be a dynamic website Industry Careers Project. and is intended to be a useful resource centre with, eventually, With the tag line of: live links to those organisations Recruit who are looking to recruit. Retain The site also contains a Develop number of job profiles compris- the project, which resulted from ing interviews with young (and IAgrE’s skills crisis conference, is not so young) people working designed to assist all sectors of in various parts of the industry. the industry in the recruitment, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal launched the farm Other major components of machinery industry Careers Project at the BAGMA Dealer retention and development of Centre, Royal Smithfield Show and is seen here discussing the the initiative include: staff. project with Director General Ian Jones and BAGMA staff Nikk the production of a manual to Etherton and Alice Fennell, whilst Peter Leech (John Deere)and A steering group, comprising Paul Hemingway(JCB) are in the background (centre L and R, assist dealer staff in the BAGMA and AEA, working in respectively) [Photo courtesy: Careertrack] recruitment process, this partnership with IAgrE and manual containing job Lantra and Chaired by Professor and the problems it faces. ducing results. Launched at descriptions and details of Dick Godwin, has been working Amongst the dignitaries in the Smithfield was a 16 page full career prospects and also for some months to formulate line up to meet with Princess colour brochure detailing career providing dealers with tools aims and objectives and terms of Anne were Ian Jones (BAGMA), opportunities in the various sec- such as Powerpoint presenta- reference. IAgrE President Peter Redman, tors: tions to use in local recruit- The Princess Royal spent Peter Leech (John Deere) and •Farming ment drives; and more than her allotted time Paul Hemingway (JCB). •Forestry IAgrE’s ‘promoting professional- meeting and talking with repre- Funded by contributions •Landscaping ism’ campaign which is sentatives from the industry and from the industry’s dealers and •Sportsgrounds encouraging the registration was clearly both interested and the manufacturers they repre- •Lawncare of suitably qualified staff as knowledgeable about the sector sent, the project is already pro- Also up and running is a Engineering Technicians.

REGISTRATION MINISTER CALLS ON INDUSTRY TO ADOPT TECHNICIAN STANDARDS

“I believe that professional membership and SPEC), as an “extremely helpful descriptor” tion, they are not going to go out of their way registration have a real value for technicians for the Engineering Technician. to promote it unless they can be convinced through the commitment to lifelong learning Lord Sainsbury pointed out that lack of that it will be of real benefit to their business and development, and to professional stan- technicians and intermediate skills had a for their employees to be professionally quali- dards, which it brings”, said Lord Sainsbury, major impact on UK productivity. “It seems fied and have a range of transferable skills.” Minister for Science and Innovation. to me to be clear that if we are going to cor- Andrew Ramsay, Executive Director at Speaking at the Engineering Council (UK) rect this situation then a starting point has to EC(UK) said:“The high attendance figures and conference which was supported by the be a clear set of professional standards which calibre of our panel today demonstrate the Engineering and Technology Board (etb) and is widely understood and accepted”, he said. importance of this issue to industry and the Engineering & Manufacturer’s Standard & He therefore urged Sector Skills Councils Government. Working with etb we will con- Skills Forum (EMSSF), and was entitled ‘The (SSC’s) and employers to work together with tinue to champion the role of the Engineering Value of the Engineering Technician to professional bodies such as EC(UK) and etb Technician in adding value to business. To this Business’, Lord Sainsbury went on to praise to raise awareness of the full value of the end we have launched a dedicated website the guidelines for UK professional registra- UK-SPEC descriptors to business. “Although www.engtech.co.uk to highlight the issues tion, known as the UK Standard for employers may have generally positive feelings discussed at the conference and act as a Professional Engineering Competence (UK- about professional membership and registra- foundation for future initiatives.”

2 MEMBERSHIP MATTERS EARLY SPRING 2005 BRANCH VISIT

WESTERN BRANCH – SHARING OUR VISIT WITH YOU

The Western Branch afternoon meeting, 26th May 2004, was held at the Science Museum Wroughton, near Swindon.A museum with a difference.

we also found several of the very early lorries, some solid tyred and just to add further interest more very early cars and motorcycles.

This is a place to visit again. It is open at holiday periods and can It is a fantastic countryside location having views over an area of be opened for group visits, when prior arrangements are made. Wiltshire, on a World War 2 airfield with numerous preserved mas- Eric Lacy (Western Branch) sive hangers. We were taken on a guided tour by Keith Brown, a senior curator, whose knowledge of the very early passenger machines was incredible. We saw the first De Havilland wood and Irish linen twin-engine machine. It was specially designed for a farmer customer to take fare-paying passengers and was able to be maintained by farm staff. Even the wings hinged back to enable them to go through his barn doors! Radar and radio equipment were also on display along with rock- ets (remember Blue Steel?), the SRN1 hovercraft and several bat- tery electric cars. One very early car, similar to a horse carriage, was equipped with two motors, one driving each front wheel with front wheel Ackerman type steering.

NEWS OF MEMBERS

Melvin Johnson recently been appointed to the post of Section Manager for Engineering, Construction and Adventure Sport at Reaseheath College. Michael Povey has moved to New Zealand and is working as a Subdivisions Engineer for Nelson City Council. His job is basically looking after subdivision engineering works from pro- posal and approval through to site checking and completion sign off. Michael says that the change in pace and lifestyle is huge The last hanger we visited was full of agricultural machinery with and they are still adjusting to it. a grain drier, cleaner, cultivation equipment and tractors including Tony Chestney steam and petrol, ploughing and towing types. Some of the Write to Tony Chestney with your news! His address is 32 Beverley machines and tractors were from National Institute of Agricultural Crescent, Bedford, MK40 4BY. Engineering (NIAE) experimental work at Silsoe. Amongst these,

3 NEWS for MEMBERS

MEMBERSHIPS Academic Members

Askham Bryan College Harper Adams University Pallaskenry Agricultural College Scottish Agricultural College Askham Bryan College Co Limerick SAC Ayr Campus York Newport Ireland Auchincruive Estate YO23 3FR Shropshire Ayr TF10 8NB Pencoed College KA6 5HW Barony College Pencoed Parkgate Institute of Technology,Tralee Bridgend Sparsholt College Dumfries Clash CF35 5LG Sparsholt DG1 3NE Tralee Winchester Co Kerry Plumpton College Hampshire Cranfield University at Silsoe Ireland Ditchling Road SO21 2NF Bedford Lewes MK45 4DT Myerscough College East Sussex Willowdene Training Ltd Myerscough Hall BN73AE Willowdene Farm Duchy College Bilsborrow Chorley Rosewarne Preston Reaseheath College Bridgnorth Camborne Lancashire Reaseheath Shropshire Cornwall PR7 0RY Nantwich WV16 6PP TR14 0AB Cheshire Oatridge Agricultural College CW5 6DF Wiltshire College - Lackham Greenmount Campus Ecclesmachan Lacock CAFRE Broxburn Royal Agricultural College Chippenham 22 Greenmount Road West Lothian Cirencester Wiltshire Co Antrim EH52 6NH Gloucester SN15 2NY Northern Ireland GL7 6JS BT41 4PU

Shelbourne Reynolds COMMERCIAL MEMBERS Shepherds Grove Industrial Estate COMMERCIAL MEMBERS Stanton Bury St Edmunds Autoguide Equipment Ltd Law-Denis Engineering Ltd Suffolk Stockley Road Millstream Works IP31 2AR Heddington Station Road Calne Wickwar Silsoe Research Institute Wiltshire Wotton-under-Edge Wrest Park SN11 0PS Gloucestershire Silsoe GL12 8NB Bedford Douglas Bomford Trust MK45 4HS Springhill House David Ritchie (Implements) Ltd Salters Lane Carseview Road White Horse Contractors Ltd Lower Moor Suttieside Lodge Hill Pershore Forfar Abingdon Worcestershire Angus Oxfordshire WR10 2PE DD8 3EE OX14 2JD Bomford Turner Limited Salford Priors Evesham Worcestershire LONG SERVICE CERTIFICATES WR11 5SW Name Grade Date of Anniversary 50 years John Deere Ltd John Brian Finney HonFIAgrE 11 Jan 2005 Harby Road Langar Nottinghamshire 35 years NG13 9HT Charles Michael Blackbrough IEng MIAgrE 27 Jan 2005 Peter George Braithwaite CEng FIAgrE 27 Jan 2005 FEC Services William Hancox CEng MIAgrE 27 Jan 2005 NAC John Matthews CEng HonFIAgrE 27 Jan 2005 Stoneleigh Park Anthony Edward Moore IEng MIAgrE 27 Jan 2005 Kenilworth Robert Tyson Pringle CEng MIAgrE 9 Jan 2005 Warwickshire David William McQueen Pullen CEng MIAgrE 9 Jan 2005 CV8 2LS James Wilhelmus Squires AIAgrE 27 Jan 2005 Matthew James Taylor CEng MIAgrE 27 Jan 2005 G C Professional Services Edward David Weekes CEng MIAgrE 1 Jan 2005 for land-based and related industries Highdown Cottage 25 years Compton Down Richard John Belding MIAgrE 24 Jan 2005 Winchester Kenneth Hopkins IEng MIAgrE 28 Feb 2005 Hampshire Robert James Hunter AMIAgrE 20 Feb 2005 SO21 2AP Richard Waiter Langley CEng MIAgrE 24 Jan 2005 Terence Massen IEng MIAgrE 20 Feb 2005 Henry Duncan McLain CEng MIAgrE 21 Feb 2005

4 MEMBERSHIP MATTERS EARLY SPRING 2005 ANNIVERSARY AG TECH CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY

All the guests at the John Deere Ag Tech 10th anniversary reunion at Brooksby Melton College in Leicestershire.

ohn Deere’s Ag Tech agricul- how important these technicians Technicians graduating Training in Deere’s growing Jtural apprentice engineer train- are to the success and the through the programme achieve computerised parts and service ing programme celebrated a future of our industry and busi- the BAGMA/City & Guilds of support system provides an unique 10th anniversary last ness,” commented John Deere London Institute 4024 added benefit for dealers.” month with a special reunion Limited managing director Alec Agricultural/Groundcare Service The roll call of successful Ag lunch and presentation at McKee at the Brooksby reunion. Engineers NVQ Level 2 & 3 Tech graduates who have gone Brooksby Melton College in “The professional qualifications Certificates and the John Deere on to achieve prestigious Leicestershire. This attracted and registration provided the by Ag Tech Certificate. Successful national awards reflects the 118 past and present students Ag Tech programme demon- completion of the fourth year quality of the training they and guests, including Chris strate vital skills and knowledge. also qualifies technicians for receive. A total of eight City & Whetnall, chief executive and Customers should value the Associate Membership of the Guilds Medals of Excellence secretary of the Institution of experience of the dealer techni- Institution of Agricultural have been awarded to Ag Tech Agricultural Engineers; Ian Jones, cian as a key asset when making Engineers, and registration as apprentices at both Level 2 and director general of BAGMA; and their buying decisions.” Eng Tech with Engineering Level 3, the highest recognition Tony Belmega, head of strategy The Ag and Turf Tech Council, provided free by John available, and competed for by at the Learning & Skills Council. schemes are run by John Deere Deere. thousands each year from all Ag Tech was the first such and machinery lecturers Richard “In the late 1980’s, increas- vocational disciplines and indus- scheme to be introduced in the Trevarthen and Phil Spencer of ing sophistication and new tech- tries. UK, and won a National Training Brooksby Melton College, and nology in farm machinery led to Carl Pitelen of dealer Ben Award at the end of 1997, the are supported by the Learning & concerns that apprentice serv- Burgess at Norwich received his only one ever made to an agri- Skills Council. Each offers three ice engineers were not receiving City & Guilds Medal of cultural machinery company. years of ‘on-the-job’ training sufficient quality training to gain Excellence in 1997, and went on Since it started in 1992, with the with block release at Brooksby, the necessary technical skills,” to become the first Ag Tech first group of students qualifying and includes regular attendance says Peter Leech, John Deere graduate to receive the John in 1994, altogether 147 Ag Tech at the John Deere training cen- Limited’s manager, customer Deere ROSE (Recognition of apprentices have graduated tre at Langar. A fourth year of support, who has worked with Service Excellence) Award in through the scheme; including special training leads to the Ag Richard Trevarthen since 1990 2002. This is given to the best those currently undergoing Tech Diploma. in developing and managing the all round service technician training, the programme’s total “John Deere Ag Tech was Ag Tech programme. from John Deere dealerships intake to date has been a stag- the best training programme “As a direct result of this throughout the UK and Ireland. gering 324. available at the time and still is,” initiative, we have been able to This year a second Ag Tech This year’s new intake of 41 says Simon Amos, now a direc- increase customer loyalty to trained technician has won the apprentice engineers from John tor of dealer Alexander & our brand and our dealer net- ROSE Award. Michael Strange Deere dealerships across the Duncan of Leominster, who was work. We have also been able of Devon based dealer Masons country is the biggest ever, cov- one of the first apprentices to to help dealers recruit and was a City & Guilds Medal of ering both Ag Tech and the new enter the agricultural scheme in retain high calibre service engi- Excellence winner in 1996, and Turf Tech programme for 1992. “I now send all my lads neers, trained to a high level of was presented with the ROSE groundscare technicians, which through the programme, it’s so technical competence covering Bowl trophy on the John Deere was introduced in 2002. much better than anything the all aspects of repair and service stand at the 2004 Royal “I cannot emphasise enough local colleges can offer.” of John Deere machinery. Smithfield Show.

5 NEWS for MEMBERS

S Etherington Death T J Gold With great sadness, we record the death MEMBERSHIP S M G Hodges of the following member E P Hodson W G Gale (Wiltshire) G T Hughes CHANGES G W Jones J Jones D J Kerr Engineering C Kirkwood Admissions A R Lee Council A warm welcome to the following new mem- J Meehan Congratulations to the following members bers R A Moore who have qualified as Chartered Engineers Fellow R P Proctor or Engineering Technicians, entitling them to M David (Cheshire) G P Renton use the designatory letters CEng and Eng R Herbert (Cambridgeshire) P J Richards Tech, respectively, after their name P Rowlands Member R T Slater Registrations P V Muskett (Essex) J A Sykes CEng M J I White (Lincolnshire) M Targett M J I White (Lincolnshire) J J Toogood Associate Member K Tutty EngTech T K Buhari (North Yorkshire) A J Wallbridge J D Jewitt (Northumberland) P Cortbaoui (Canada) H R J West A Jones-Parry (Gwynedd) G A R Smith (Cheshire) S J Wilkinson S J Wallace (Rutland)

Associate Myerscough College: P Davies (Cheshire) J P J Baxandall P Naylor Staffordshire) A R Beckerton Society for the D H O’Neill (Bedford) S Ratcliffe (Staffordshire) Writtle College: Environment A Aier Congratulations to the following members Student K M K Alam who have met the criteria for Chartered Cranfield University: K C Bodduluri Environmentalist, entitling them to use the A Dedousis E Evangelaras designatory letters CEnv after their name M A Jennings-Temple Y Hasan P H Momori J S Lopez Escudero Registrations C Patrick M Marediya L G Campbell (USA) B R T Vilane S Nandimandalam E D Chesmore (E Yorkshire) A A Patel W C Hill (Devon) Harper Adams University College: S Rupavatharam B G F Mathew (London) A Adedoyin F Xue T Andrews Q Q Zheng C Baum J D Bell J Black Readmission H J Blandford W R Legg (Zambia) P N Brown R P Brown J W Bubb Transfers S A Carter Congratulations to members achieving a fur- D J Cousins ther phase of their professional development A N Darch Member L W Davies P J Doyle (Wiltshire) J G Dickson R H Doyle Associate Member C M Dyer J H Hammett (Essex)

Produced by: Land Technology Ltd, Edinburgh Printed by: Barr Printers, Glenrothes

INSTITUTION of AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERS, WEST END ROAD, SILSOE, BEDFORD, MK45 4DU, 6 MEMBERSHIP MATTERS EARLYUNITED SPRING 2005 KINGDOM. Tel: +44 (0)1525 861096 Fax: +44 (0)1525 861660 FOOD STORAGE

FOGGED PROTECTION FOR FOOD ON THE MOVE Terry Mabbett

A swingfog thermal (hot) fogger from Allman, operating in a food storage area

disinfectants, antiseptics and insecticides that are cleared for use in the food industry. They must be able to deliver the chemical in a minimum of volume of water and achieve rapid control, then aerate and dissipate rapidly to leave minimum residue and a taint- free atmosphere. That said the ‘spray’ must be sufficiently mobile so that droplets penetrate every ‘crack and crevice’, and stay suspended in hether meat, dairy, gathering pace as it moves. the atmosphere long enough to chocolate and Every transit environment, deal with air-borne insect and Wconfectionery, including trucks, aircraft and disease threats, whether they be grain, flour, fruit or vegetables, ship’s holds, storage rooms and moths, bacterial spores or virus food is under potential and food processing and particles contained in droplets continual threat from insect manufacturing areas, must be of water. damage and microbial spoilage, treated as potentially hazardous Hot (thermal) fogging is one contamination and infection. situations, with potential to of the very few application From the moment it leaves the jeopardise food safety and techniques that is able to deliver farm gate, food embarks on a human health. these requirements and fulfil the long and potentially ‘hazardous’ Irrespective of whether needs of rapid and effective journey, through transit, storage, food commodities or insect control and disinfecting of processing, manufacturing and manufactured products are pest the areas and spaces used to preparation prior to and disease free when leaving a transport, ship and store food consumption. specific site, they are prone to commodities and manufactured The longer and more ‘multi- contamination along the chain if food products. staged’ the transit, and the more transit vehicles, shipping Thermal foggers are unique frequent the ‘ports of call’, the containers, aircraft holds, in that they are charged with more food is at risk. The threat storage and distribution centres chemicals formulated in a liquid BIO NOTE is sequential and cumulative. are not clean. solution, issued as a gas but act Dr Terry Mabbett is a Consultant at 2 Just one contaminated vehicle Requirements are for in liquid form to control pests Albemarle Avenue, Potters Bar, or store is all that is needed to portable application equipment and diseases. The chemical is Hertfordshire EN6 1TD Tel/Fax: +44 pass infestation, infection and able to apply a wide range of dissolved in an appropriate light (0)1707 644953 contamination ‘down-the-line’, recommended and registered oil or organic solvent to form a

13 solution that is converted into a more appropriate. within the ultra low volume vehicles, stores and other hot vapour (gas) within the • The Swingfog SN 81 is (ULV) spectrum of droplet size premises along the ‘food chain’. machine. It subsequently available either with a 9.0 l which is 5-25 microns.The Their high degree of portability condenses into tiny droplets on stainless-steel spray mixture larger droplets in the spectrum and manoeuvrability makes delivery into the cold tank (SN 81) or with a 10.0 l impact on the ceiling, walls and them ideal for use in a wide atmosphere. polyethylene spray mixture floor to provide a residual variety of situations both on The fog thus produced is a tank (SN 81 PE). treatment.Those at the other land and at sea. Use with an cloud of minute droplets • The Swingfog SN 81 pump end of the spectrum remain appropriate disinfectant or formed as the hot gas has no integrated spray suspended in the air to provide antiseptic ensures that food condenses as when interfaces mixture tank, but is equipped the aerosol treatment. transport vehicles and storage with the cold air on leaving the with an electrical pump to Operators using thermal premises are kept free of a fogging pipe. Droplet sizes are draw the spray liquid out of foggers in the carrying mode wide variety of pathogens generally 15 microns or less, the the original container (pre- must wear full protective including salmonella. And they exact size depending on several packed products) or out of clothing including an allow rapid on-board control factors including the exact another suitable container appropriate respirator. of the intestinal viruses that nature of the solvent used to (user-mixed formulations). However, these machines can continually threaten safety of dissolve the chemical in the This machine is equipped be operated in a stand-alone passengers on the world’s mixture. The smaller the with a rechargeable battery, mode inside the room or cruise liners. droplets the denser the fog and and an integrated battery store, or from outside by the longer it stays suspended in power supply device to drive inserting the fogging pipe MORE INFORMATION the atmosphere. If there are the chemical pump. The through ‘ports’ in the wall. perceived safety problems in chemical pump can be driven These modes of operation Bruce Allman, E Allman & using light oils or organic off the battery or the public avoid the need for personnel Company Ltd, Birdham solvents then water may be power supply. to be inside the building while Road, Chichester, West used. The desired spectrum of • The Swingfog SN 101 is fogging is in operation. Sussex PO20 7BT Tel: +44 small-sized droplets is then equipped with a 68 l stainless Swingfog thermal (hot) (0)1243 512511 Fax: +44 achieved by using a mixture of steel spray mixture tank and foggers offer the ideal means of (0)1243 511171 E-mail: water and an appropriate glycol is available with manual protecting ‘food on the move’ sales@allman- as the carrier liquid for the pump start (Swingfog SN by ensuring pest and disease sprayers.co.uk Web site: chemical product. 101 M) or with electrical free status of all transit start (Swingfog SN 101 E). Facts on fogging • The Swingfog SN 101 pump FORESTRY E.Allman & Company Limited of has no integrated spray Chichester in West Sussex mixture tank, but is equipped markets one of the widest with two electrical pumps to Mound spacing on ranges of thermal foggers in the draw the spraying liquid from world that are widely used to the appropriate container. restock sites maintain the integrity of food Power for the starting supplies right along the chain of (ignition of) the applicator The latest information on the the requirements to produce storage, and for the operation of the spacing of mounds on restock good quality timber. Good processing/manufacturing, chemical pump is most sites has been published by the mounding practices contribute distribution and preparation. conveniently drawn from a Forestry Commission. to the goal of improving timber For floor areas/spaces up to 12 V car battery. The technical note Excavator quality and reducing establish- 500 m2/1500 m3 machines of Optimum treatment will Mound Spacing on Restocking ment costs.” the Swingfog SN 50 series only be obtained if the vehicle, Sites provides detailed advice on MORE INFORMATION should be used. These store or other space is this method of ground prepara- comprise: thoroughly cleaned out before tion. Excavator Mound Spacing • SN 50 stainless steel spray hand. The presence of organic “Good excavator mounding on Restocking Sites mixture tank, capacity 6.5 l matter and dirt will impair the practices ensure that the appro- (FCTN008) is available • SN 50 PE polyethylene spray action and activity of the priate density, uniformity and free from Forestry mixture tank, capacity 7.0 l chemicals applied. With a quality of mounds are produced Commission Publications, • SN 50 - 10 stainless steel thorough pre-fogging clean-up with good mound to soil con- PO Box 25,Wetherby, spray mixture tank, capacity carried out pest and pathogen tact,” said the paper’s co-author West Yorkshire, LS23 9.0 l control using thermal fogging Steve Morgan of Forest 7EW. Tel:+44 (0)8701 • SN 50 - 10 PE polyethylene can be achieved with one Research. “Excavator mounding 214180. E-mail: spray mixture tank, capacity application of just 20 - 25 l of is a robust and flexible system [email protected] 10.0 l spray mixture per 1000 m3 of for many restock sites and cre- t Web: For larger floor space within a matter of hours. ates a good microsite for tree www.forestry.gov.uk/publi- areas/spaces the Swingfog SN By using the Swingfog thermal growth. Successful establish- cations 81 and SN 101 machines are fogging technique, users are ment of young trees is one of able to deliver the chemical

14 LANDWARDS EARLY SPRING 2005 CONFERENCE REPORT KEY ISSUES IN MANAGING SOIL FOR THE 21ST CENTURY A review by Mike Hann

n the 3rd November, universities were offering qualifi- improved soil management ance developed by EA, Defra the IAgrE Soil and cations at all levels relating to strategies. I am heartened by and ADAS was introduced. O Water Group held a soil and water engineering and the work I see within NSRI and Further information related to one day conference for scien- management. The late 1970s others which aims to provide good soil management and the tists and practitioner. The aim through the 80s and 90s saw a answers. I encourage support strategies for protection of soil. of the conference was to dis- decline in the interest in soil for this research approach. Peter Redfern presented cuss the issues of soil manage- management issues, driven by a The next two papers were EA’s approach to soil protec- ment practice in view of the host of influences including the delivered by other prominent tion. I was impressed with their new government legislation on removal of grants and ‘over pro- members of NSRI. Firstly Dick determination to work with soil management. duction’. Thompson addressed the others, sharing expertise with The conference was ably As I move into my dotage, thorny problem ‘the assessment industry and the science com- chaired by Peter Kendall, there is again a change in our of soil quality’. Professor Dick munity for best results Deputy President of the attitude/interest in soil manage- Godwin provided a well argued The afternoon session start- National Farmers Union (NFU). ment. This is driven by sound researchers perspective of soil ed with a good resumé by Ian The delegates totalling over government legislation and the management at farm level. This Bradley (NSRI) of the existing 100, included members of aca- farming industry once again see- was followed by the govern- state of soils in England. This demic and research institutions, ing the financial, agronomic and ments’ perspectives of soil man- was followed by two presenta- the Department for the environmental advantages of agement on farms. tions arguing how quality soil Environment Food and Rural good soil management. This Defra’s vision was well management might be delivered. Affairs (Defra),ADAS, interest was demonstrated by argued by Dr Sharon Ellis. She Firstly Professor Gordon Spoor Environment Agency (EA) and the good attendance at the con- considered the impact of the asked in his usual challenging the Scottish Environment ference. Common Agricultural Policy – way what is required. Then Protection Agency (SEPA). The first paper was present- Good Agricultural and Innes McEwan (Unilever R&D, There was also good represen- ed by Professor Mark Environmental Condition (CAP- Colworth) gave a very well con- tation from farmers, consultants, Kibblewhite, Head of the GAEC) for soils dealing with sidered farmers’ perspective of the agrochemical and machinery National Soils Resource soil erosion organic matter con- what is economically feasible. industries and the press. Institute (NSRI) at Cranfield tent and structure. The guid- The day was rounded off by On a personal note, I am University at Silsoe, and dealt able to remember some 40 with the diverse nature and years of soil management prac- functions of soil. For me, it was tice. The 1960s and 1970 a refreshingly new approach to There’s always a bigger fish... brought the implications of the soil considering the shift in Strutt report which demon- thinking, driven by the applica- strated the lack of soil care and tion of biology and information its effects on agricultural pro- science to soil science. This duction. This provided an impe- new idea argues soil as a living tus for research particularly at system, a complex architecture Silsoe (both Research Institute that is moderated by soil-water and the (then) College) related physical processes. The conse- to soil damage and its allevia- quences of this approach is that tion. During the same period quality soail management must government grants for soil man- address the ecological condition agement (particularly drainage) of the whole soil as determined led to a great deal of farming by its biological, chemical and interest in improving their soil physical configuration. care, much influenced by the Thus, the future for me excellent ADAS ‘Drainage depends upon researches devel- Officers’ and the like. oping the biological and chemi- Back page 11 page 17 Simultaneously, the colleges and cal features of soil to help with

15 CONFERENCE REPORT

LIVESTOCK CONTROLS Freddy Nachtergaele [Food and Agriculture Organisation Pilot trial of electronic identification and (FAO) of the United Nations] who gave a fascinating insight data transfer for sheep into the National Aeronautics The Department for the Environment, Food and into a market environment on a non-sale day; and Space Administration Rural Affairs (Defra) has published an interim progress • strong preference for electronic tags rather than (NASA) and FAO Agro-eco- report on its Sheep electronic identification (EID) and boluses amongst participant farmers but no evi- logical assessment for agricul- electronic data transfer (EDT) pilot trial for sheep. dence of related animal health and welfare issues ture in the 21st century. All in The trial is assessing ease of use of EID equip- where boluses have been used; all, it was an excellent day with ment. It is establishing training and support require- • tests of EID hardware and software reliability and first class presentations to ments for use of EID and EDT on farms, in abattoirs, complexity; which I probably have not and markets prior to the wider introduction of sheep • a modular approach to farmer training has proved given full recognition, for EID from 1 January 2008. It is also looking at poten- successful and training methods and support which I apologise. tial benefits of EID/EDT for the sheep industry. The requirements continue to be monitored; I am left to reflect that I study is due to end in June 2005. • wider industry surveys have been conducted to am privileged to be involved in The trial is taking place in the North of England, establish a baseline for industry attitudes and the resurgence of soil manage- South West and Midlands. It involves 69 farmers who awareness of EID. ment. Further I am heartened have been selected to ensure a full range of environ- The National Sheep Association, National that the development of a new mental conditions, production systems and attitudes Farmers Union, British Meat Processors Association MSc in Soil Management at to technology. More than 80,000 sheep have so far and Livestock Auctioneers’ Association were con- Cranfield University at Silsoe been electronically identified using a range of ear tags sulted during the setting up of the project and con- is very timely as is the British and boluses. In addition, use of EID and EDT is being tinue to be involved with project delivery. Agrochemical Standards examined and tested in a number of market and abat- Ben Bradshaw, Defra’s Animal Health and Welfare Inspection Scheme (BASIS) toir situations. Minister, said:‘I am pleased with the progress made one week short course in soil Progress with the project includes: by this study and related work being done in other management aimed at present- • good engagement with the farming industry; parts of the UK. There is more work to do before ing the Defra guidelines. An • effective industry collaboration in scoping and electronic identification of sheep becomes mandato- MSc in Urban Soil developing protocols for abattoir trials; ry from 2008. I am confident that by working with Management is planned. The • adoption of a phased approach to market trials; the sheep and EID industries, we can influence the soil and my future is bright – first phase volumetric tests have been completed Commission in relation to the practicalities of EID perhaps there is a God!! and the next phase will introduce EID and EDT implementation for sheep.’

SOIL IMPROVEMNET Plant Health Care acquires Vamtech Inc.

Plant Health Care plc (‘PHC’ or yields of row crops such as “While this acquisition is rel- face area of the root system and the ‘Company’), a leading maize, soya beans and cotton, atively small in cash terms, its improve the health and surviv- provider of natural products for even when used in very small impact on PHC will be signifi- ability of plants, but no method plants and soil, has completed quantities and PHC will be cant. It means we now own the was previously available for the acquisition of VAMTech Inc, aggressively targeting this com- right to a very powerful patent- reproducing the fungi in the for a consideration of modity crop market throughout ed product that has broad appli- amounts required for commer- $1,950,000 (approximately £1.1 the world. The acquisition of cations across all of our exten- cial use. million) plus payment of VAMTech will open up the agri- sive product lines, making them PHC has developed process- $775,000 in interest free debt culture market to PHC with the even more effective”. es that isolate and concentrate (approximately £430,000) over VAMTech technology enhancing PHC’s technology is based VAM (Vesicular-Arbuscular five years. PHC’s existing natural product on mycorrhizal fungi which are Mycorrhizal) fungal spores allow- VAMTech specialises in the line. an essential part of all plant ing PHC to produce products synthesis of formononetin, a John Brady, Chief Executive growth. In natural soil, mycor- that have a longer shelf life than compound that stimulates the of PHC said:“VAMTech has his- rhizal fungi are readily available similar products. VAM Spores growth of mycorrhizal fungi torically been an R&D company to plants, however, in urban land- can be mixed effectively with already existing in the soil. The and PHC will now provide scapes, degraded lands and most other biological (e.g. bacteria) acquisition includes all technolo- routes to market through our agricultural lands, mycorrhizal and non-biological (e.g. biostimu- gy and patents surrounding own existing sales channels. In fungi are often not present in lants) ingredients enabling PHC VAMTech’s production of for- addition, we will be able to tar- adequate quantities. Studies have to diversify its product portfolio. mononetin. get new markets, the most shown that stimulating plant Formononetin is already a key Formononetin has been important of which is agricul- roots with mycorrhizal fungi ingredient in a number of PHC demonstrated to increase the ture. products can increase the sur- products.

16 LANDWARDS EARLY SPRING 2005 TOXIC WASTE DISPOSAL

Defining the European sludge treatment equipment market

hough currently in the consciousness is rising. depend on growing demands in niche markets which still growth stage of its life Significant opportunities the United Kingdom and France experience continued, even if Tcycle, the European remain in upstream treatment as well as emerging markets sporadic, potential. For sludge treatment equipment efficiencies where innovation such as Belgium, Spain, Portugal, example, market leaders market is rapidly maturing – and adaptability is a key for and – to some extent – Italy. Degrémont and Veolia maintain leading to consolidation of success. The most progressive With the increasing an active profile in all domestic revenues and market shares. technologies, such as consolidation and strengthening as well as international markets, Even so, the market offers dewatering and drying, continue of market majors, smaller and others use specialisation to substantial opportunities, chiefly to be advantageous to companies have to find succeed in a particular segment, due to a combination of companies compelled to find opportunities by developing such as Andritz in drying legislation and increasing public methods for reducing the unique technical expertise or technology. concern regarding safe disposal amount of water content in targeting niche specialist The European Union and of waste and other toxic sludge to minimise transport markets. national legislative measures elements. Recent analysis by and disposal costs. Sludge “Future success is largely that continually seek to develop Frost & Sullivan reveals that the drying is expected to garner dependent on the ability of a more environmentally market is projected to grow greater demand and revenues participants to collaborate with conscious approach toward from $1.95 billion in 2004 to with increasing safety equal partners and integrate sludge management remain the $2.77 billion in 2010 at a regulations and restrictions additional services,” states Ms. main driver in the sludge compound annual growth rate being placed on disposal options Padmanabhan. As treatment treatment equipment market. of 6.2 per cent. such as landfills. capacities become increasingly In such a compelling market Sludge treatment and An increasing emphasis on met, the future pattern for climate, the most proactive and disposal techniques have been thermal disposal is further likely investment is largely seen in solution-driven suppliers are subject to particularly rigorous to push up demand for smaller to medium-sized likely to excel. inspection, leading to strict dewatering and drying since the treatment plants. The policies governing the treatment sludge that requires incineration impending saturation in demand MORE INFORMATION processes suitable for final necessitates such forms of pre- and slow down in revenue disposal routes. These treatment. growth rates are a prominent Kristina Menzefricke, dominant forces present a The market is highly challenge faced by most market Frost & Sullivan. Tel:+44 major market opportunity for fragmented with a surfeit of participants. Equipment (0)20 7343 8376. E-mail: equipment manufacturers. participants. Though this is not suppliers have responded by kristina.menzefricke@fro “The Urban Wastewater a particularly threatening trend expanding toward international st.com Treatment Directive, with its currently, it is envisaged that in markets or by specialising in next deadlines now to be put the long term aggressive into practice, in particular drives policies by market leaders could the market to meet legislative make it difficult for smaller and There’s always a bigger fish... requirements – thus boosting medium-sized competitors to the demand for treatment exist and compete successfully equipment,” states Frost & in the market. Another factor Sullivan Research Analyst, to consider is the significant Suchitra Padmanabhan. regional disparities within There is a need for high Europe with respect to the level technological capability and of market development with industry knowledge. variations in technological Environmental credentials and progress, scope of treatment responsiveness to regulatory capacity and associated demand changes are also critical for treatment equipment. success factors for those While the established operating in this industry. treatment markets, such as Innovative and flexible services Germany and Scandinavia are are also likely to ensure future primarily driven by revenues growth in this regulated market from replacements and where environmental upgrades, the major prospects Back page 15 page 19

17 NEWS SCAN

CONSERVATION OVERSEAS New conservation assessment shines light on Sumatra’s rainforests

report released by critical for good conservation believe that APP’s approach to first organisation in the world Rainforest Alliance, a management that they do so.” conservation is working and to utilise market forces to con- Aleading non-profit inter- APP appointed SmartWood, this assessment is yet another serve tropical forests, launching national conservation organisa- following an agreement reached demonstration that real ‘on the a sustainable forestry division in tion, is destined to set a new with the export credit agencies ground’ progress is being made. 1989 and a sustainable agricul- standard for the way in which of Germany, Japan, France, The ‘Indonesian HCVF Toolkit’ ture division in 1991, the the Indonesian pulpwood indus- Austria, Sweden, Finland, Italy, and its commercial application Rainforest Alliance pioneered a try assesses its forests for con- Spain and Denmark on environ- is a first for the pulp and paper worldwide certification move- servation values. The biodiver- mental covenants in the master industry in Indonesia.” ment. Over 12 million ha are sity conservation assessment, restructuring agreements of the Previous assessments by now managed according to the commissioned by Asia Pulp & company’s principal Indonesian APP had identified the areas in highest standards through the Paper Co. Ltd. (APP), was based operating companies. Earlier in Pulau Muda that should be set Rainforest Alliance’s on the ‘High Conservation the year,APP had launched its aside for conservation, local SmartWood program. The Value Forest (HCVF)’ Toolkit Sustainability Action Plan, which tree species development and Rainforest Alliance has recruit- developed in 2003 for Indonesia included putting over 72,000 ha community use. The ed over 1,000 companies in this and provides a scientific plat- of Sumatra’s natural peat SmartWood assessment team, effort and improved the quality form for the management of swamp forest into conserva- which includes leading interna- of life of some tens of thou- conservation forests within tion. This was based on studies tional forestry, wildlife, commu- sands workers and their fami- plantation concession areas. APP commissioned in 2003 to nity and mapping experts, has lies. The Rainforest Alliance’s SmartWood, a sustainable assess the forests’ ability to been into APP’s Pulau Muda sustainable agriculture certifica- forestry program of the New provide long-term habitats to concession areas and assessed tion program has certified more York-based Rainforest Alliance, species, safe from human distur- which ones contain High than 1,000 farms and coopera- developed a methodology by bance. Conservation Values. The team tives and has benefited over adopting existing criteria for This latest assessment has now provided preliminary 125,000 farm families in the use in the unique natural envi- found evidence that the Pulau recommendations for how tropics. ronment of the Pulau Muda Muda area is home to the these should be managed. Asia Pulp & Paper Co. Ltd. area of Riau in Sumatra, where white-winged duck (Cairina Black continues,“The is one of the world’s leading APP has now agreed to set scutulata). With a remaining SmartWood experts have iden- pulp and paper companies. aside more than 34,000 ha of population of only 450, it is tified that some adjustments With current combined pulp, forest for conservation. even more endangered than the and additions to our conserva- paper and packaging grades SmartWood’s Asia Pacific Sumatran tiger. The scientists tion boundaries are needed and capacity of 6.9 million tonnes in Regional Manager, Jeffrey also saw 11 examples of the we fully accept this as part of Indonesia, it ranks number one Hayward, explained that the world’s most endangered stork, their assessment. Importantly in non-Japan Asia. ‘Indonesian HCVF Toolkit’ has the Storm’s stork (Ciconia stor- for us, the SmartWood assess- Headquartered in Singapore, great potential for further use mi), and local villagers inter- ment has deepened our under- APP currently has multi-loca- in Indonesia. He added,“The viewed during the study con- standing of the biodiversity val- tional manufacturing facilities in Toolkit enabled our team of firmed that the swamp rivers ues in our concessions and Indonesia and markets its prod- ecological and social scientists are also home to the False given us practical information ucts in more than 65 countries to systematically identify and Gharial crocodile (Tomistoma on what we must do to protect on six continents. map the forest areas of greatest schlegelii). them.” conservation value within the Michael Black,APP’s Deputy The Rainforest Alliance, an concession. As a result of this CEO, said,“We think that this is international conservation MORE INFORMATION approach, our international a very professional assessment. organisation, is a leader in team has been able to indicate We accept the results and rec- developing best management To read SmartWood’s the forest areas that APP ommendations and have begun practices for sustainable land report on its HCVF assess- should protect from harvesting. altering our operations accord- use and offers third-party certi- ment of APP’s Pulau Muda APP has stated that they will ingly. This report gives us a sci- fication and ecolabelling servic- district, visit: www.rainfor- accept the results of the assess- entific basis for the sustainable es to forests and farms that are est- ment and will protect and man- development of our plantations managed in ways that reduce alliance.org/programs/forest age the HCVF that has been and the management of our environmental impacts and ry/smartwood/app.html identified. We believe that it is conservations areas. We increase social benefits. As the

18 LANDWARDS EARLY SPRING 2005 WATER QUALITY

Pesticides in freshwater down by 23%

he level of pesticides properly. Agriculture and protect the environment from MORE INFORMATION found in rivers and horticulture account for more pesticides by: Treservoirs in England than 80 per cent of all • monitoring pesticide usage Environment Agency. Tel: and Wales has decreased by pesticide use in England and and concentrations; +44 (0)8708 506 506. 23%, according to figures Wales. • investigating pollution The Pesticides in the published by the Environment The report shows some incidents involving pesticides Environment Report is Agency. The findings, which positive results, in terms of and taking relevant available on the website: come from the Environment protecting the environment enforcement action; http://www.environment- Agency’s annual pesticide from pesticides, but there are • working with pesticide users agency.gov.uk/yourenv/eff/ monitoring programme, show still areas of concern. Sheep to encourage best practice business_industry/agri/pes that levels of the most dip chemicals are still a in the use of pesticides – ts/?version=1&lang=_e commonly found pesticides in significant and widespread such as the Voluntary freshwater in 2003 were problem impacting on river Initiative whereby farmers The Voluntary Initiative is substantially lower when ecology and causing are being asked to get their a programme of voluntary compared with the average for freshwater samples to fail to spray machinery tested, measures drawn up by the previous five year period. meet environmental quality keep their pesticide training the crop protection and This decline in water standards. up-to-date and annually farming industries in pollution from pesticides The main areas for review their environment consultation with several could be down to a number of concern are: performance; and environmental bodies possible factors. Farmers • dipping activities, especially • encouraging sheep farmers including the Environment continue to improve the way in Wales and the north of to adopt improved flock Agency to improve they apply pesticides to their England; and management practices to practices, the use of crops and fields to minimise • discharges from the wool reduce their use of sheep technology, information impact on the environment processing industries dip. provision and training. under the Voluntary Initiative. centred on Yorkshire. Web: These efforts may have Andy Croxford, www.voluntaryinitiative.o resulted in lower levels of Environment Agency Pesticides rg.uk pesticides in freshwater. Policy Manager, said:“The fact However, the low levels of that the level of pesticides rainfall in autumn 2003 may found in our rivers and also have resulted in fewer streams has declined is pesticides being washed into encouraging, but there is no rivers. room for complacency. We The top nine most cannot be certain whether the frequently found pesticides in reduced levels are down to freshwater environments were better use of pesticides, or There’s always a bigger fish... all widely used herbicides how big a factor the dry including Mecoprop, weather has been. Isoproturon and Diuron. Of That is why we will the top nine, only continue to monitor the Chlorotoluron is rising in situation closely and to work level, as it is increasingly used with farmers and other to control grass weeds in pesticide users, together with cereals as some weeds the wool processing become resistant to other industries, to build on the pesticides. improvements that have Although important for already been achieved. We will many industries, pesticides can be particularly targeting those cause serious environmental involved in sheep dipping.“ problems and can have As part of the devastating effects on our implementation of its rivers and streams if used Chemical Strategy, the Back page 17 Always err on the safe side carelessly or not disposed of Environment Agency works to

19 NEWS SCAN

INNOVATIVE FORESTRY Forestry goes high-tech Satellite technology could be the landscape. The technolo- Galloway is a major undertak- the ForestSAFE project lead- used to identify tree species gy allows foresters to check ing, so when technology ers in Sweden. Their experi- and monitor the health of the condition of the trees and arrives that enables us to ence in the forest industry is Galloway Forest Park. A other plantlife on a massive look at the forest as a whole world renowned and we have group of forestry specialists scale. It may now be possible unit from above we must grab certainly gained a valuable met in Newton Stewart to to identify problem plants it with both hands. insight into how they do it in discuss the latest satellite such as rhododendron from “In the long-term the sav- other countries.” technology available to carry space using this and other ings in time and money are The final meeting and out the task. The representa- technology. This is great news significant and the benefits of seminar of the project is tives from Sweden, Forestry for foresters as it helps them being able to spot areas of planned for June 2005 in Commission Scotland and quickly identify key areas for potentially invasive species, or Sweden where the results of Durham University, are part- action, without having to areas of good biodiversity, are testing the technology will be ners in the Euro-funded spend hours on foot looking also invaluable. The time widely available. ForestSAFE initiative, which for the problem areas. saved also helps us concen- aims to create better and up Jimmy Wilson, Forestry trate on delivering other MORE INFORMATION to date information on the Commission Scotland’s head forestry benefits for people For more information on forest. of forest planning and map- and the industry. the project visit: By using satellite technol- ping in Galloway Forest Park He added:“It’s brilliant www.svo.se/dokument/ac/ ogy, detailed maps of the for- said:“Forest technology is having the expertise of the kansli/ForestSafe/Web_UK/ est can be generated by using taking huge steps forward. other partners not only from home.htm heat signatures taken from Managing a large area such as here in the UK, but also from

RESOURCE EFFICIENCY A brew to help the environment The chance to make Britain a such as Waste Recycling ed. For the initiative is an low carbon economy is a step Action Programme, investment in our future and MORE INFORMATION closer with the introduction Envirowise and Carbon Trust. will enable businesses to both Web: of BREW (the Business Regional Development save money and contribute to www.defra.gov.uk/envi- Resource Efficiency and Waste Agencies will work with these long term protection of the ronment/waste/BREW programme), a government groups and receive their own natural environment.” initiative to help businesses funding to ensure the projects Environment Secretary become more resource effi- are completed. Margaret Beckett said:“Every cient and make the most out Richard Ellis, chairman of business, big and small, can of their waste. England Development Agency benefit from this package of Regional Development (EEDA) which holds the lead initiatives which have been Agencies (RDAs) will play an role for sustainable develop- designed to move towards important role in delivering ment issues, said:“The extra more sustainable production this agenda receiving funding funds made available by the practices. from BREW to coordinate government will enable busi- “If businesses use these resource efficiency and waste nesses to significantly con- services they should be able initiatives to meet the needs tribute to a low carbon based to recoup the increasing costs of business. economy. of landfill by reducing the BREW will return landfill “For this to happen we amount of waste they send to tax to businesses in the form must work not just with com- landfill as well as driving down of coordinated programmes panies but partner agencies energy use – all of which which provide access to a and government departments. should help them become wide range of support on The structures are in place more competitive through resource efficiency and waste through integrated business cash savings and increasing issues. This means £284 mil- support to make this easier resource efficiency.” lion over the next three years but sustainable development is available through groups should not be taken for grant-

20 LANDWARDS EARLY SPRING 2005 GLOBAL WARMING UK joins Methane to Markets Partnership to cut emissions

To help the fight against global Environment Minister international partnerships on the partnership, as well as warming, the UK has joined a Elliot Morley welcomed the hydrogen and carbon seques- learning from it. Cooperation US-led partnership that seeks US proposal, saying it was a tration, which both involve the in multilateral partnerships is a to cut global methane gas valuable initiative in the global US and the UK. We will con- good way to help countries emissions. The Methane to campaign to reduce green- tinue to use every opportunity find effective ways of reducing Markets Partnership, launched house gases, while stressing to cut greenhouse gases and emissions. Such partnerships in Washington, aims to pro- that tackling carbon dioxide help with UK and international are a valuable complement to mote methane recovery and (CO2) emissions remained the emissions reduction targets.” international action through use, as a clean energy source single largest challenge in com- Mr Morley said the UK the United Nations to foster sustainable economic bating climate change. Carbon had an excellent record on Framework Convention on growth. dioxide emissions in the UK in lowering methane emissions. Climate Change, which is the It will focus, through sec- 2002 were 12 times higher Latest figures show that the main forum for tackling cli- tor working groups, on than methane emissions. UK has reduced its methane mate change globally.” schemes such as landfill gas to “Methane is one of the six emissions by 43 per cent over energy projects, methane greenhouse gases covered by the last 12 years. This is pri- CONTACT recovery at underground coal the Kyoto Protocol and is sec- marily due to cuts in emis- mines and improvements in ond only in importance to sions from the disposal of Defra, Nobel House, 17 natural gas system operations. CO2 as a contributor to glob- solid waste on land and from Smith Square, London It aims to reduce net methane al warming. We are happy to coal mines. SW1P 3JR. Tel: +44(0) emissions by up to 50 Mt of join others in an international “We look forward to con- 8459 335577. Web: carbon equivalent by 2015. partnership, comparable to the tributing our experience to www.defra.gov.uk

EQUIPMENT RECYCLING INITIATIVE First pan-European compliance scheme for electronic waste

Four leading manufacturers of electrical EU countries,” says Hans Korfmacher, dures become clear in each individual and electronic appliances, Braun, assigned president of the ERP company. market. Additional countries will be con- Electrolux, HP and Sony have today set “We anticipate that the customers and sidered at a later stage. Based on the up the first ever pan-European take back consumers of each of the companies four founders, ERP represents an estimat- and compliance scheme for waste from involved will benefit from the cost effi- ed 15 percent of the pan-European WEEE electrical and electronic equipment ciencies we will achieve through the ERP.” take back market. Negotiations are tak- (WEEE). To administer the pan-European ERP will outsource all operational ing place with a number of other compa- scheme, the companies have today estab- activities, including recycling, logistics and nies interested in becoming ERP lished the limited company, European the administrative work to manage the Members. Membership of ERP will be Recycling Platform (ERP), which is regis- operational activities to at least two gen- limited to avoid ERP establishing any tered in Paris, France. The scheme, oper- eral contractors. “ERP will take back dominant position. ating as the ERP WEEE Compliance WEEE from municipal and other collec- Scheme, has been in development since tion points, such as retailers, in order to MORE INFORMATION December 2003 and is in response to the provide the best service for our cus- European WEEE Directive which is due to tomers and to ensure compliance for ERP Web: www.erp-recycling.org come into effect across Europe in the Members.” Korfmacher explains. second half of 2005. ERP WEEE Compliance Scheme will “Our objective is to create the most focus on operations in Austria, France, cost efficient WEEE take back compliance Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the UK scheme and to stimulate competition and will apply for any necessary permits between WEEE take back systems in all as and when the legislation and proce-

21 PRODUCTS

GRAFFITI MANAGEMENT Eco-friendly answer to illegal graffiti menace

new company ‘graffi- Part of the Bio Natura energy cleaning solutions and • graffitifree 1 - a general tifree’ based in Ilkley, Group - a leading specialist UK three prevention coatings purpose removal liquid for AYorkshire represents a supplier of natural cleaning offers maximum versatility for brick and stone, concrete, completely new concept in products - graffitifree repre- dealing with all known types of aluminium and other met- professional graffiti manage- sents a completely new con- graffiti on all surfaces. als, plastic, polycarbonate Sam Labadie, business and perspex, wood, glass development manager for the and painted surfaces; Company, says:“One of the • graffitifree 2 - a high challenges facing many urban strength removal liqua-gel areas is the proliferation of for stubborn, heavily marked graffiti - tags, symbols, racist graffiti on brick, stone, con- and other offensive state- crete, metals, wood and ments, scrawls and even illegal glass; marketing campaigns. Councils • graffitifree 3 - a liquid for and businesses right across the removing ‘ghosting’ where UK are working round the ink or paint has soaked into clock to eradicate graffiti as porous surfaces like brick, soon as it goes up. render and stone. Highly “The chemicals many effective for marker pen removal teams use can cause graffiti; damage to the natural ecosys- • graffitifree 4 - handy dis- tem. Where strong solvents posable wipes for cleaning are used, time-consuming pre- non-porous surfaces like alu- cautions make the operation minium and other metals, slow and tedious. There is plastics, polycarbonates, always the risk that dangerous painted surfaces, glass, some chemicals could destroy near- woods, tiles and white- by plants, animals and habitats, boards; or find their way into rivers, • graffitifree 5 - a sacrificial, streams and even the human surface protective coating food chain.” for indoor use, which pre- She explains that graffi- vents graffiti from fully bond- tifree’s new cleaning products ing and is easily washed and protective coatings are away; Graffitifree service van on 24 hour call out (top); graffitifree is safe to handle and wash away • graffitifree 6 - a permanent available in an advanced range of environmentally safe removal after use where this applies - a protective coating to speed and protection products, covering all of your graffiti removal requirements factor which is particularly up graffiti removal from important when cleaning com- stone, brick, concrete, met- ment. The Company aims to cept in professional graffiti munity areas such as schools, als, wood, polycarbonates, target anti-social and illegal management. parks and shopping precincts glass, tiles and painted sur- graffiti with its advanced range Its comprehensive and where protecting the public faces; and of environmentally safe highly effective range of graffiti from chemicals is vital. • graffitifree 7 - a permanent removal and protection prod- control products is specially The Company’s seven new non-stick protective coating ucts. It is also offering busi- formulated to be biodegrad- patented products, which are that will stop graffiti and fly- nesses, schools, councils and able, non-toxic and harmless available directly from the posters bonding with the other organisations a 24 hour to the surrounding environ- company and are also used by surface. They are then easily mobile ‘graffiti clean-up’ call- ment and the public. their fully equipped, expert washed away with soap and out service to tackle the men- At the same time, the mobile service teams, com- water. ace nationwide. impressive line-up of four high prise: Graffitifree has also

22 LANDWARDS EARLY SPRING 2005 launched a convenient, easy- CROP SPRAYERS to-use ‘First Aid Kit’ which is available to customers who wish to deal with graf- Interactive sprayer fiti emergencies themselves. The kit, containing handy control systems at your quantities of all removal products and one protective fingertips coating, is ideal for schools, colleges and small business- Knight Farm Machinery is now es. offering two types of interactive Independent tests car- fingertip control systems (FCS) ried out by 4-Rail, which on its crop sprayers. assesses new products for The full version which is use in transport applica- fitted as standard on Knight’s tions, have proved conclu- latest self-propelled machines, sively the effectiveness and provides interactive control of safety of products in the all functions including the graffitifree range. electro-hydraulic systems, while Tested on tough inks the alternative simpler version and paints, and on surfaces controls only the spraying and commonly subjected to washing out systems. graffiti, their performance in With the full FCS system comparison with a number there are two control panels - of competitors’ products one on the outside of the was outstanding for both sprayer and one inside the cab - effectiveness and safety. The and also a joystick in the cab. testers’ report stated, for All three are fully interlinked, so instance:“The lower health operators can control all hazard presented [by graffi- functions from all positions tifree 1] is a benefit” and with full logic and without concluded “there are clear having to re-set one switch advantages that end-users panel before using another. The could obtain by using this joystick only has five buttons to product.” control the sprayer boom The preventative sacrifi- sections and the hydraulics cial coating [graffitifree 5] which is far fewer than usual also easily outperformed and makes it easier to use. Knight’s full fingertip control system (FCS) has two control rival brands and the asses- The simpler version retains panels and a joystick, all interlinked to provide full logic sors said the Company’s the interactive character of the products met the stringent full system for spraying and minimum and also makes the washing out procedure easier requirements of the trans- washing out via the two operator’s work far more for operators. The onboard port industry, adding that interlinked control panels but convenient. water supply can be easily split they provide “very good there is no joystick and the Fail-safe features can be into three rinses to maximise protection against graffiti ... electro-hydraulic functions are programmed in to ensure cleaning and minimise retained in interior and exterior situ- operated conventionally. correct valve combinations are chemical, and operators can ations,” and “out-performed The FCS systems work with always selected. For example, pump clean water into the main the reference coating which the company’s advanced when the operator selects the tank, rinse it out and spray out is of similar cost.’ plumbing system, which was ‘spray on’ function, even the the washings without even introduced two years ago in unrelated valves are re-set to stopping the vehicle. CONTACT order to reduce the amount of the optimum condition for pipework on the sprayers. FCS spraying. CONTACT graffitifree, 25 The takes this process a stage By using multiplexing, which Knight Farm Machinery Grove Promenade, further by using electric valve allows multiple functions to be Ltd, Wireless Hill, South Ilkley, West Yorkshire, actuation by means of touch executed through a single set of Luffenham, Oakham, LS29 8AF. Tel: +44 pads, allowing valves to be wires, Knight has minimised the Rutland, LE15 8NF. Tel: (0)800 612 0430 Fax: located in the best place on the amount of wiring and also made +44 (0)1780 722200 Fax: +44 (0)1943 816818 machines because operators do it possible for several valves to +44 (0)1780 722201 E-mail: sales@graffi- not need to reach them. This be operated by a single button. Website: www.knight- tifree.co.uk Website: reduces pipe work to a The system also makes the ltd.com www.graffitifree.co.uk

23 PRODUCTS

ROBOTIC WELDING Robot cell has equivalent productivity to three welders

obotic welding is more and these are than three times as just two of six R productive as any locations manual welder, according to currently Industrial and Agricultural being Engineers (IAE), a major consolidated European manufacturer of onto a new, agricultural and equestrian purpose-built equipment as well as steel site at railings and gates. Longton, Stoke Based in six locations around on Trent. Leek, Staffordshire, the company “We have took delivery of its first 10 hectares of automated welding system in manufacturing July 2004, comprising two and storage Motoman 6-axis robots and have just configured for MIG welding and built a three a 3 m wide, twin-station servo hectare stock positioner with integral glare yard at Stoke shield that allows production to capable of continue while the next parts holding £2 The Motoman twin-robot welding cell in action at Industrial and Agricultural are being loaded. million of Engineers (IAE) Despite IAE having more products. than 500 mild steel products When it is on stream, it will be tolerance but there is also need for additional capacity. that need welding, batch sizes full in September at the start of minimal porosity in weld beads IAE is a privately owned, are high for some stock items, a season with production laid down robotics. The result 460-employee company chaired especially in the run-up to the running flat out through to the after galvanising is a better by David Klucznik, son of the winter season. For example, a following April to keep stock cosmetic finish, which is founder. Business has doubled year’s production of 650 sheep levels topped up. We sell 3,000 important even in the in the past 10 years, despite BSE cradles generates 2,000 gates alone every week at the agricultural sector, especially and the foot and mouth crisis, separate items for welding, peak, which gives an idea of the when supplying prestige projects and the manufacturer claims to while 700 sheep round bale scale of our operation. We see like cattle markets. have won market share. feeders require 1,400 ends and round-the-clock robotic welding A further advantage of Adoption of advanced 2,100 ladders to be welded. as playing a major part in our automating the welding function manufacturing disciplines such These were among the first to production strategy going is the small footprint of a as robotic welding and CNC be put through the Motoman forward, although there will robotic cell compared with that machining look set to increase cell which is set up to operate always be a place for good of manual welding benches the firm’s lead still further. continuously for two to three manual welders to carry out needed to yield equivalent CONTACT days on such long-running jobs. smaller batch work and special output. Automated production Works Manager,Andy Ball tasks.” also results in a cleaner working said,“We have trouble finding Mr Ball went on to environment, as efficient fume John D’Angelillo, Managing skilled welders in this area yet comment that accuracy and extraction can be strategically Director, Motoman we need a lot of staff to fulfil repeatability of products located above the robots, Robotics (UK) Ltd, Unit 2, our production requirements. produced in the robotic cell are Manual welding tends to be Johnson Park, Wildmere Nearly 20 people weld gates superior to those welded by a monotonous job, especially for Road, Wildmere Industrial and other stock items at our hand. However, the quality of large-batch production such as Estate, Banbury, Barnfields factory in Leek where fit-up must be better for at IAE, where a welder might be Oxfordshire, OX16 3JU. Tel: the robotic cell has been automated welding. To this end, deployed on a popular standard +44 (0)1295 272755 Fax: installed. There are a further 40 IAE has also invested in an product for weeks if not months +44 (0)1295 267127. E- welders producing special gates, automatic saw and a CNC laser on end. Fewer and fewer mail: doors and troughs plus scheme tube-cutting machine from BLM- people are prepared to do this [email protected] jobs such as cattle markets at Adige (UK). Not only are the type of work so it is likely that o.uk Web site: our Macciesfield Road plant - resulting products within closer robots will increasingly fill the www.motoman.co.uk

24 LANDWARDS EARLY SPRING 2005 PRODUCTS

MOTORS

Baldor launches large single-phase motors on UK market

aldor has expanded its designs, intended for running at full load current of 12.5 A and Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled presence in the UK 1425 rpm and have very low no- can be plugged straight into a (TEFC) enclosures with an IP55 Bmotor market by load current ratings, making standard 13 A socket, making it rating, and are suitable for launching a range of large them particularly economic for ideal for use with small lathes or continuous operation at ambient metric-mounting single-phase applications involving lengthy idle machine tools. Another suitable temperatures up to +40ºC. AC induction motors primarily times. The 2.2 kW model, for application is driving the Constructed from heavy gauge rolled steel with an epoxy paint finish, the motors are particularly suitable for the type of arduous, low-maintenance environment that is characteristic of farm and agricultural applications. Built-in condensation drains help minimise maintenance, and a manually re-settable thermal cut-out protects the motor against overload conditions. The cut-out is incorporated in the conduit box to guard against the ingress of water and dust. Long-term reliability is further enhanced by the use of ball-bearing races loaded with advanced Polyrex EM grease which provides extended lubrication life and superior resistance to washout, rust and corrosion. Baldor’s large metric- mounting single-phase motors Baldor’s range of large metric-mounting single-phase AC induction motors are primarily targeted are ideal for applications on at farm and agricultural applications outlying farms and remote agricultural installations, where intended for farm and example, requires just 1.8 A at compressor in the refrigeration the costs of installing a three- agricultural applications.The no load, and even the largest 5.5 plant of an ice-cream van phase supply could prove motors are available exclusively kW model only requires 8.92 A. overnight, to recharge the prohibitive. from the E. Bennett (Electrical) The 2.2 and 3 kW models freezer. Typical applications include Company - one of Baldor’s UK feature very low starting The 4 and 5.5 kW motors milk pumps, conveyor and distributors - and span a power currents, enabling them to be also feature a low starting hopper feed systems, crop range from 2.2 to 5.5 kW. run from a standard domestic current facility. They are dryers and grain stirrers. The range comprises four supply. This reduces installation equipped with combined 240 models, with IEC frame sizes of time and costs to an absolute V/480 V windings and are CONTACT D100L, D112M, D132S and minimum, making the motors designed specifically to be D132M, and power ratings of especially attractive to compatible with industry Mark Crocker, Baldor UK 2.2, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.5 kW customers seeking a speedy standard series/parallel starters Ltd, Mint Motion Centre, 6 respectively. replacement for a failed unit. for single phase motors, which Bristol Distribution Park, The motors are capacitor The motors’ combination of low keep the starting current down Hawkley Drive, Bristol, BS32 start/capacitor run models, starting and running currents to twice the full load current. OBF.Tel:+44 (0) 1454 designed for direct-on-line also make them suitable for a The 4 kW motor has a full load 850000 Fax: +44 (0) 1454 operation from standard 240 V, variety of hobbyist and home current of 24.2 A, while the 5.5 859001 E-mail: 50 Hz single-phase mains business applications. The 2.2 kW model requires 30 A. [email protected] supplies. They are all 4-pole kW model, for example, has a All four motors feature Website: www.baldor.com

25 PRODUCTS

TOOL CARRIERS Approved: Mercedes-Benz newly designed Unimog

Mercedes-Benz UK has launched agricultural vehicle capable of ideal vehicle for their business,” engine produces up to 135 kW; the fully approved agricultural normal road speeds as well as Mark adds. with the six-cylinder U400 and specification for its Unimog working on land with proven fuel The new Agricultural U500 producing up to 172 kW implement carrier range, the efficiency. Evidence from trials Specification Unimogs U300, and 208 kW,respectively. The U300, U400 and U500. has shown fuel consumption to U400 and U500 incorporate a agricultural specification also has The Unimog range now has a be far in excess of any other fast range of optional benefits up to 24 forward and 22 reverse range of additional built-in safety tractor,” Mark says. previously unavailable on gears. factors for off-road operations, “Health and safety was the Unimogs. These include “This may be directed along with a pick-up hitch, rear prime motivator. Even with the VarioPilot - the ability to switch towards the agricultural industry linkage and options for front and renowned rigidity and durability driving position from right to left but it is still a Unimog with all the rear pto: all developed and of the Unimog range, it was or left to right to suit conditions benefits that involves,” Mark manufactured by Mercedes-Benz important that we were able to in less than a minute - and a new Hopkins adds.“We are now able Unimog in the UK. offer a vehicle to the agricultural auto-shift gear box. to offer a modern, comfortable, Mark Hopkins, Director of industry designed for its purpose. The U400 and U500 are also easy to drive and operate vehicle Unimog in the UK, said the new The rollover protection frame is available with Central Tyre that has the ability to work as agricultural specification Unimog wrapped around the existing, Inflation, a system developed by hard for agricultural contractors has undergone and passed the modern, single mould cab. This Mercedes-Benz to deflate or as it has already proven in a wide rigorous Silsoe Testing standards. not only allows the cab to tilt, but inflate all the tyres from within range of other industries.” A special steel frame has also it also provides more areas for the cab.This allows the Unimog been designed, manufactured and attaching equipment as well as to spread its load by widening CONTACT fitted to his specifications so that retaining the inherent comfort of the ‘footprint’ off-road and then the cab area now meets the the cab. to re-inflate for driving on roads. Mark Hopkins, Director, Organisation for Economic Co- “Our target market is the Emissions and noise levels Unimog UK. Tel: +44 operation and Development agricultural contracting industry. have been checked to ensure (0)1908 245761 Fax: (OECD) Code 4 specification. We have recognised the trend that the Mercedes-Benz Euro 3 (0)1908 245107 E-mail: “Financial pressures on for farmers to combine haulage diesel engines are as mark.hopkins@daimlerchrys farmers are growing and we are activities with their agricultural environmentally friendly as ler.co.uk Website: now able to offer a fully approved expertise and we now have the possible.The U300’s four-cylinder www.daimlerchrysler.co.uk

HARROWS

A new Maschio’s heavy-duty including quick-change clades, Maschio’s heavy power harrow designed for use in multi-speed gearboxes with the most arduous conditions, par- through drive and reinforced duty power harrow ticularly stony land, is now avail- frames and headstocks. able from UK distributor Rustons The machines are available in Engineering. 3, 3.5 or 4 metre working widths On the DM Rapido Plus the and are suitable for use with 90 gear trough has a bolted second kW to 134 kW tractors. All gear skin to protect the underside of try components are covered by a themachine and deflectors to two-year warranty. stop stones jamming between A three metre Maschio adjacent rotors. Also, the circular DM3000 Plus with a crumbler shape of the blade holders pre- roller currently costs £8075. vents stones being carried through the gear tray and work- CONTACT ing parts. Spring-loaded side clod Rustons Engineering Co. Ltd, boards also help to avoid damage Brampton Road, Huntingdon, and keep clods in contact with Cambridgeshire, PE29 3BS. the blades to produce a better Tel: +44 (0)1480 455151 Maschios DM Rapido Plus from RECO has additional pro- finish. The DM rapido Plus has Fax: +44 (0)1480 52116 E- tection on the underside circular blade holders and stone deflectors between the alternate rotors many of the same features as the mail: [email protected] standard DM Rapido machines, Website: www.reco.co.uk

26 LANDWARDS EARLY SPRING 2005 TRACTORS

New Holland TM - improvements in productivity

Continued improvements taking on board operators suggestions, means that New Holland’s TM has never been in better shape

he TM’s auto systems, HTS, does this result in less noise and reduced too high for the tractor to pull away with a Terralock, programmable reverse engine wear, there is also the opportunity to heavy load on steep slopes, the TM’s Auto Tfunction and engine management, make significant fuel savings. Transport mode has been extended by work together to drastically reduce manual The TM175 and TM190 receive a major three gears to allow automatic changes intervention to just two operations per upgrade to Headland Turn Sequencing between ninth gear and top gear. Starting in headland turn. (HTS). This powerful system already allows twelfth gear will remain the default Auto Continuous improvement to the New the operator to automate gear changes, Transport setting, while pressing the Holland TM has enabled this product range engine speed and rear linkage movements selector button twice will allow starts to be to strengthen its position in the mid-high but now it can also be used to manage made from ninth when required. horsepower sector, offering both excellent control of the TM’s electro-hydraulic With impact resistant mirrors also now value for money and features that buyers remote valves (of which up to five can now being offered across the TM Series,New want. A two year or 2000 hour be specified). Programming the system Holland has lived up to its aim of keeping manufacturer’s warranty is also available on remains straightforward with a simple the features that operators like and adding TM175s and 190s purchased before record and play back mode. new ones that they asked for. Indeed, it’s October 31st, complementing an impressive HTS is further enhanced by a new Auto true to say that the TM has never been new package. pto control system. The pto can now be set better. The long wheelbase TM175 and TM190 to disengage when the rear linkage is raised models enjoy the majority of the and restart when it is lowered. The pto MORE INFORMATION enhancements, which include the new 40 remains protected by the TM’s automatic km/h Eco Drive and upgraded Headland Soft Start feature for smooth, progressive New Holland. Website: Turn Sequencing,while all Power application of power. Four-wheel drive and www.newholland.com Command™ models feature transmission front and rear differential locks are improvements. automated via the standard Terralock The new Eco Drive 40 km/h option for system. the Power CommandTM full powershift All models equipped with Power transmission uses a software-limited version Command transmissions,TM140 to 190, get of the TM’s 19x6, 50 km/h transmission to another improvement to make life easier for offer travel speeds of up to 40 km/h at the tractor operator. Following feedback much reduced engine speeds. Not only from users that twelfth gear was sometimes

27