Agriculture • Horticulture • Forestry • Environment • Amenity

LANDWARDSSpring 2006

Tillage Dynamics

Engine Development www.iagre.org

Volume 61 No.1 61 No.1 Volume Canefield Cultivator IAgrE JOURNAL PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS Ethics in Engineering: Academy launches Statement of Principles

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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 MemASABE FFCS LAND TECHNOLOGY LTD 33 South Barnton Ave, 2 MACHINE DESIGN Edinburgh, EH4 6AN Tel/Fax:+44 (0)131 336 3129 Canefield cultivator for ratoons E-mail: [email protected] Elbashir A Hammad Website: http://www.landtec.co.uk 8 TILLAGE DYNAMICS Advertising All enquiries to IAgrE Spreadsheet models for the prediction of soil tillage imple- Tel:+44 (0)1525 861096 ment forces Fax: +44 (0)1525 861660 Richard J Godwin and Michael J O'Dogherty Origination: David King 13 ENGINE DEVELOPMENT Printing: Barr Printers Ltd The development and launch of the JCB444 diesel engine Publisher Landwards is published quarterly by: IAgrE, Membership Matters centrefold West End Road, Silsoe, Bedford, MK45 4DU Tel:+44 (0)1525 861096 News and Comment Fax: +44(0)1525 861660 E-mail: [email protected] 12 News scan Website: http://www.iagre.org 16 Publications President 23 Company and product information Peter L Redman BSc(Hons) CEnv FIAgrE

Chief Executive & Secretary Front cover: Straw bales for cattle bedding handled with the Maxxum 100x tractor and LRX loader (Photo: Case IH) Christopher R Whetnall CEnv IEng FIAgrE MemASABE 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 MACHINE DESIGN

The canefield cultivator; a two- furrow, tractor mounted machine designed to comprise functional components of a chisel cultivator, two fertiliser applicators and a ridger.

A CANEFIELD CULTIVATOR FOR RATOONS Elbashir A Hammad

Abstract conventional practice. 40,000 hectares, using the Sugar cane is grown in Kenana However, with the cultivator, ridge and furrow system. A Estate (Sudan) as an irrigated energy in kWh/ha and tractor- cane production cycle starts crop using the ridge and hours/hectare to reform the with plant cane and may furrow system. Cultivation profiles and incorporate continue to the 9th ratoon practices for ratoon cane fertiliser, were respectively 67% according to the productivity establishment are rather and 30% of those required of the particular field. Ratoons intensive. Conventionally, four with the conventional constitute more than 80% of to five operations are practices. the total area under cane. performed to reform the ridge Adopted cultivation and furrow system and to Introduction practices for ratoon cane incorporate fertiliser in the Sugarcane in the Sudan is establishment are intended to furrow soil. grown as an irrigated crop in enhance adequate irrigation, to A ratoon cane field the Central Clay Plain situated incorporate fertiliser in the cultivator was designed to between latitudes 10o and 16o furrows and to provide traffic accomplish in a once-over north and longitudes 32o and lanes. Operations start with manner, required ridge and 37o east. The plain is Vertisolic, chiselling the furrows (inter- furrow profiles with granular of 60 to 80% clay, with a rows) to an approximate depth BIO NOTE fertilisers placed and covered dominance of smectite clay of 10 cm to loosen surface soil, Dr Hammad MIAgrE is Training Manager at at the sides of the furrows, minerals (Blokhus, 1993). followed by reformation of o the Kenana Sugar Company, Khartoum, adjacent to the cane rows. In Kenana (latitude 13 N ridge and furrow profiles using o Sudan. Contact at: Kenana Sugar Company, Ridge and furrow profiles and longitude 30 E), the double-row ridgers. Triple 39 Fitzroy Square, London, W1P 5LL. E- produced by the cultivator largest and leading sugar estate superphosphate and urea mail: [email protected] were similar to those in Sudan, sugarcane is grown fertilisers are then separately produced by Kenana over an approximate area of broadcast on the furrows and

2 LANDWARDS SPRING 2006 maintenance (de Beer et al., in ratoon fields; and 1993). (b) the results obtained during However, according to evaluation trials of the Hunsigi (1993) in normal soil machine. conditions, research results are in favour of minimum tillage for Description of the sugarcane plant and canefield cultivator subsequent ratoons. It is The canefield cultivator (Fig. 1) necessary to explain here that, was a two-furrow, tractor the concept of minimum tillage mounted machine, designed to includes not only the comprise functional elimination of avoidable field components of a chisel operations but also the cultivator, two fertiliser combination of as many applicators and a ridger as operations as possible in a described below. single passage of a tractor Fig. 1 Close-up of a canefield cultivator through the field (Wilson, Chisel cultivator 1968). The chisel cultivator of the incorporated in the soil with Under Kenana conditions, Application of commercial machine consisted of six rigid rigid tine cultivators. El Negay (1996), found fertiliser is an economic tines equipped with Alternatively, single row disc chiselling of the inter-row to necessity on many soils to replaceable points, staggered ridgers are sometimes used to depths of 10 and 20 cm to promote crop production. on a rugged tool bar (main reform the ridges without have no significant effect on According to Verma (2002), frame), in two rows, 30 cm prior loosening of the furrow cane and sugar yields. fertiliser should be placed apart (Fig. 2). There were four soil. In such cases, the chisel Leibbrandt (1985) investigated close to the root zone to tines in the front row and two cultivator is used only for the effect of ripping with tines enable the roots to derive the tines in the second row. The incorporation of fertiliser. or chisels on irrigated ratoon benefit immediately. Such arrangement provided three Four to five operations are cane on five soils in Swaziland. placement (or banding), tines for each furrow. The therefore necessary to re- His results showed no according to Deere & front row tines were intended establish the ridge and furrow significant benefits from the Company (1993), promotes to work the sides of two profiles, with fertiliser treatment, and in one rapid and uniform growth as adjacent furrows, where incorporated in the furrows. experiment, ripping actually the young plant roots quickly fertiliser is to be placed. To The majority of evidence, produced significant yield penetrate the fertiliser zone serve this purpose, the according to Wilson (1968) reduction. In Colombia,Torres and absorb nutrients. Besides distance between the appeared to support the and Villegas (1993) reported increasing cane yield, proper outermost tines was set at 2.1 conclusion that the fewer the that ripping of the inter-rows placement also reduces m, and that between the two operations that are necessary seemed to have detrimental volatilisation losses of innermost ones at 0.9 m.The in a field, after planting or effect, thought to be due to nitrogenous fertiliser and second row tines were harvesting, the better the root pruning that affected the lowers the fixation of intended to loosen the middles performance of the subsequent growth of the succeeding phosphatic fertiliser. of the furrows to ease crop. Inter-row cultivation ratoon crop. Therefore, In the light of preceding reshaping of ridge and furrow according to Bakker (1999) is avoiding stool pruning information, a canefield profiles and to cover the likely to be of no benefit to the altogether was considered the cultivator that could applied fertiliser. The distance root system of sugarcane. most effective method for crop accomplish a number of between the two tines in this cultural operations in a once- row was 1.55 m, to match the over pass across the field, with centre to centre distance of minimum disturbance to soil, the furrows. seems an obvious requirement for sugarcane fields. A Fertiliser applicators prototype of such a unit was The fertiliser applicators of the developed and tested under canefield cultivator were pto Kenana field conditions driven units intended to (Sudan). The objective of this simultaneously apply granular article is to document: triple superphosphate and urea (a) the general design features fertilisers to the field. The of a canefield cultivator machine has two hoppers, each that could, in a single pass, consisting of two separate reform furrow and ridge compartments; one for triple profiles, apply and cover superphosphate and the other two granular fertilisers at for urea. The hoppers were Fig. 2 Root removal using a chisel cultivator the sides of the cane ridges supplied with metering devices

3 MACHINE DESIGN

Table 1 General specifications of the canefield cultivator profiles produced by Kenana field, were found to have conventional methods and gravimetric moisture contents those produced by the ranging between 12% and canefield cultivator (CFC). 30%. Bulk density for the top Conventional methods (conv1 10 cm before the operations and conv2, respectively) used was found to range between in the experiment were: 1230 kg/m3 and 1420 kg/m3. (1) loosening the furrow Ridge and furrow profiles surface soil to an approximate were measured using a profile depth of 10 cm with chisel meter, consisting of a cultivators, attachment and rectangular frame with use of two-body ridgers to horizontal wires fixed parallel reform the ridge and furrow to its length at 2.5 cm spacing, profiles, broadcasting of triple and vertical sliding rods at 10 superphosphate fertiliser, cm spacing across the length. followed by broadcasting of Three ridge and furrow urea fertiliser and then profile measurements were that could separately meter smearing the furrow surfaces. incorporation of the two taken from each replicate and displace to the outlet of Two vertical sliding links were fertilisers in the furrows with (nine in total for each the device, a required amount added to the rear of each chisel cultivators; and treatment). The average of of each fertiliser. The ridging body to offer greater (2) ridge reshaping with a the two seasons for each amounts of the two fertilisers lateral stability during single-row disc ridger and treatment (18 in total) was would eventually mix while operation. The lower parts of then followed, as in the conv1 worked out to approximate flowing down through the the sliding links were of by the broadcasting and the general shape produced outlet. Delivery tubes, rectangular cross-sections incorporation of the fertiliser by each method in normal attached the outlets and while the upper parts were of clamped to the shanks of the square cross-section.The Table 2 Performance of cultivation implements in Kenana fields chisel cultivator, would sizes of the two cross- thereafter direct the fertiliser sections were chosen to mixture into grooves made by prevent lateral movement the cultivator, at the sides of while allowing vertical and the furrows. angular movements for adjusting the ridging bodies. Ridger General specifications of This was a two-body the canefield cultivator and implement fabricated to suit essential performance the dimensions of the cane indicators in Kenana cane furrows in Kenana. In fields are shown in Table 1. addition to the primary function of reforming ridge Field test and with chisel cultivators. field conditions. and furrow profiles, the ridger experiment A randomised complete Drawbar pull for each was also intended to The canefield cultivator was block design was used with implement was measured in complete coverage of the designed and fabricated in the treatments (conv1, conv2 commercial fields using a fertilisers. Two screw links 2000 and tested under and CFC) replicated three simple hydraulic pull meter were used to attach each commercial field conditions times. In 2003, the plots were consisting of hydraulic piston ridging body to the main for more than two seasons, 6.2 m wide (four cane rows) and cylinder and a pressure frame. This method of on areas over 100 ha to and 950 m long. In 2004, they gauge. The tractor carrying attachment was intended to measure its performance in were 9.3 m wide (6 cane an implement was pulled by allow easy adjustment for the: terms of field capacity, speed rows) and 200 m long. another tractor, running at lifting angle of the ridging for operation, and power Kenana fields are of heavy the normal speed for the bodies; and requirements. For clay soil with 15% sand, 22% operation. Values for drawbar relative clearance between comparison, performance of silt and 63% clay. Plastic and pull were averaged from bottom edges of the ridging the implements for liquid limits range, readings recorded over bodies and surfaces of the conventional practices was respectively, from 30 to 37% distances of more than 500 m, furrows. also measured. That was then and 66 to 74% gravimetric soil in at least two different fields, Those two adjustments, followed by two experiments content. Soil moisture to encounter variations which characterised the conducted during the cane content during the test varied normally found in large scale canefield cultivator ridger, harvesting seasons 2003/2004 widely across the field and conditions. Each time, the allowed setting the ridging and 2004/2005 on two within the top 10 cm. same tractor was also pulled bodies to accomplish the different ratoon fields to Composite soil samples from with the implement raised to required operations without measure the ridge and furrow cultivated zones along the measure the rolling resistance

4 LANDWARDS SPRING 2006 turning the Energy in kWh/ha was mechanism by calculate from Table 2 by gradually dividing the product of increasing a drawbar pull in kN and speed weight hanging at in m/s by the machine a known length capacity in ha/h. Time for from the centre of doing each job was obtained a power input from dividing unit of area (1 shaft used to drive ha) by the machine capacity in the mechanism. ha/h. Results of the The torque was calculations are shown then multiplied by graphically in Figs 4 and 5, the rated angular respectively. (a) velocity of the tractor pto (rated Discussion speed of 540 Ridge and furrow profiles rpm).To measure Profiles created by the three the power related cultivation methods were, as to the increase in shown in Fig. 3, practically rolling resistance, similar in shape, with some the tractor was small differences in favour of pulled with empty the canefield cultivator. The and loaded machine produced slightly hoppers and the thicker ridges which were two readings were favourable to plant anchorage then subtracted. and slightly flatter furrows As the weight of which were good for the hoppers distribution of irrigation (b) gradually water to the sides of the cane decreased with ridges. Conventional methods the application of involved four to five tractor Fig. 3 (a) Ridge and (b) furrow profiles created by three cultivation methods: the conventional techniques, conv1and conv2; and the canefield cultivator (CFC) fertiliser to the passes through the field to field, the value accomplish the required of the tractor. The value was broadcasters, power is obtained was divided by two profiles, with fertiliser then subtracted from the required to operate the to average the situations of incorporated in the furrows. average values of drawbar pull metering mechanisms and to empty and loaded hoppers. With the canefield cultivator, to obtain the net force for overcome the increase in that was achieved in a single pulling each implement. rolling resistance resulting Results pass of a tractor similar in Drawbar pull in kN was from loading the hoppers The summary of performance size to those used for the calculated by multiplying the with fertiliser. Power to in commercial fields is shown conventional methods (54 gauge pressure reading by the operate the mechanism of the in Table 2. Average ridge and kW tractors). effective area of the pull- metering devices was furrow profiles produced by The energy requirement meter piston. obtained by measuring the the three cultivation methods per unit area was highest with For fertiliser torque necessary to start are shown in Fig. 3. conv2 followed by conv1 and

Fig. 4 Power requirements; the energy requirement per unit area Fig. 5 Time requirements; time per unit area with the canefield was highest with the conventional technique conv2 followed by cultivator was only 29.6% of the average time required using conv1 and lowest with the canefield cultivator (CFC) conventional methods.

5 MACHINE DESIGN

lowest with CFC (Fig. 4). Deere & Company (1999), can losing nitrogen from urea to References Conv1 was 8.8% lower than increase operating costs as the atmosphere. Therefore, in Bakker H (1999). Sugar Cane conv2, while CFC was 30.1% much as from 15% to 20% in addition to power and time Cultivation and Management. and 36.2% lower than conv1 wasted fuel. It is therefore saving, the canefield cultivator Kluwer/Plenum Publishers, and conv2, respectively. not unusual to find that the allowed performing the New York Therefore, CFC consumed difference of profit from one operations in a way that was Blokhus K H (1993).Vertisols in about 67% of the average farm to another is due solely advantageous to the ratoon central clay plain of the Sudan. energy required by the to differences in machinery cane crops. PhD Thesis,Wageningen, conventional practices. This and the way it is managed. Netherlands. was mainly attributable to the Good machinery Conclusions De Beer G; Hudson J C; number of tools utilised in management, according to (1) Conventional operations Meyer E;Torres J (1993). each method. The Hunt (2001) requires that the for reformation of ridge Cost effective mechanisation. conventional methods used individual operations in a and furrow profiles and Sugar Cane, 4, 11 - 16 three separate soil engaging machine system must be application of fertiliser in Deere & Company (1999). implements for profile adjusted and combined in a ratoon cane fields of Machinery Management: How reformation and manner so that their overall Kenana were rather to Select Machinery to Fit Real incorporation of fertiliser, performance returns the intensive, did not properly Needs of Farm Managers. Fifth while the canefield cultivator greatest profit to the farm utilise available tractor edition. Deere and Company accomplished those tasks with business. Any time a grower power and did not ensure Service Publications, Moline, two soil engaging tools. can eliminate a pass through good placement and Illinois, USA. Besides, in the conventional the field, compaction is coverage of applied Deere and Company (1993). methods, implements were reduced and time and fuel are fertiliser. Soil Management. Deere and mounted on separate saved (Plaster, 2003). (2) The canefield cultivator Company Service Publications, tractors, each adding rolling provided furrow and ridge Moline, Illinois, USA. resistance to the total energy Application of fertilisers profiles comparable to El Negay S B (1996). The effect required for the method. In both conventional methods, those provided by the of inter-row chiselling on With the canefield cultivator fertiliser was first broadcasted conventional methods growth and yield of sugarcane all functional components and then incorporated in the with the advantage of ratoon under Kenana were attached to one frame furrow soil with chisel placement and coverage conditions. Unpublished MSc almost similar in weight to cultivators. Due to root of the fertiliser at the thesis, University of Khartoum, that of an individual pruning which was inevitable sides of the cane rows. Sudan. implement. with soil engaging implements (3) Energy in kWh/ha and Hunt D (2001). Farm Power and Time per unit area with such as chisel cultivators (Fig. tractor hours per hectare Machinery Management. Tenth the canefield cultivator from 2), fertiliser incorporated in for the canefield Edition, Iowa State Press, USA. Fig. 5 was only 29.6% the middle of the furrows, cultivator, on average, Hunsigi G (1993). Production of (approximately 30%) of the away from the sides of the were respectively 67% and Sugarcane:Theory and Practice. average timea required with cane rows, would not be 30% of those required Springer-Verlag, Berlin, the conventional methods. easily accessible to the roots with conventional Heidelberg, Germany. The main contributing factor of the ratoon cane. practices. Leibbrandt N B (1985). The in this respect was the Additionally, the operation did effects on irrigated ratoon cane portion consumed in the not completely cover the Acknowledgement of ripping the inter-row after application of fertiliser. While broadcast fertiliser and that The author finds real pleasure harvest in Swaziland. South the canefield cultivator would eventually lead to some in acknowledging the African Sugar Technologist eliminated that portion nitrogen loss from the urea invaluable assistance of the Association, 59, 215 - 217 through application of through volatilisation. General Manager of Cane Plaster E J (2003). Soil Science fertilisers during the Moreover, it was observed Production in Kenana Sugar and Management. 4th Edition, reformation of profiles, time that during broadcasting, Company, Syd.Yahia Delmar Learning, USA. for fertiliser application (as fertiliser sometimes drifted to Mohammed Yousif,during the Torres J;Villegas F (1993). could be calculated from Table the top of cane rows, where it fabrication phase of the Differentiation of soil 2) averaged 47% of the total could not be incorporated machine and also during tests compaction and cane stool time per hectare for the and that would add another in commercial fields. damage. Sugar Cane, 1, 7 -10. operations of the factor for losing nitrogen to Appreciation should be Verma R S (2002). Sugarcane conventional methods. the atmosphere. mentioned to the Director of Ratoon Management. Power for the actual The canefield cultivator Sugar Cane Research of International Distribution application of fertilisers was placed and covered the Kenana, Dr Ibrahim S’eed, for Company, India. very small (less than 1 kW) in fertiliser at the sides of the offering experimental fields Wilson J (1968). Increasing comparison to the size of the furrows, near the base of the for testing machine sugarcanes yields cultivation tractor carrying the cane rows to make them performance. practices. Proceedings of the implement (54 kW). Such accessible to the old and new XIIIth Congress of the improper matching of tractors roots of the ratoon cane and International Society of and implements, according to to decrease the chance of Sugarcane Technologists,Taiwan.

6 LANDWARDS SPRING 2006 ENVIRONMENTAL DEBATE IAgrE MEETINGS DIARY OF EVENTS HOME GROWN APRIL 2006 Monday 3 April 19.30 h West Midlands Branch Farm Energy Services – Concentrating on recent spe- cialist work and projects Speaker: Andrew Kneeshaw BIOMASS Venue: Farm Energy Centre, NAC, Stoneleigh Geoffrey F D Wakeham For further details e-mail: west- [email protected]

Using the wood in grass on a 10 year cycle.This sions. It is therefore far bet- Tuesday 11 April 19.30 h the trees? could require an average of ter to generate power in large South East Midlands Branch There is State encourage- 4500 litres of fuel per year centralised, efficient and clean Patenting to Production – ment to produce electricity releasing some 11 to 12 power stations using low car- “Confronting the Dragon’s from biomass and a num- tonnes of CO into the bon fossil fuels, rather than Den” 2 Speakers:Alan Wilcher + others ber of units are in place. atmosphere. These small units coal, and pay for the establish- Venue: Stumble Inn, Cranfield Waste materials from do however fall outside the ment of forests/woodlands University at Silsoe wood processors and poul- tight emission regulations of close to every community. This is a joint Meeting with IMechE try farms are examples of normal power stations. The 100 years leeway can Automobile Division working power stations. To produce a similar then be used to find either Though these may not be amount of energy using a clean fuel sources or econom- MAY 2006 economically justified, they petrol/diesel generator would ical ways of capturing the car- Monday 8 May 19.30 h are producing power from release some 550 to 600 bon from plentiful coal or South East Midlands Branch ‘renewable’ sources and tonnes of carbon dioxide per other freely available fossil From Farm to Fork can be classed as annum but would take up far fuels. Further details to be advised. approaching carbon neu- less space and capital to install. The woods and forests Monday 8 May 19.30 h tral. Owing to the lower carbon to would replace sterile blocks Wrekin Branch There are many countries hydrogen ratio in methane of elephant grass or inaccessi- The New Trantor producing replacement liquid based fuels, this figure could ble willow coppice with Speaker: Graham Edwards fuels from farm grown crops. be reduced to less than 180 amenity areas open to the Venue: Harper Adams University College Short rotation coppice or ele- tonnes of CO2 if natural gas public and reduce atmospheric phant grass can be used as were used. As with a petrol CO . It might be possible to 2 Tuesday 9 May 19.30 h fuel for electricity production. generator this provides 50 own an oak tree and bury West Midlands Branch These provide a diversified hectares of land for growing ones family in its shade. This Wind Power income to farmers. crops. will provide a living memorial Speaker: Antony Johnson – The storage and transport to the generation that turned National Grid of these latter materials Leaving the trees in the tide on global warming Venue: Friends Meeting House, reduces their viability when the wood? that will stand for a thousand Stratford upon Avon used in large scale power sta- If this land was set aside to years. For further details e-mail: west- [email protected] tions. It has been suggested grow trees, it is not unreason- that on-farm generators that able to expect some 400 Geoffrey F D Wakeham Sunday 21 May 14.00 h burn locally grown biomass tonnes of wood to be pro- MIAgrE East Midlands Branch maybe a better option. Units duced per year (roots and non Footnote: The numbers used in “Linking Environment Agriculture with a power rating of 100 commercial material included) this article are based on a range and Farming Agriculture” – kW are available and are over a 100 year period and of sources that provide wildly dis- Farm Walk reported to require some 50 for it to survive for one thou- similar data and measures of Hosts: Andy and Sue Guy Venue: Thorney Abbey Farm, hectares of land to provide sand years. This equates to greenhouse gasses. Southwell, Nottinghamshire fuel for 8000 hours output the equivalent of 400 tonnes Manufacturers of hardware and Meet at Farm 13.45 h. If you are per year (91% availability). of CO2 being locked up each industry-based tests are often at interested in joining this event, Approximately 1500 hours of year. variance with environmental web please could you let Nigel tractor work would seem a The prime purpose of sites and, where possible, very Penlington know beforehand – e- reasonable figure for establish- developing renewable sources basic science has been used to mail [email protected] ing, harvesting and re-estab- of energy is not to save fossil generate data compatible with or telephone 0115 968 0902 lishing 50 hectares of elephant fuels but to reduce CO2 emis- these varying figures.

7 TILLAGE DYNAMICS

SPREADSHEET MODELS FOR THE PREDICTION OF SOIL TILLAGE IMPLEMENT FORCES Richard J Godwin and Michael J O’Dogherty

Introduction The majority of the models depth/width ratio (d/w). The The use of tillage implements which have been developed are values given below are for has long been a fundamental for symmetrical tools and vertical tines with a rake angle operation in agriculture. The evaluate the draught force and (α) of 90o, for brittle types of action of the various types of the force acting vertically to soil failure with soil in the implement has been of great the soil surface. In some cases, friable-hard moisture range: interest both in relation to the however, such as for disc • wide tines (blades) for soil disturbance produced but cultivators and mouldboard which d/w < 0.5; also from the viewpoint of the ploughs, lateral forces are also • narrow (chisel) tines for forces acting upon them. The predicted. which 1 < d/w < 6; and latter are of critical importance • very narrow (knife) tines for in the design of components of Development of force which d/w > 6. appropriate strength but also prediction equations For narrow and very from the need to be able to Tines narrow tines the soil failure is predict the draught The models used to predict three-dimensional (Fig. 2). A requirements of particular soil-implement forces are based key concept used in the force equipment. on quasi-static Mohr-Coulomb prediction for narrow tines is A number of mathematical soil mechanics using both that of critical depth. The models has been developed passive retaining wall and essential feature of critical over many years to predict the bearing capacity theories; depth is that there are two forces acting on tillage tools in theoretically, it is the peak force modes of soil failure resulting relation to the tool geometry, which is predicted at the point from the action of the tine: the soil physical properties and of shear failure. crescent failure near the soil the nature of the soil The force prediction equations, surface and above the critical disturbance ahead of the tool. first developed, apply to simple depth, with soil moving Such knowledge of the tool rectangular blades passing forwards, sideways and forces during soil working is an through soil (Figure 1). Three upwards; and lateral failure aid to producers of cultivation categories of such blades were below the critical depth, with equipment in the design of the considered depending on their the soil moving forwards and working elements and their supporting frames. In addition, an understanding of the mechanisms of tool-soil interaction is of use in designing the most effective elements for soil disturbance and BIO NOTE implement penetration. The manner in which the Professor Dick Godwin FEng HonFIAgrE is physical properties of the Head of Engineering at the National Soil soil affects how the tool Resources Institute, Cranfield University and interacts with it is a Past President of the IAgrE. E-mail: important in r.godwin@cranfield .ac.uk A Visiting understanding how to Professor of Cranfield University, Mike produce cultivation Fig. 1. General soil mechanics equations and two dimensional passive O’Dogherty DSc CEng FIAgrE has been equipment which is soil failure: P,resultant force; Ht and Vt, horizontal and vertical forces; d actively engaged in the development of effective over a wide range and w, blade depth and width; α, rake angle; δ, angle of soil-metal the comprehensive spreadsheet model. E- of soil types and friction; c and γ, soil cohesion and density; q, surcharge; Nca Nγ and Nq, mail: [email protected] conditions. dimensionless numbers

8 LANDWARDS SPRING 2006 the modified model includes a number of possible toolbar arrangements, including combinations of deep and shallow tines.

Effect of tine velocity The earlier prediction models did not consider the inertial effects of the soil on the tine forces. In later work, an inertial factor was introduced which takes into account the volume of disturbed soil and the amended model includes a force term which incorporates the kinetic energy imported to the soil.

Discs Fig. 2. Soil failure patterns for narrow tines: f, rupture distance A force model was developed for cultivating discs which logarithmic spiral method used considered: to determine the bearing passive cutting reaction on the capacity of a deep narrow concave face of the disc using footing. modified tine theory; and Knowledge of the critical scrubbing reaction force of the depth is required to be able to convex section at the rear of determine the tine force the disc. components and this is The prediction of the rear determined by a complex scrubbing forces was based calculation procedure which upon the bearing capacity can be easily accommodated by reaction on the underside of the use of a spreadsheet the disc by adapting theoretical method. work for determining the maximum vertical stress under Fig. 3. Mouldboard plough forces Tine arrangement and shallow footings. multiple tines sideways only. observed in front of the tine at The relative position of tines Mouldboard plough A wedge of soil exists on the the soil surface. These were on a tool frame both laterally More recent work has used a tine face at all depths and tine found to be dependent on tine and in the direction of motion, modification of the fundamental rake angles. depth. The soil below the has a significant effect on tine force equation to predict The narrow tine model critical depth is assumed to fail implement performance and the draught force exerted by predicts the passive force two-dimensionally in a tine forces. To predict such the plough point and share. above the critical depth taking horizontal plane, independently forces, the single tine model The total plough draught force into account the crescent of rake angle. The lateral force was adapted to include the includes, however, additional shaped failure patterns component is calculated from a effects of tine interaction and terms for the forces required

Fig. 4. Section of a spreadsheet showing input data for a simple tine together with calculated values for draught and vertical forces for a range of rake angles

9 TILLAGE DYNAMICS

tines were used to develop an equation to estimate the maximum sustainable pull exerted by a land anchor, together with a model of the static equilibrium conditions acting at the anchor components.

Spreadsheet calculations The procedure for the calculation of implement forces is not mathematically difficult but requires considerable computation. In addition, the final results depend upon a number of interdependent and complex expressions and derivations which require some experience in their use. In order to facilitate the calculations, spreadsheets are particularly useful and a number has been prepared by the authors to enable the Fig. 5a. Effect of tine depth on draught and vertical force for a 25 mm wide tine with a 30 deg rake angle in a sandy loam soil with the properties shown in Fig. 4 relevant forces to be more easily calculated. These cover the following models: for soil turning and lifting at the forces taking into account soil of the lateral forces acting on simple tines; mouldboard and landside kinetic and potential energy the share and the mouldboard. interacting tines; frictional force (Fig. 3). and also the frictional force. cultivating discs; Newtonian mechanics was used Frictional forces at the landside Land anchors mouldboard ploughs; and to predict the mouldboard were described from prediction The prediction equations for land anchors.

Fig. 5b. Effect of tine rake angle on draught and vertical force for a 25 mm wide tine at 200 mm depth in a sandy loam soil with the properties shown in Fig. 4

10 LANDWARDS SPRING 2006 The spreadsheets enable Cranfield University at Silsoe foundations. Geotechnique, Wheeler P N; Godwin R J both soil properties and website at the address 2(4), 310-332. (1996). Soil dynamics of single implement parameters to be http://www.silsoe.cranfield.ac.u Meyerhof G G (1961). The and multiple tines at speeds up specified by the user. In k/caee/tinemodels/htm. ultimate bearing capacity of to 20 km/h. J.Agric. Engng Res., particular, the input to the wedge-shaped foundations. 63, 243-250. model requires the Acknowledgements Proc. 5th Int. Conf. on Soil specification of the soil bulk The authors wish to Mechanics and Foundation unit weight, friction angle, acknowledge the financial Engng. Vol II, Division 3B, cohesion and metal-soil friction support of the Douglas DUNOD, Paris. angle, together with a number Bomford Trust during the of implement geometric factors course of this work. such as rake angle, depth of working, implement width and References working speed. In the use of Godwin R J; Spoor G (1977). the models for discs and Soil failure with narrow tines. J. mouldboard ploughs, a number Agric. Engng Res., 22(3), 213- of other geometric features are 228. The Centre of Life and Food Sciences at Freising- incorporated. The output from Godwin R J; Spoor G; Soomro Weihenstephan invites applications for the position of a the programs gives the draught M S (1984). The effect of tine FULL PROFESSOR (W3) force and vertical force acting arrangement on soil forces and OF AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS on the implement and the disturbance. J.Agric. Engng Res., ENGINEERING lateral force for the disc model. 29, 47-56. All subsidiary calculations Godwin R J; Seig D A;Allott M To be filled by 1 October 2006. such as the derivation of (1987). Soil failure and force critical depth and soil non- prediction for soil engaging The successful applicant should have a proven record in the dimensional factors are made discs. Soil Use and Management, area of process information in agricultural biosystems. The within the spreadsheet 3(3), 106-114. position is intended to focus on modelling, simulation and structure and entered for the Godwin R J;Wheeler P N optimisation of land use processes. Interdisciplinary user to view. It is possible to (1996) An investigation into the cooperation in other related areas at the Technische examine the effects of a range soil mechanics of land anchors. Universität München (TUM), especially Informatics, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering of changes in soil and J.Agric. Engng Res., 63, 53-59. and Information Technology, will be expected. implement parameters on the Godwin R J; O’Dogherty M J; This position provides instruction in material, energy and implement forces and the Saunders C; Balafoutis A T information flows in land use processes of plant cultivation and results can be presented (2005). A force prediction livestock husbandry for food production and the production of graphically using the model for mouldboard ploughs renewable resources. spreadsheet facility. incorporating the effects of soil A section of a typical characteristic properties, plough Preconditions for employment are successful completion of spreadsheet is shown in Fig. 4 geometric factors and ploughing academic studies at an institute of higher education, pedagogical for typical input data for soil speed. Biosystems Engineering aptitude, PhD/doctorate and a postdoctoral lecturing properties and tine parameters, (submitted). qualification or certification of an equivalent academic together with the calculated Godwin R J; O’Dogherty achievement, which may also have been obtained outside a university environment. At the time of appointment, applicants draught and vertical forces M J (2005). Integrated soil should not be older than 52 years. Under certain acting on a simple tine. tillage force models. Journal of circumstances, the age limit may be lifted (see Art. 12 Abs.3 Satz Figures 5a and 5b are Terramechanics (in press). 2 BayHSchLG [Art. 12 (3) sentence 2 of Bavarian Law on typical graphs which can be Hettiaratchi D R P; Witney, B Teachers in Higher Education]). In cases of equal eligibility, produced from the spreadsheet D; Reece A R (1966). The preferential considerations will be given to disabled candidates. showing how the depth and calculation of passive pressure in The TUM is striving to increase the proportion of women in rake angle of a simple tine two-dimensional soil failure. J. research and education and thus expressly invites qualified affect the draught and vertical Agric. Engng Res., 11(2), 89-107. female scientists to apply for this position. forces. Hettiaratchi D R P; Reece A R The spreadsheets also (1967). Symmetrical three- Applications with the usual supporting information (CV, photo, enable comparison of predicted dimensional soil failure. J. list of publications, reprints of the six most important papers, testimonials, certificates, etc.) should be submitted by 18 April and measured forces. The suite Terramech., 4(3), 45-67. 2006 to: of models provides a means for Hettiaratchi D R P (1969). The researchers, designers and calculation of passive earth Dekan der Fakultät Wissenschaftszentrum development engineers to pressure. PhD Thesis, University Weihenstephan für examine the effects of a wide of Newcastle upon Tyne. Ernährung, Landnutzung und Umwelt range of variables for the McKyes E (1985). Soil cutting and Technische Universität München optimal design of cultivating tillage. Elsevier. Alte Akademie 8, 85354 Freising-Weihenstephan, machinery. The suite of Meyerhof G G (1951). The Germany programs is available on the ultimate bearing capacity of

11 NEWS SCAN

WATER QUALITY Water friendly farming: target areas announced to curb agricultural pollution

Dedicated advisers will soon farming economy. be on hand to help farmers “Acting early and in tackle the causes of harmful partnership at a local level will water pollution, Environment secure strong working Minister Elliot Morley relationships that are founded announced. Forty catchments on good science, monitoring across England, identified as and support for measures to priority areas for action, will reduce diffuse pollution and be targeted under a range of the achievement of Catchment measures aimed at improving Sensitive Farming at the most farm practices and reducing efficient cost to the industry.” water pollution from The Chief Executives of agriculture. Newly appointed the Rural Development advisers will work on a one to Service, John Adams, and of one basis with farmers, as well English Nature,Andy Brown, as leading a series of initiatives also warmly welcomed this including workshops and farm initiative. They said: “We will demonstrations to encourage be combining the technical best practice. expertise and experience in Pollution caused by engaging with farmers, of both agriculture can have serious our organisations in the effects on local rivers, lakes, Natural England Partnership estuaries and coastal waters. with that of the Environment An overloading of nutrients Agency, to make sure this lost from fields can boost the initiative works. Our officials growth of algae, which in turn are working with colleagues in squeezes out plants like the EA and Defra, to develop stoneworts and water detailed plans that will enable buttercups. Oxygen levels can Elliot Morley said:“One of Natural England, to help us to take this forward also become depleted, the greatest challenges we face farmers to act. Now I am successfully and hit the ground suffocating fish. in boosting the quality of our looking for a positive reaction running from April. We are River plants like the brook water environment is in from the farming industry”. now proceeding with the water crowfoot are at risk tackling pollution from The £25 million two year recruitment of a network of from soil-loss from fields agriculture. This new initiative catchment sensitive farming Catchment Sensitive Farming which leads to the siltation of will help address this threat by delivery initiative has a Officers to spearhead this rivers – also hampering the providing farmers with the particular focus on local initiative.” breeding of trout and salmon understanding and know-how engagement, and further Practices farmers can as well as a range of insects. needed to improve farming partnership working, with adopt to reduce the risk of Treating such pollution is practices. Working to reduce farmers, farm advisers, polluting water might include often expensive; it is estimated water pollution will have wide conservation bodies, water limiting the use of fertilisers, that the cost of removing benefits – protecting plants companies and a wide range of manures and pesticides, fencing harmful pesticides and nitrates and animals, improving the other interests. off watercourses as well as from drinking water is £7 a quality of water at our Barbara Young, Chief reducing stocking densities. year for every water customer. beaches, and also benefiting Executive of the Environment Diffuse pollution from tourism. Agency added: “We are fully MORE INFORMATION agriculture can reduce the “We are playing our part supportive of this initiative. By quality of bathing water, with by paying for a network of working with farmers to agree Martin Froment, Rural detrimental effects for the expert advisers to provide free appropriate targets and Development Service, tourist industry. Taking action advice by establishing a practical ways of meeting the Government Buildings, 98 to address diffuse pollution will partnership between the requirements of the Water Epsom Road, Guildford, help us with the measures Department of the Framework Directive, we can Surrey GU1 2LD. Tel: +44 being developed under the Environment, Food and Rural use the skills and resources (0)1483 495260. E-mail: Water Framework Directive Affairs (Defra), the available to us for the good of [email protected] to improve water quality. Environment Agency (EA), and the environment and the .gov.uk

12 LANDWARDS SPRING 2006 Quarterly SPRING 61(1) MEMBERSHIP

MATTERSTHE NEWSLETTER OF THE INSTITUTION OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERS The Weir Shield

The Weir Shield, an annual Pascal Trophy. Second place Scottish national competition to went to Michael McLaren from find the top Agricultural Oatridge College, and Graham Engineering student, has been Carruthers, another Barony won by trainee engineers from student who works for Lloyd Barony College, Dumfries. Ltd in Carlisle, took third place. The competition has run The Weir Shield was won by the since 1972, and was devised by Barony College. Prize money Jim Weir, an Agricultural for the event is provided by the Engineer working for the IAgrE Scottish Branch. Electricity Board, who wanted Drew Easton, Section Head to promote the spirit of for Engineering at the Barony competition amongst said: “The competition is run to apprentices in Scotland. embrace the latest technology Apprentices are chosen by and produce the best of the top Graham Smith (winner of the Pascal Trophy), Dave Ritchie their colleges to compete in the apprentices in Scotland. The (Lecturer in Engineering with the Weir Shield), Drew Easton (Section Head for Engineering), Phil Amos (Chairman of the event which is judged by standard is very high and we are IAgrE Scottish Branch), Graham Carruthers (third place). independent IAgrE Scottish delighted to have two students Branch members. The in the top three places and to competition was held at the bring the Weir shield to the Barony College on 19th Barony” November 2005. Phil Amos, Scottish Branch Tasks set by the IAgrE Chairman added: “The judges judges included fabrication, were impressed by the engine and electrical system standards, ability and versatility diagnostics, machinery repairs of the competitors. The and use of a forestry forwarder diversity of skills demonstrated simulator. Apprentices came in the competition shows them from across Scotland and to be true Agricultural Engineers Northern England and showed and we are delighted to be skill levels that made the results supporting these young for the individual prizes and the engineers as they develop their aggregate score college prize – careers.” the Weir Shield – close. The event was supported by Graham Smith (Barony GRS (Gordon Rickerby College) who works for Lloyd Services) in Dumfries who Ltd in Dumfries came out on provided some of the machinery Bruce Smith (Elmwood) working on a transmission joint, judged top, winning first prize and the for the competitors to work on. by Gwilym Owen

1 NEWS for MEMBERS

OBITUARIES

Ian Gibb OBE, CEng, Hon FIAgrE 1923-2005

John Alexander Crawford Gibb, known as agriculture for a year. He then engineering interests, examination work Ian, died on 5th December 2005 at the age volunteered for service with the Royal throughout Britain and the Irish Republic, of 82. He was a greatly respected pillar of Armoured Corps, did officers training at work on many committees, and very the Institution for over 50 years and will Sandhurst and became a tank commander notably a period of 22 years when he was be remembered with deep affection by all with the East Riding Yeomanry. Disabling chairman of the Berkshire, Buckingham who were privileged to work with him. asthma kept him out of the D-Day and Oxford Committee of CoSIRA (the Having joined as an Associate Member in landings, and he returned to Sandhurst for Council for Small Industries in Rural 1950, he became a Council member in the remainder of the War. After several Areas). This contribution led to the award 1952 and then served as Honorary Editor months as a tractor driver for the of the OBE in 1974. He was a founding of the Journal for 10 years. He was at Oxfordshire War Agricultural Committee, Trustee of and took a continuing interest various times chairman of the Examination he returned to Cambridge in August 1946 in the Douglas Bomford Trust. After Board, Membership Committee, to complete his agriculture degree. He retirement from Reading University he Qualifications Group and the Chartered spent some months with the (then) was, on a part-time basis, Secretary of the Engineers Registration Sub-committee, and National Institute of Agricultural Council for Awards of the Royal was a member of the Academic Engineering at Askham Bryan and Silsoe Agricultural Societies for 11 years, a Qualifications Panel. He was President of before going on to Kings College at period which saw a major development in the Institution 1972-74, and wrote the Newcastle for the two-year MSc the size and status of that group. He Golden Jubilee (1938-1988) account of the Agricultural Engineering degree. finally retired in April 2000. Institution’s first 50 years, published as In 1949 he was appointed Assistant Ian continued to support all the major ‘Agricultural Engineering Perspective’. This Lecturer in Farm Mechanisation at Wye Institution events until very recently when massive contribution was recognised with College (London University), and in 1952 fragile health made this impossible. We the awards of Honorary Fellowship (1980) Lecturer in Farm Mechanisation at will miss his presence and his and Award of Merit (1990). Reading University, later becoming Senior contributions to the discussion. In his Ian’s education was divided by service Lecturer in Agricultural Engineering. He private life he was a staunch Christian and during the War. He went up to St John’s retired from Reading University in 1988. supporter of the parish church in College, Oxford, to study Rural Economy Over this period, he undertook many Finchampstead. We extend our sincere for just one term in 1941, before wartime overseas consultancy missions and a large condolences to Elizabeth, his widow, and changes required a transfer to Sydney amount of voluntary work as a governor the family. Sussex College, Cambridge to read of four colleges with agricultural JBF

Robert Henry Marsden IEng MIAgrE 1923-2006

Mick Marsden (actually R.H. Marsden) joined the National developing harvesting systems for rice for use by small farmers. Institute of Agricultural Engineering (NIAE) at Wrest Park in He designed and constructed at Wrest Park small threshers and 1948, having served in the Fleet Air Arm where he had his flying cleaners which were shipped abroad. He followed these to training in Canada, and having broadened his practical skills India, Malaysia and elsewhere to carry out his development through an ‘appenticeship’ job with Marshalls at Gainsborough. work on site. At Wrest Park, he joined a small group in H.J. Hamblin’s In 1970, he left NIAE to join CoSIRA (the Council for Small Engineering Department which tackled a variety of tasks. At Industries in Rural Areas) as the Engineer Specialist for the first, he was engaged in the winding up of the Institute’s West of England and Wales. He much enjoyed meeting and development work on sugar beet harvesters. The group also helping many interesting entrepreneurs with a wide variety of developed special equipment for other research institutes and design and manufacturing problems. To be more central to this he was involved in devising fertilizer placement machines for work he moved from Silsoe to Leonard Stanley in Rothamsted, a special plot spraying machine for the Weed Gloucestershire. Research Organisation and a potato handling system for use at Mick sadly passed away on 25th January, just a few weeks Sutton Bonnington. short of his 83rd birthday. Perhaps his main contributions were when he was HN

2 MEMBERSHIP MATTERS SPRING 2006 OBITUARY

David the College in 1968 where he central base at the independent consultant until was responsible for Engineering Department at his death. Howat mechanisation advisory work Auchincruive as Senior As a life long member of in the Central and West Perth Mechanisation Adviser heading the Institution of Agricultural MIAgrE areas based in Stirling. a team of four advisers Engineers, he held almost At that time, covering all aspects of every post within the Scottish The death occurred very mechanisation work was Mechanisation but with Branch from committee suddenly on 2nd February broadly based and included greater emphasis on livestock member to Secretary, 2006 of David Howat, a well land drainage which on the mechanisation, waste Treasurer,Vice Chairman, and known and highly respected heavy soils of the area management and providing Chairman. For services to the member of the Scottish involved mole drainage. Dave general training for Health Scottish Branch he had been Branch of the Institution. developed an interest in this and Safety, including Food and put forward for a Branch Dave, as he was popularly area and was responsible for Environment Protection Act Meritorious Award but known, and his twin brother the supervision and (FEPA) training and sheep dip unfortunately died prior to its John were born in rural north demonstration of the requirements. He was also an presentation. Fife in 1942. Slammannan project and its examiner and National Dave led a very full life Dave studied agriculture associated publications. Assessor on behalf of the but found time to serve his at the North of Scotland Advice on grain drying and Scottish Skills Testing Service local Troon Old Parish Church College of Agriculture in alternative storage systems and the National Proficiency as Elder and Bible Class Aberdeen before taking his was much in demand at this Test Council. leader. He will be National Diploma in time and interest in livestock He was held in high remembered for his friendly Agricultural Engineering mechanisation systems esteem by his colleagues and personality, sense of humour (NDAgrE) at the West of including waste management by students and farmers alike and caring approach and will Scotland Agricultural College was on the increase. In the who benefited from his be greatly missed by his many in Glasgow. After a short upland areas, fencing for cattle practical, down to earth, friends. He is survived by his spell on a mixed dairy /arable and sheep and feed handling approach to their problems. only remaining brother Sandy farm in Fife, he was appointed were in demand and He retired from the Scottish and by sisters in law, nephews as an assistant lecturer in demonstrations of these were Agricultural College (SAC) in and nieces. His twin brother Agricultural Engineering at given at the College hill farm 2002 after 35 years of loyal John and brother Andrew Auchincruive in 1967. He at Kirkton. service to the College and both died within the past year. joined the Advisory section of In 1984, Dave moved to a continued to serve as an Bill Davidson

Letter to the President Thank you for my 50-year Membership At the end of the 1940s, the pound mobile instructor in farm machinery, later Certificate received in December. As sterling was devalued against the dollar being appointed as Assistant Agricultural suggested, I submit just a few paragraphs of from $4 to $2.80. The immediate effect Education Organiser, Cornwall. The my working life, which I hope will be was to ban all US and Canadian machinery National Diploma in Agricultural interesting and useful. imports and replace them with British-made Engineering (NDAgrE) has always carried a In 1947, I started working for Norfolk goods which helped our manufacturers and salary increment in the Education Service as Tractors Ltd, a branch of the Cecil Kay also improved our Balance of Payments. has the Certificate in Education (Cert. Ed.). group of companies which included aircraft In the 1950s, most of us were affected In addition, I have the City & Guilds full and American motor vehicle interests. At by National Service which disturbed one’s Technological Certificate (C&G Full Tech. the same time, the 1947 Agriculture Act career and put off the time when we could Cert.) and was a member of the ASAE for was passed which gave farmers the expect adult wages, especially with the several years. confidence to invest long term; so it was average National Service person being in I had many pleasant years in the the Golden Age of the agricultural front-line infantry. Later in the 1950s, I Southwest Branch Committee, including engineering trade. changed to Agricultural Education where I two years as Branch Secretary. I must have It was also the Golden Age of the met Ian Constantinesco who featured in the been under a lucky star because I was in engine reconditioning trade, so I was lucky previous issue of Landwards 60(6). Ian had the trade during the good years, likewise my enough to get part time work in my home already led an interesting life and I was time in education. village with a firm called Reynolds and pleased to read of all his subsequent good Hostler which specialised in crankshaft works. Yours truly grinding and cylinder boring. For several years, I was employed as a J P Law MIAgrE

3 NEWS for MEMBERS

Oatridge Agricultural College Scottish Agricultural College Ecclesmachan SAC Ayr Campus Academic Members Broxburn Auchincruive Estate West Lothian Ayr EH52 6NH KA6 5HW Askham Bryan College Greenmount Campus Askham Bryan CAFRE Pallaskenry Agricultural College Sparsholt College York 22 Greenmount Road Co Limerick Sparsholt YO23 3FR Co Antrim Ireland Winchester Northern Ireland Hampshire Barony College BT41 4PU Pencoed College SO21 2NF Parkgate Pencoed Dumfries Harper Adams University Bridgend Willowdene Training Ltd DG1 3NE College CF35 5LG Chorley Newport Bridgnorth Bicton College Shropshire Plumpton College Shropshire Budleigh TF10 8NB Ditchling Road WV16 6PP Budleigh Salterton Lewes Devon Institute of Technology,Tralee East Sussex Wiltshire College - Lackham EX9 7BY Clash BN73AE Lacock Tralee Chippenham Coleg Sir Gar Co Kerry Reaseheath College Wiltshire Pibwrlwyd Campus Ireland Reaseheath SN15 2NY Pibwrlwyd Nantwich Carmarthen Myerscough College Cheshire Writtle College SA31 2NH Myerscough Hall CW5 6DF Chelmsford Bilsborrow Essex Cranfield University Silsoe Preston Royal Agricultural College CM1 3RR Bedford Lancashire Cirencester MK45 4DT PR7 0RY Gloucester GL7 6JS Growing masses of biomass

Fred Walters (brimmed leather hat in centre of photo) is one of the country’s pioneering farmers in the development of the planting and growing of willow as a fuel crop. On our day visit to Sutton Grange near Retford, we were taken through the growing cycle from seed bed preparation to harvesting. The planting machines were demonstrated – he said that a hard brimmed hat was essential when handling three and four metre long whips of willow on the planting machines! The long whips were fed into the planting machines which cut them into short lengths as they planted them. We were also able to study the special header that Fred was developing for the Claas Jaguar forage harvester. The visit concluded with a field walk through crops at varying ages and stages. It was explained that it is an exceptionally valuable crop for the reclaimed gravel land of the Trent valley, although it grew faster stations but those chips were being due to change in that Drax is planning to on better land. Willow does not suffer transported down to Slough! This seemed develop a wood burning capacity and there excessively if the field is flooded as a ludicrous situation. This pile had been is some willow near harvesting in the harvesting could be left until the ground made direct from the field in January and Thames valley. was dry and firmer: there is no point in such a pile had normally dried enough to The visit was organised by the West creating problems! It was a real, all the burn after six weeks. One of the problems Midland Branch in conjunction with the year round crop. is that the local power stations could only Pioneering Technology Specialist Group and From the heap of chips (see photo) that burn powdered coal and the wood needed held on Saturday 12th November 2005. we were studying, we could see five power the ‘old’ type of grate furnace. Things are William Waddilove

4 MEMBERSHIP MATTERS SPRING 2006 News of Members

Ian Walker-Munro who lives in Congratulations to Nigel Oldacre who Write to Tony with your news! His Australia is again working in irrigation, for received an MBE in the New Year Honours address is: 32 Beverley Crescent, Bedford a company called Hugall & Hoille which list for services to Neighbourhood Watch. MK40 4BY has irrigation and fertiliser stores across Tony Chestney Australia. COMMERCIAL MEMBERS

Long service certificates Autoguide Law-Denis Equipment Ltd Engineering Ltd Stockley Road Millstream Works Name Grade Date of Anniversary Heddington Station Road 50 years Calne Wickwar Anthony James Simms AIAgrE 24 Jan 2006 Wiltshire Wotton-under-Edge SN11 0PS Gloucestershire 35 years GL12 8NB Frank John Pitkin EngTech MIAgrE 17 Jan 2006 Douglas Bomford John Bailey MIAgrE 28 Jan 2006 Trust David Ritchie Charles Daniel Mitchell CEng FlAgrE 28 Jan 2006 Springhill House (Implements) Ltd Charles Richard Batterbury Orr CEng MIAgrE 28 Jan 2006 Salters Lane Carseview Road Ralph Ernest Harper Sims CEng FlAgrE 28 Jan 2006 Lower Moor Suttieside Ayob Bin Sukra CEng MIAgrE 28 Jan 2006 Pershore Forfar David Suffolk Culy CEng MIAgrE 28 Jan 2006 Worcestershire Angus James Patrick McAleese lEng MIAgrE 28 Jan 2006 WR10 2PE DD8 3EE Keith Charles Marsh MIAgrE 28 Jan 2006 Michael John Martin lEng MIAgrE 28 Jan 2006 Bomford Turner Shelbourne Reynolds Nigel Oldacre lEng MIAgrE 28 Jan 2006 Limited Shepherds Grove lan Frederic Ruston AMIAgrE 28 Jan 2006 Salford Priors Industrial Estate Michael C Sheldon lEng FlAgrE 28 Jan 2006 Evesham Stanton Gordon Alan Tailby MIAgrE 28 Jan 2006 Worcestershire Bury St Edmunds William Charles Timothy Chamen CEng FlAgrE 28 Feb 2006 WR11 5SW Suffolk IP31 2AR 25 years John Deere Ltd Michael William von Kaufmann lEng MIAgrE 7 Jan 2006 Harby Road White Horse Richard Gladstone Brooke CEng FlAgrE 8 Jan 2006 Langar Contractors Ltd John Alun Harris Williams CEng FlAgrE 8 Jan 2006 Nottinghamshire Lodge Hill Paul Ashley Hill EngTech MIAgrE 14 Jan 2006 NG13 9HT Abingdon Arthur George Bellerby AIAgrE 19 Jan 2006 Oxfordshire Mark William Tarlton AMIAgrE 21 Jan 2006 FEC Services OX14 2JD David Richard White CEng FlAgrE 21 Jan 2006 NAC Charles Stuart Grenville Cotton AMIAgrE 10 Feb 2006 Stoneleigh Park Fergus Robertston Mitchell AMIAgrE 12 Feb 2006 Kenilworth Timothy Philip Reynolds CEng MIAgrE 12 Feb 2006 Warwickshire Richard Adrian Davidson lEng MIAgrE 12 Feb 2006 CV8 2LS Rupert Colin Hennah EngTech MIAgrE 19 Feb 2006 Jeremy Paul White MIAgrE 5 Mar 2006 G C Professional Alwyn Johnson Cadawallader MIAgrE 12 Mar 2006 Services John Colin Taylor CEng MIAgrE 12 Mar 2006 for land-based and Murray Anthony Eaglesome AlAgrE 12 Mar 2006 related industries Adrian Guy Snow EngTech MIAgrE 14 Mar 2006 Highdown Cottage David Adam Scotchmer AMIAgrE 19 Mar 2006 Compton Down Winchester Hampshire SO21 2AP

5 NEWS for MEMBERS Membership Changes

Admissions Cranfield University: D G Davidson Engineering A warm welcome to the A P Dain-Owens C D Ford following new members M Kokkora G B Forrest Council A Greenshields Registrations Member Greenmount Campus Cafre, A M Rew Northern Ireland: A G Stewart Congratulations to the D J Sulman (Stirling) following members who have N J Worthington (Cheshire) O Boyd A L Taylor W Boyd S R Walker qualified as Chartered W J Brown E F Wilson Engineer and Incorporated Associate Member Engineer, entitling them to use J G Swain (Leicester) R Cochrane A R Colhoun Writtle College: the designatory letters CEng M Crawford A P P Cuppen and IEng after their name, Associate respectively P J Clarke (Fife) P Davidson H P Dinh A C Cunnington G Gribbon S R Gottam P A Haffey H M A C Ikas CEng (Lincolnshire) J C Archer (Stafford) M W Hogarth (Angus) A Irvine R Karnay C Kerr P Kochana D W Barraclough C Kennedy (Dumfries) (Leicestershire) P G Page (Torfaen) M R McCahon Komarudin D McConville N Medam G P Fitton (Lancashire) C J Saunders (Dumfries) P E Naylor (Staffordshire) J Smith (Dumfries) J McKay B M Muche J C McSparran S Podla W S Turner (Co Wrexham) S Stanley (Northumberland) T R Underhill (Shropshire) H Thomas (Carmarthen) C Marshall W Megaw C Tracey (Scottish Borders) IEng J I Turnbull (Dumfries) R Middleton Transfers S Murray Congratulations to members G B Preece (Lincolnshire) A Turner (Lancashire) N J Worthington (Cheshire) R W W Tyrrell (Dumfries) D M O’Hare achieving a further phase of B Quinn their professional development Student C T Rea Society for the Barony College: G V Reilly Member S Allonby L Rickey J C Archer (Stafford) Environment K W Amos M Shiels D G Blackburn A Storer (Aberdeenshire) Congratulations to the A Brannock following members who have G Brough M Thompson G P Fitton (Lancashire) R D Jones (USA) met the criteria for Chartered A Buckley-Jones Environmentalist, entitling them A Cave Myerscough College: S Peirson (East Yorkshire) D Ashworth J A C Steel (East Timor) to use the designatory letters C Clark CEnv after their name F W Galloway A M Bland W S Turner (County I R Eddleston Wrexham) T A Graham Registrations A J Gray J Fitton T R Underhill (Shropshire) R Freeman M W Bell (Tyne and Wear) D Grayson M I H Bennett (Somerset) S Guthrie J O Garnett Associate Member R E Harrison J G Jones (Ynys Mon) D G Blackburn S Hiddleston (Aberdeenshire) D W Howe D Higham T King (Ireland) J Hilton C T McBain (Fife) I Bown (Derbyshire) D Hunter R A Chase (Hampshire) M Johnson M J Kenyon C Patrick (Botswana) C J Leigh N E Seymour (Wiltshire) M J Cooper (West Midlands) L S Johnstone D F Ellam (Channel Islands) R Jolly C Lloyd T Lomax R G Ellis (Bedfordshire) R Lazenby P D Fisher (Australia) P McQuillan M J Lumb Deaths R S Marshall With great sadness, we record R R Gladden (Australia) K D Peart J P Grindey (India) J R Picken A D Rhodes the death of the following P Rossall members M J Hann (Bedfordshire) A S Potter P V Hartley (Suffolk) G Richardson M A Rostron J A C Gibb (Berkshire) M Scarisbrick R H Marsden A A Lock (Buckinghamshire) N Ritchie P C H Miller (Bedford) D Shand O Skoczen (Gloucestershire) R L Nelson (Gwynedd) S Peirson (East Yorkshire) J Stewart D J Perry (Cheshire) J Thomson Oatridge College: M D B Roberts (Devon) G Arnott R W Sneath (Bedfordshire) J Turnbull J A C Steel (East Timor) R I Weir A W Barr A Brown J H Williams (Gwynedd) G L Whitehead A C Williamson (Cumbria) D Wilson C W Brown

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

INSTITUTION of AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERS, WEST END ROAD, SILSOE, BEDFORD, MK45 4DU, UNITED KINGDOM. Tel: +44 (0)1525 861096 Fax: +44 (0)1525 861660 16 ENGINE DEVELOPMENT

THE DEVELOPMENT AND LAUNCH OF THE JCB 444 DIESEL ENGINE A report compiled by Geoffrey F D Wakeham

This article is based on a the engine. The production presentation made by systems would be ‘flexible’ and Bob Womersley, Chief lean both on the shop floor Engineer, JCB Power and in the administration. The Systems to the Wrekin engine was to be robust, high Branch of the Institution torque at very low revs, of Agricultural Engineers reliable and quiet. Clearly it at Harper Adams would need to comply with University College on the legislation and be future proof 7th November 2005. through Tier 3.The technical Well over 100 people details of the engine can be attended from around obtained from JCB but the key the country. features are shown in Figs 1 and 2. The target level of noise The background emissions was bettered and The presentation started with Fig. 3 shows the superior a short introduction to JCB, torque characteristics over now 60 years old and with a previous engines fitted. turnover of £1.2 billion. This equates to nearly £200,000 The development process per direct employee. The presentation then The company had been concentrated on the directed to look at developing development process in which their own engine twice in the the key suppliers were past once in the mid 1970’s involved from the start.This and again in the late 1980’s as process was broken down into a means of securing supply of a seven stages as follows. core component of 1) Planning - Once the business production. In 1970 and again Fig. 1. Key engine features: (a) front; and (b) rear plan had been accepted and in 1982 engine supply had been a major problem. These to be a team exercise with projects had not been taken outside expertise as part of forward to production for the core development group. commercial rather than The main objectives were to technical reasons. develop and put into production a new class leading The new engine engine, to produce at a In 1998 with the continued competitive cost, to design to development of the company, construction specific the need for a short timescale requirements and to fill the 52 in introducing new products kW to 112 kW range. and the continued desire to It was decided to start with control specification, quality a ‘clean sheet of paper’ and not and delivery of key try and build on past work. components, the third engine The main consideration was project was started. This was related to the manufacturing of Fig. 2. Design for manufacture and cost.

13 ENGINE DEVELOPMENT

undertaken. The design concentrated on ensuring low cost manufacturing and assembly processes could be used.Work on assembly systems detail was carried out. 5) Design Validation - 72 engines were built and tested for 84,000 hours with some 22,000 in machines. These engines were tested for performance, noise and emissions, durability and reliability. Customer feedback formed an important part of this stage of development with test carried out from Finland to India. Assembly line design validation was carried out. 6) Production Process Fig. 3. Low speed torque characteristics. Development - In house and suppliers were involved in putting in place the necessary systems and equipment to build the engines to cost and to the demanding automotive quality standards using Advanced Product Quality processes (APQP) to assist in achieving these core demands. 7) Production Validation - 60 engines in three phases were used to remove any production reliability and quality concerns prior to launch. Some 16,000 hours of testing were required before sign off. Sign off / launch was dependent on closure of all product design concerns, assembly facilities were producing engines Fig. 4. Development process of the JCB Engine ‘right first time’ off hot test, suppliers were capable and ready (APQP process) and the team established, QFD element analysis (FEA) were performance, check R/100 at 12 months in methodology was used to used to reduce later cost emissions were to legal service was projected to be position the product and and time overruns. Valve requirements and to on target. establish customer train and gear train confirm that the design had Figure 4 shows the outline of expectations, this led on to dynamics were modelled achieved or bettered noise the activities between listing the product along with FIE and turbo emission targets. Part of preliminary approval in March requirements and detailing matching. The assembly this testing was carried out 1999 to start of production on the design assumptions. processes were simulated in the field. the 1st November 2004. The 2) Concept Design - Full uses of and cost estimates made. 4) Detail Design - Further first machines fitted with the predictive tools such as 3) Concept Validation - 6 modelling was used to new engines were delivered computational fluid prototypes were run for refine the design and a full from Rocester and Savanna in dynamics (CFD) and finite 6000 hours to confirm basic cost tracking exercise was January 2005.

14 LANDWARDS SPRING 2006 Summary methodologies followed have JCB’s success in the market involving all relevant staff as The JCB engine has been ensured a simple, robust and place to the setting of clear soon as possible in planning for specifically developed for mid cost effective product has been objectives so that teams could future action. range construction equipment realized. The programme all work in one clear direction with a low level of noise, high objectives have been met. and to the rapid decision Geoffrey F D Wakeham is Wrekin low speed torque and a long 5000 machines have been making process with regards to Branch Press Officer and reliable life. The lifetime shipped to customers with important key stages in cost of running the engine positive feed back and few projects. The engine project, a compares favourably with problems reported. major new under taking, made alternative units and the design Bob Womersley attributed rapid and sustained progress by

LABELLING Food labelling too fussy

Research into the in general well-being i.e. calorie intake – both questioned believed consumers’ cognisance on good for bones, skin, etc. shown on labels. freedom of choice was food labelling found that 65% of those researched • 71% were wary of E more important than over three quarters – 77% were unable to answer the numbers on labelling, but banning perceived unhealthy – were totally mystified. suggested guidelines of daily when questioned as to or unhealthy foods. Yet, And 89% believed that a calorific intake for either an why, 52% had no reason 88% wanted to see better simpler and more consumer adult man or woman. other than they had and more simplistic friendly form of labelling However, women did fare heard they were labelling; with 54% needed to be introduced. slightly better than men, unhealthy. preferring an industry The research was with 40% being within 500 • The scientific names for standard rather than ad hoc undertaken by Gasoline, a calories of the average additives prompted a measurements. marketing company that suggested intake. large number of Mark Joy says:“Whilst specialises in food and fast • Apropos fat, respondents to dismiss there is a huge debate moving consumer goods carbohydrate and them as harmful. When about obesity, lack of (fmcg). Managing Director, protein, 85% put fat as asked on a scale of 1 to exercise and unhealthy Mark Joy said:“The general the food component that 6, five being bad for eating habits it appears they findings from the research was most unhealthy; them, and six being seem to be taking place were very clear, that the followed by carbohydrate ignorant, where they away from the mindset of consumer requires clarity at 9%; and protein 6%. would position various the consumer. The and a period of education as However, only 15% could additives, the consumer appears not to to what food labels really distinguish between overwhelming majority have been fully engaged in mean. There was also a saturated and could not accurately the debate. It is going to be consensus that, armed with polyunsaturated food. predict their goodness or imperative for the food the relevant and simplified • 66% of those questioned harmfulness, preferring manufacturers and information, the consumer knew that sugar was a the ignorant option. government to ensure that could then make a more carbohydrate, but only Mark Joy says:“There they do not alienate the informed choice.” 24% could name three was no clarion call for consumer whilst finding a Only 24% of those sources of protein, three unhealthy foods to be solution for food labelling.” questioned knew what RDA carbohydrates and three banned, just relevant The research by (Recommended Daily fats. information to be easily Gasoline concludes that Allowance) stood for and of • The inclusion of sodium understood and prominently whilst there have been these 66% were aware that on labels stumped most displayed. When asked major steps forward in 100% RDA of each vitamin researched; over 90% had whether unhealthy food recent years to ensure was sufficient for general no idea why it was should be banned the better and more accurate well-being. included. majority of those labelling of food ingredients, Only 10% knew what roles • And only 37% could questioned said ‘no’.” there is still a way to go to vitamin A, B, C and D played equate energy with Around 68% of all those satisfy the customer.

15 JUST PUBLISHED Publication Reviews RISK AVOIDANCE Avoid an accident waiting to happen…

In 2004/05, 7 million working surrounding machinery safety. with issues ranging from selec- done for installation of days were lost due to injury Putting in place practical tion of protective measures guards and protective within the workplace. Many of processes and procedures to and safeguards through to devices. these were machine related. reduce and eliminate the risks practical examples of guard It is intended for those The risks and hazards of and hazards involved can help design and their application. who have responsibility direct- machines at work are many, prevent the likelihood of acci- The guidance can also be ly or indirectly for use and from trapping between rollers dents occurring in the future. applied to machinery during its refurbishment, upgrade or or cogs, to entanglement or There is also an important use to assist those persons change of use of machinery, contact with moving and rotat- need for the education of the with duties under the machinery guarding or protec- ing parts which can cause workforce and management in Provision and Use of Work tive devices. It is also intended injuries such as cuts and abra- order to generate a safety-first Equipment Regulations 1998. to be used by those con- sions. corporate culture. With an In a snapshot, the guide: cerned with the development In the majority of cases, understanding of responsibili- • describes and illustrates a and implementation of safe organisations are given the ties associated with machinery variety of protective meas- working practices. second chance to rectify the safety, compliance with compa- ures; cause of machinery related ny policy and statutory obliga- • explains methods by which CONTACT accidents. However, what hap- tions can be fulfilled. it is possible to assess pens when the accident results Written by leading indus- which measure(s) it is rea- BSI Customer Services in permanent injury or fatality? try experts and with contribu- sonable to adopt in particu- (quote reference: 5304-PR). Surely, in these instances, pre- tions and support from the lar circumstances; Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 9001. vention is better than reac- Health & Safety Executive, BSI • helps identify hazards; Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7001. tion? has recently published PD • looks at aspects of machine E-mail: orders@bsi- In line with the Machinery 5304:2005 Guidance on safe design to eliminate or global.com. Website: Directive (98/37/EC), it is use of machinery. reduce risks; www.bsonline.ibsi- essential that those designing, This newly revised guide • outlines the maintenance global.com manufacturing and operating aims to promote a high stan- and safe working practices; Price: £149*, ISBN 0 580 machinery are aware of all the dard of machinery safety by and 46818 6 relevant Health & Safety issues providing guidance which deals • considers what needs to be

VIBRATION EXPOSURE Employer guidance on whole body vibrations

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has whole-body vibration together with to manage the risks effectively will find the published further guidance on Whole chapters, giving practical advice on a new guidance book very helpful. Body Vibration (WBV). The guide, “Whole number of issues like: how to do risk Body Vibration:The Control of Vibration at assessments, estimating vibration Work Regulations 2005” gives advice to exposure and arranging health MORE INFORMATION employers of what can be done to reduce surveillance. HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, and control the risks of WBV under the Mike Shepherd, head of HSE’s Noise Suffolk CO10 2WA. Tel: +44 (0)1787 Control of Vibration Work Act 2005 which and Vibration Programme said,“HSE has 881165. Fax: +44 (0)1787 313995. came into being earlier this year. The new been working closely with industry over Website: www.hsebooks.co.uk/Books/ guidance will be helpful to those who the past 4 years to carry out research, Public Enquiries: HSE InfoLine. Tel: operate off-road machinery and which will help identify what the levels of 0845 345 0055. construction vehicles as well as industries whole-body vibration are in agriculture, where drivers can be exposed to shocks mining and construction. The research is and jolts while travelling over rough to identify the most effective ways of ground, such as in mining and quarrying. reducing excessive vibration exposures.” The book is a detailed, plain language “Employers looking for more in-depth guide of the regulations as they apply to explanations of the regulations and how

16 LANDWARDS SPRING 2006 STRUCTURES Use of timber in construction BS 5268-3: 2005 Structural trussed rafters are assumed to rafter designer and the building More for structural timber use of timber. Code of prac- be made from timber members designer is also listed. The BS 5268 series covers all tice for trussed rafter roofs. of the same thickness fastened Guidance is provided on: the factors that might impact on ISBN: 0 580 47340 6 together by metal plate fasten- structural analysis methods; structural timber throughout its Price: £128*, £64 BSI ers or plywood gussets. Trussed design by testing; lifetime. It includes preserva- Subscribing Members rafters usually span between standard bracing arrangements tion, fire resistance, calculations external load-bearing walls with- for domestic scale roofs; for span tables as well as per- The use of structural timbers in out the need for intermediate performance requirements for missible stress design and work- any construction is of vital supports from internal walls, lin- roof bracing; manship. importance. The correct use of tels or purloins. engineering design criteria; timbers for roofing can help This standard provides rec- truss handling, storage and MORE INFORMATION keep buildings free from damp ommendations on the strength erection; and and the elements. BSI Business grades of timber used in the fab- production requirements for BSI Customer Services (quote Information has revised this rication of rafters and other truss manufacture. reference: 5268-PR). Tel: +44 industry-wide code. critical design issues. Guidance Based on extensive tests, the (0)20 8996 9001. Fax: +44 The standard covers the on the handling, storage and maximum spans for two com- (0)20 8996 7001. E-mail design, fabrication and use of installation of fabricated rafters mon truss configurations for a [email protected]. trussed rafters for roofs. For is given. Information to be range of member sizes and roof Website: www.bsonline.bsi- the purposes of the standard, exchanged between the trussed pitches are given. global.com/bsonline

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT New booklet calls for re-think in river management to benefit British species

A booklet has been produced by benefits, but is crucial for to catch up with this thinking and tinely apply a much more sensi- Water for Wildlife, a partnership instance, to migratory fish like improve its understanding and tive approach to watercourse between The Wildlife Trusts, the salmon and sea trout because it management of watercourses. A management by attempting to Environment Agency and Water provides a range of micro or great deal of taxpayers’ money is balance the needs of reducing UK, which calls for a major ‘niche’ habitats for feeding, spawn- spent removing woody debris flood risk to property whilst rethink in the way we manage ing and nursery sites. (Research in unnecessarily. The over-riding maintaining and improving wildlife our rivers and streams, which will America has shown that pools principle, should be, that unless habitats. This attractive and benefit British species like otters, created by logs and branches there is a very strong and well informative leaflet provides a white-clawed crayfish, salmon, provide over 50 per cent of supported case for its removal or valuable insight into the benefits trout, plus a host of other wet- salmon breeding areas in small repositioning, woody debris of this approach for the wide land wildlife. streams and its removal often should be left in. It forms the range of wildlife dependent on The booklet ‘Managing Woody precedes a decline in salmon backbone of a healthy wetland woody debris.” Debris in Rivers and Streams’ is for populations.) It also helps sta- eco-system and leaving it is actu- farmers, wetland landowners, site bilise the river bank and stores ally a cost effective form of river managers, anglers, foresters, local carbon, so can even mitigate the rehabilitation.” MORE INFORMATION authorities and policy makers and long term effects of climate Alastair Driver, the aims to promote best practice in change. Leaving it in the water- Environment Agency’s National Chris Rostron, Water for rivers and watercourse manage- course can therefore, provide Conservation Manager is Wildlife Manager, The Wildlife ment by dispelling the myths and benefits to both people and impressed with the publication. Trusts. Tel: +44 (0)1773 summarising the latest key think- wildlife. “We have been aware that 881176. E-mail: ing. Nick Mott from the woody debris is a vital compo- [email protected] Its main advice is that woody Staffordshire Wildlife Trust who nent of healthy river systems for debris, such as fallen trees, large helped produce the booklet says: some time now, but the value of Copies of booklet, partly fund- branches, twigs and leaves, which “Many rivers in the USA, Canada leaving quantities of this material ed by Biffaward which sup- has traditionally been seen as a and Australia which were former- in streams and rivers, when we ports Water for Wildlife in ‘nuisance’ in watercourses and ly cleared of wood, have been ‘re- have historically cleared much of the Midlands, can be down- removed, is actually a vital com- snagged’ in recent years with it out, is a difficult message to get loaded free from The Wildlife ponent of rivers and streams par- trees and large branches to dra- across to landowners. Trusts. Website: ticularly for wildlife. It has many matic effect. The UK now needs Fortunately, nowadays we rou- www.wildlifetrusts.org

17 JUST PUBLISHED

PERSONAL PROTECTION HSE publishes revised personal protective equipment guidance

A revised version of guidance designed to provided with adequate instruction on how leaflet also provides tips on ensuring PPE is help employers who supply and use personal to use it safely; and adequately maintained and workers are pro- protective equipment (PPE) at work meet worn correctly by the user. vided with sufficient training so that it is their duties under the law has been published The first section of the booklet sets out properly used. by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). the Regulations, followed by information on The guidance, Personal Protective how to comply with their requirements. The MORE INFORMATION Equipment (PPE) at Work Regulations 1992 second part provides details on the different (L25), which was first published in 1992, has types of PPE available, the types of hazards Copies of Personal Protective Equipment now been updated to reflect changes to the that may require PPE to be worn, followed by at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended), Regulations, developments in PPE and to clar- advice on its correct selection, use and main- ISBN 0 7176 6139 3, price £8.95, are ify guidance queries commonly received by tenance. This section now also features infor- available from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, HSE. mation on the selection and safe use of Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA. Tel: +44 The Regulations require PPE; for example, Personal Fall protection equipment when (0)1787 881165. Fax: +44 (0)1787 safety helmets, gloves, eye protection and working at heights. 313995. Priced publications are also high-visibility clothing, to be supplied and HSE has also reissued ‘A Short Guide to available from good booksellers. used at work wherever there are risks to the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Copies of A Short Guide to the Personal workers’ health and safety that cannot be Regulations’, a free leaflet aimed at providing Protective Equipment at Work adequately controlled in other ways. The employers with a brief summary of the law’s Regulations, INDG174, are also available. Regulations require PPE to be: main requirements. In particular, the guide Alternatively the booklet can be down- properly assessed before use to ensure its includes a short synopsis of common work- loaded from the HSE website at: suitability for the work being done; place hazards and types of PPE that can be www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg174.pdf maintained and stored properly; used to prevent workers’ exposure. The

WASTE GUIDELINES How to reuse biogenic solid waste at minimum environmental impact

Guideline: VDI 3475 Part 2: Emission material prior to and in the course of waste Control – Composting and processing, including also effective changes of anaerobic (co-) digestion the treatment method proper. Waste gas facilities for biological solid cleaning methods count among emission con- waste – Plant capacities up trol measures as well. to approx. 6000 Mg/a The provisions of this guideline may also Edited by: VDI Verein Deutscher be applied to composting and fermentation of Ingenieure (The sewage sludge. They do not apply to plants Association of Engineers), for the treatment of mixed municipal waste Kommission Reinhaltung and for composting and fermentation plants Canvas covered, open air compost piles der Luft im VDI und DIN – with subsequent use of the compost or bio- Normenausschuss KRdL gas by the plant owner himself. However, the (Commission on Air plants, some of which operate as agricultural transfer of the methodical knowledge to such Pollution Prevention of VDI co-fermentation plants. The focus of the plants is generally feasible. and DIN – Standards guideline is on air pollution such as odours, Committee). hazardous substances, dust and bioaerosols. MORE INFORMATION Price: 138.20 Criteria for emission control are listed step by step, starting with the selection of the Beuth Verlag GmbH, 10772 Berlin, The guideline VDI 3475 Part 2 describes the plant site as a function of the input material Germany. Tel: +49 (0) 30 26 01-27 59. state of the art of compost production and to be expected. Then detailed descriptions Fax: +49 (0) 30 26 01-12 63 Website: anaerobic digestion as well as biogas produc- are given on how to organise collection, www.beuth.de Released in German and tion of biological solid waste in low-capacity delivery, acceptance and conditioning of the English.

18 LANDWARDS SPRING 2006 BUILDING DESIGN Slurry management techniques in dairy cattle housing

This booklet provides an excellent source of information on sound design and stock management in dairy cow housing. Good cow management depends on a clean environment. Cows standing, walking and lying in slurry are more predisposed to disease, soft- er hooves and digital dermatitis. The 36 page glossy guide is full of photographic examples of what and what not to do. Concise and Example images: steps down giving an injury risk; well-drained herringbone floor precise design specifications are provided on building layout in led by Dr Mike Kelly, Livestock MORE INFORMATION relation to stock lying and stand- Building Design Consultant, and ing areas, water trough and feed supported by Dave Howat,Waste Milk Development Council, Trent Lodge, Stroud Road, barrier location and machinery Management Specialist, David Cirencester G27 6 JN, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1285 646500. access. The presentation is based Webster, retired Farm Manager Website: www.mdc.org.uk on the findings of a project team and SAC veterinary staff.

WASTE MANAGEMENT £1 million funding for new farm plastics collection and recovery programme

As a result of the new Agricultural Waste Wastes Management Environmental Body recovery network throughout England Regulations to be introduced in early CIWM (EB), has been commissioned by which might ultimately allow the majority 2006, 137,000 farms in England will have the AWSF to manage delivery of the of all farm plastics to be collected and to find alternative means of disposing of programme. recovered. Project Manager, Ivan Good non-natural waste. Packaging wastes arising on farms are commented,“I should emphasise that this At present much of the non-natural already covered by the Producer is not about subsidising loss-making waste arising on farms is either buried or Responsibility Obligations (Packaging collection schemes. The funding will be burned. When the new regulations come Waste) Regulations. As these regulations used to identify best practice through the into effect, these practices will be are designed to ensure recovery and commissioning of pilot projects and prohibited and farmers will face significant recycling targets are met through the demonstration activities that aim to costs to comply with the rules through most cost-effective means possible across maximise the tonnage collected and using off-farm disposal and recovery all waste streams, little or no agricultural minimise logistical costs. At the same options. packaging waste is currently collected. time, the programme will consider the Looking to lessen this impact, the The development of a co-ordinated infrastructure requirements and data Agricultural Waste Stakeholders Forum system of collection and recovery for systems needed to finance and manage (AWSF) has been successful with an agricultural waste plastics operating within farm plastics collection and recovery application to the Department of the the framework of Producer Responsibility under a producer responsibility regime.” Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for non-packaging plastics will result in a (Defra) regarding the use of the Business considerable number of benefits and CONTACT Resource Efficiency and Waste (BREW) opportunities, both for the agricultural Programme funds to support the and waste sectors. Ivan Good, Executive Administrator, investigation, development and promotion The objectives of the £1 million CIWM (EB). Tel/Fax: +44 (0)1604 of a producer responsibility Farm Plastics programme have been constructed to 844625. E-mail: Collection and Recovery Programme in develop the infrastructure for a [email protected] England. The Chartered Institution of sustainable farm plastics collection and

19 NEWS SCAN

CLIMATE RESEARCH Effect of climate change on Indian agriculture, health and infrastructure

Results from a three year UK/India climate into new regions. The study also looked at awareness of the potential consequences of change research programme were unveiled the impacts of climate change on a coastal climate change in India and then importance at the EU-India Summit in Delhi. The railway system in southwest India and of taking action. £450,000 study, which looked at the impacts showed that rising sea levels could cause “Climate change in India represents an of climate change, found that India was likely severe disruption of services. additional stress on a country that is already to face significant adverse effects in a range The programme involved eight Indian facing tremendous pressures due to rapid of sectors, including agriculture, health, institutes that are working to assess the development. With its growing population, forestry and infrastructure. impacts of climate change on sea level India is particularly vulnerable to the impacts The study found that temperatures were variability, water resources, forests, of climate change. Understanding climate likely to rise in the next few decades, leading agriculture, health, energy, industry and change and its consequences is critical to to a reduction in wheat and rice yields in transport infrastructure. protect lives and assets upon which India’s India. While rainfall is predicted to rise in Environment Minister Elliot Morley said economy is dependent. Awareness of some regions, periods of drought are the programme had enhanced India’s climate change and its impacts on people, expected to become longer in others, understanding of the impacts of climate the economy and livelihoods will be leading to changes in forestry and change across a wide-range of sectors. important to balance economic growth and vegetation. “I welcome the fact that the project has development with a changing resource base.” Researchers found that the incidence of helped increase close working relations on During the project, Indian scientists malaria could increase in areas that are climate change as well as enhancing the spent time working with UK research already prone to the disease, and the effects capacity for climate change research in India. institutes, such as the Hadley Centre for of climate change could introduce malaria The project has contributed to a rise in Climate Prediction and Research, Exeter.

FOOD SAFETY Pesticide Residues Committee – second quarter report 2005 The latest results from the free or contains residues at that the positive effects of permitted in or on our food Pesticide Residues Committee’s levels in accordance with eating fresh fruit and vegetables and animal feeds. The levels are (PRC), programme of pesticide guidelines. as part of a balanced healthy not safety limits, but are set at residue testing in food have “The results show 26 diet far outweigh any concern levels which protect the been published. Tests were samples (2.4%) contained about pesticide residues. consumer. They are primarily a carried out on 1101 samples of residues in excess of the “Action was taken to check that good agricultural 19 different foods. This latest maximum permitted levels.This inform suppliers and authorities practice is being followed, and quarterly report found that is a slightly higher proportion of MRL exceedances where an MRL exceedance does not 56% of samples tested had no than we have found recently. they were found.” automatically imply a hazard to detectable residues, and 41.6% We have looked carefully at The PRC is an independent health. contained levels below the each of these and in every case body which advises maximum residues level (MRL) the presence of these residues Government, the Food CONTACT – the legally permitted level. would not have resulted in any Standards Agency and the Although 26 samples (2.4%) adverse health effects for Pesticides Safety Directorate. A free leaflet about the contained residues above the consumers. It is possible that These recent findings are part monitoring programme is maximum permitted levels. many of these ‘exceedances’ are of a £2.2 million food and drink available. PRC, Room 308, None of the residues above the technicalities, arising because monitoring programme which Mallard House, Kings Pool, 3 limits caused concern for MRLs have not been set to takes place each year, and cover Peasholme Green, York YO1 people’s health. reflect legitimate use of testing in April to June 2005. 7PX. Tel: +44 (0)1904 Dr Ian Brown, chairman of pesticides in exporting The MRL, or maximum 455980. the Committee, said: “None of countries. residue level, is the maximum The full report is available the results in this quarter gave “The results should concentration of a pesticide online. Website: me any concern for consumer reassure consumers that the residue – expressed as www.pesticides.gov.uk/prc.as health. They show that the food they eat continues to be milligrams per kilogram, or p?id=1743 majority of our food is residue safe. It is important to stress parts per million – legally

20 LANDWARDS SPRING 2006 FORESTRY New direction for science of forestry

Ministers in England, Scotland, programmes. Innovation has stakeholders said they wanted, our ability to make sure that Wales and Northern Ireland also increased its position in and expect to make some solutions to forestry problems have agreed a new direction for the list of priorities, with major immediate changes as a will remain soundly based and publicly funded science and additional expenditure expected result. In particular, we need to stand the test of time. We in innovation in forestry. A new to become available to improve the communication of Northern Ireland are delighted joint strategy has been encourage special projects, new the knowledge we accumulate; to be part of this strategy.” published, following consultation partnerships and imaginative to integrate our research One of the outcomes of with a wide range of research avenues. activity better with other land- consultation was clear stakeholders. This is the first In another first, the based activities; to increase our stakeholder support for Forest time that such a strategy has Forestry Commission has set investment in social and Research, the Forestry covered all four countries of up a Board to oversee the economic research; and, Commission’s world-renowned the United Kingdom. implementation and revision of crucially, to improve our research agency. It is expected Among its aims, the strategy the strategy, and to ensure that knowledge of climate change. that Forest Research will sets out to improve the base of country interests are properly These are important changes in continue to provide the bulk of scientific evidence for effective represented. In line with the direction that will mean the Commission’s needs for policy and practice, with strategy’s aims to forge tighter reducing our current research and scientific advice, increased emphasis on links between science and commitments in some areas, although other sources will also communications and knowledge policy, the formation and and this will require some hard be used, including sponsorship transfer. Recent shifts in structure of the new Research choices and very careful of studentships and bursaries. importance of the social Strategy Management Board is planning.” elements of forestry, and of expected to promote much Malcolm Beatty, Chief CONTACT climate change, on the political closer working between Executive Officer of the agenda were reflected in the scientists, expert advisers, policy Northern Ireland Forest ‘Science and Innovation feedback received from the makers and those who deliver Service, added:“This Strategy Strategy for British consultation exercise. This has on the ground. reflects the common interests Forestry’, can be resulted in a repositioning of The strategy’s publication of forest users and forest downloaded via a link from major research priorities. The was welcomed by Tim owners throughout the UK. By the following page on the strategy acknowledges that this Rollinson, Director-General of working together to pool our Forestry Commission’s will require careful planning and the Forestry Commission, who knowledge and breadth of website, detailed reviews of current said:“We listened to what our experience we have increased www.forestry.gov.uk/research

LEGISLATION Defra publishes advice on the management of byways and rights of way

The Department of the Environment, Food “The aim of the guidance is to share tackle the continuing abuse. and Rural Affairs (Defra) has published this good practice with local authorities, ‘Making the Best of Byways’ will advice for Local Authorities, the Police and the Police and Community Safety provide a practical reference manual for Community Safety Partnerships on the Partnerships and to encourage the authorities, land owners, contractors, maintenance of byways and the illegal use formation of local partnerships to tackle volunteer groups, and others involved in of motor vehicles on rights of way. the continuing abuse. We must ensure that the maintenance of unsurfaced vehicular Rural Affairs Minister, Jim Knight, said: our byways and rights of way are routes. Among other things, it provides “It has become clear that many of those protected for the enjoyment of everyone advice on dealing with: conflicts between involved in enforcement are unaware of who use these important parts of our users; poor surface conditions; and the significant range of powers that already countryside, now and in the future.” increasing pressure of use. exist to tackle the illegal and irresponsible ‘Regulating the use of motor vehicles use of motor vehicles on rights of way and on public rights of way and off road’ is the CONTACT in the wider countryside. There are others first step in providing information to Local Defra publications, Admail 6000, who have demonstrated, through Authorities, the Police and Community London SW1A 2XX. Tel: +44 (0)8459 imaginative and creative use of these Safety Partnerships on getting the most 556000. Website: powers, that they can be successful if used out of existing legislation, and to encourage www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife- effectively. the formation of local partnerships to countryside/cl/mpv/index.htm

21 NEWS SCAN

RESEARCH Scottish Carbon Storage Research Group launched A research partnership, which seams. shore oil fields. However, it is broad and important national will use skills and technology The Centre will investigate not proven for offshore fields subsurface role and has been developed to support the oil various subsurface storage and the expertise and facilities active in carbon dioxide and gas industry, has been options that are targeted at in the Centre’s partner storage for a number of years established to investigate the contributing to reducing world laboratories will be used for at its centre in Keyworth, is storage of carbon dioxide in wide carbon dioxide emissions investigating such techniques to also a partner in the initiative. underground reservoirs. The into the atmosphere, currently apply in offshore oil sectors like The Scottish Centre for Edinburgh-based Scottish at a level of around 25 Gt/yr of the North Sea. Carbon Storage Research

Centre for Carbon Storage CO2. According to IEA figures, Monitoring and verification members will also be working Research, funded by the storage of CO2 in deep saline of stored carbon dioxide is an with colleagues in the Scottish Higher Education aquifers could lock away 400 to important issue for the general Edinburgh Collaborative in Funding Council (SHEFC), 10,000 Gt, in oil reservoirs 920 public, government and other Subsurface Science and Heriot-Watt University and the Gt and in coal structures 40 stakeholders and the Centre Engineering (ECOSSE), a Joint University of Edinburgh, will Gt. will examine the use and Research Institute, providing a support research focused on The challenge for Centre development of techniques strategic opportunity for the global warming problem of researchers will be to use oil such as seismic, geochemical Scotland to enhance its existing carbon dioxide emissions. The reservoir simulation software and other techniques to strong subsurface research and four year SHEFC award of and laboratory methods to monitor the stored gas education. Heriot-Watt’s

£1,399,815 will use the oil model various CO2 storage behaviour and ensure that the Professor Adrian Todd, Project related research skill base of scenarios and investigate the storage structure provides an Manager for SCCS, said,“The The Institute of Petroleum behaviour of these processes, effective seal to prevent escape major support of SHEFC to Engineering at Heriot-Watt and which aim to lock the global of the carbon dioxide. this carbon dioxide emission the School of Geological warming gas away for An important dimension of reduction initiative will enable Sciences at University of thousands of years, as the Centre in relation to this researchers in Scotland to be Edinburgh to investigate issues compared to oil reservoir global issue will be interaction significant participants in the involved in injecting carbon behaviour for around 30 years. with other groups across the international research dioxide for long-term storage Carbon dioxide injection world who are also building up necessary to contribute to in subsurface structures like into oil reservoirs is a long their research effort in this what is probably one of the deep saline aquifers, oil and gas established technique for issue, and indeed the British world’s greatest technical and reservoirs and deep coal improving oil recovery in on- Geological Survey, which has a social challenges.”

ACCREDITED TRAINING Driving safety at work

Land Rover has launched a range Steve Westwood – who experience to protect both their and understand the capabilities of ‘Lantra Awards’ accredited manages Land Rover’s UK safety and the safety of those of their vehicles. Together we specialist driver training courses network of Experience centres – around them. Successful are focused on helping designed to improve the safety said:“By combining 57 years of completion of the course is companies drive down the of 4x4 drivers in the workplace. off-road driving expertise and recognised with a Lantra Awards number of vehicle-related The Lantra Awards our unique network of accredited Certificate of Basic accidents at work.” relationship with Land Rover Experience centres with a Training and a nationally Each of Land Rover’s nine Experience provides a solution Lantra Awards accreditation, we recognised Skills Identity (ID) UK Experience centres are for companies and organisations are now approved to provide Card in 4x4 competence. purpose built and provide whose employees use 4x4 specialist driver training for Steve Westwood added: drivers with a unique learning vehicles from a range of anyone who uses a 4x4 vehicle “These courses recognise that environment, comprised of a manufacturers and who at work. even the most experienced off- combination of differing terrains, therefore have a ‘duty of care’ to From assessing and road drivers can come up designed to help drivers develop provide appropriate training in negotiating unfamiliar terrain, to against hazardous situations in their knowledge and skills in a how to use them safely under understanding environmental unfamiliar terrain. Land Rover safe environment before they the 1998 Provision and Use of issues, Lantra Awards training Experience centres provide the apply them in any real life Work Equipment Regulations courses prepare delegates with ideal environment for drivers to situations that they may Act. vital knowledge and hands-on learn off-road driving techniques encounter.

22 LANDWARDS SPRING 2006 GASIFIERS Wood for watts A company producing biomass gasifiers has just started run- ning its first full commercial plant in Merseyside. This advanced technology from Biomass Engineering Limited – winner of the United Utilities Low Carbon award – means a vast range of waste products and energy crops can be turned into money by con- verting them into energy. The showcase plant, at Mossborough Hall, Merseyside, is on a mixed use farm with a green waste licence and will be used to gasify chipped logs and clean waste wood. Farmer Will Heyes says: “It’s an excellent, hassle free way to diversify while con- tributing to a better environ- ment. I estimate I’ll save approximately 750 t of carbon EU biomass initiative to bring farmers new opportunities dioxide from going into the atmosphere and, what’s more, I vidual needs. miscanthus/straw/husks, refuse be key. Green Energy UK has shall be seeing a return on my Whilst running the plant derived bio-fuels, animal by- the appetite for the partner- investment within three to give continually maximizes rev- products, leather, mammalian ship and a good reputation in years.” enues, the plant can be easily bone meal (MBM) and food the market.” He is selling his excess shut down and restarted processing wastes. Green Energy which used electricity to Green Energy UK almost immediately. The gasifiers range from wholly British sources of ener- plc a renewable energy suppli- This is an ideal solution to 150 kWe to 2 MWe. The tech- gy, is a young company with a er with which Biomass the waste problem on many nology works particularly well radical business model. It is Engineering has teamed up. environmental counts. The in modular form and the larger giving away half of its business “The EU has just this week gasifier operates on low pres- gasifiers are made up from in shares – the first 100,000 announced a biomass action sures so is an inherently safe units of 250 kWe. Although customers are getting 400 plan for the end of this year, process. It has very low emis- not used at the Mossborough shares each. This not only with increased use of this sions and has the support of Hall site, a fully automated gives them potential stake in resource and greater market the Environmental Agency. It floor system for the gasifier is the future but involves them in opportunities for farmers,” says uses no fossil fuels or water. also available from Biomass the business and its successes. Ramsay Dunning, finance direc- The process is very quiet with Engineering. It is also ploughing back tor of Green Energy UK. the only noise being that of a Biomass Engineering plans 50% of the profits into devel- “There is an excellent market low hum of the generator. to expand substantially in the oping renewable energy tech- for this advanced technology Combined heat and power UK and hopes to put consider- nologies, such as tidal genera- which we believe will grow sig- (CHP) is available from the ably more business Green tion, solar power, small-scale nificantly.” plant which can be used to Energy UK’s way. hydro, biomass facilities and The 250 kWe plant is visu- process heat, wood drying or Graham Shaw, chief execu- wind farms. ally unobtrusive and takes up a space heating. Farmers can use tive of Biomass Engineering, 10 by 15 m area with a height the carbon dioxide for other says he selected Green Energy CONTACT of 4 m. It is designed to oper- agricultural purposes such as because the fit was good. ate unmanned with remote for greenhouses. “When we started looking at Jim Campion, Biomass monitoring. The hopper needs The technology can be this project and researched the Engineering Ltd. Tel: +44 to be filled approximately used for many different wastes energy market we knew the (0)7787 175699 E-mail: every 6 - 8 hours. This period including most forms of wood, working relationship with the [email protected] Website: can be extended to suit indi- energy crops, energy company was going to www.biomass-uk.com

23 COMPANY NEWS

APPOINTMENT John Deere appoints new managing director

trainee territory manager, becoming business England. He subsequently worked as home- management adviser, credit manager and com- owner equipment product manager and as mercial manager. He was subsequently business development manager for the UK appointed general sales manager in 1991 and and Ireland. managing director in 1993. In 2001, Richard moved to Deere & At the end of 2000,Alec left the UK & Ireland Company’s European Office in Mannheim, branch for the position of vice-president, Germany as manager, customer acquisition & worldwide marketing for Deere & Company marketing support, and subsequently manager, in Lenexa, Kansas and in 2002 he was parts & service marketing for Europe,Africa appointed vice-president, Russia Operations. and the Middle East. In 2004, Richard rejoined In this capacity,Alec was instrumental in John Deere Limited in his current position as establishing a John Deere office in Moscow, as southern division sales manager. Richard Johnson (left) and Alec McKee well as developing and implementing a dealer “Alec’s broad business experience in Europe, - retiring after 37 years of dedicated network and strategic business plan for the Russia, and North America and his extensive service - at the John Deere Limited company in Russia. Alec then returned to the knowledge of dealer operations will be greatly headquarters in Langar, Nottingham UK as managing director in 2004. missed,” commented James A. Israel, Deere & Richard Johnson will take over responsibility Company’s vice-president, marketing & prod- After 37 years of dedicated service to John for directing the activities of the UK and uct support for Europe,Africa & the Middle Deere Limited,Alec McKee has chosen to Ireland branch, including both the agricultural East, when the announcements were made. retire. As of January this year, Richard and commercial & consumer equipment “While wishing Alec and his wife Maureen a Johnson replaced him as managing director. (C&CE) divisions. happy and healthy retirement, we also wel- After gaining an NDA from Harper Adams Richard joined John Deere Limited in 1988 as come Richard Johnson to his new role. Agricultural College in 1967 and an NDAgrE a sales trainee after graduating from Harper Richard brings strong commercial and leader- from Writtle College of Agriculture in 1968, Adams with an HND in Agricultural ship skills to this position and we look for- Alec McKee worked for four years with a Engineering. He then became a C&CE terri- ward to having him as part of John Deere’s John Deere distributor in Zambia. tory manager, firstly for Scotland and Ireland, European management team.” He joined John Deere Limited in 1972 as a and then for the east and north west of

GUIDANCE SYSTEMS Automatic steering for all

John Deere’s Agricultural Management the steering wheel.The system is deactivated Solutions (AMS) division has launched and manual steering restored by simply turning Universal AutoTrac, the company’s first after- the steering wheel, for example at the head- market automatic guidance system for trac- land. Operation is possible in both straight and tors and other self-propelled equipment, curved modes, as well as parallel tracking. including combines and foragers. Available from mid-February 2006, Universal AutoTrac is designed to be used Universal AutoTrac can be retrofitted to John in combination with either the original Deere 5020, 6000 to 6020, 7000 to 7020 and GreenStar precision farming system or the 8000 to 8030 Series tractors, as well as Case new GreenStar 2 and the proven StarFire iTC IH MX Magnum models from the MX180 to position receiver, and can also be transferred the MX285. Further updates during this spring quickly and easily between different vehicles if Universal AutoTrac - John Deere’s and summer will include additional John required.Accuracy levels to suit all farming first aftermarket automatic guidance Deere and Case IH machines, as well as trac- system for tractors and self-propelled applications are available, including the free equipment tors and self-propelled equipment from New StarFire 1 signal (30 to 50 cm), StarFire 2 (10 Holland, Claas, Deutz-Fahr, Fendt, Massey cm) and StarFire RTK (2 cm). incorporates different steering modes to suit Ferguson and Challenger. Setting up Universal AutoTrac is a simple rigid or articulated wheeled machines, as well process that takes around 30 to 45 minutes. It as tracked models. CONTACT effectively replaces the existing vehicle steer- Once the new steering wheel is fitted, ing wheel with a specially designed version, operation is similar to the integrated AutoTrac Mark James, John Deere Limited. Tel: which employs a positive drive system run by system – the driver simply sets an A to B line, +44 (0)1949 860491 Fax: +44 (0)1949 an electric motor to operate the steering.This activates AutoTrac, and takes their hands off 860490 Website: www.johndeere.co.uk

24 LANDWARDS SPRING 2006 APPOINTMENT Massey Ferguson Europe’s man at the top

new appointment, he was Vice markets.” Vice President General Manager President Customer Support, “Massey Ferguson has and for AGCO EAME said, EAME with responsibility for will continue to launch new “Everybody who has met Parts and Service across all products across every sector to Steve Wood will know the quali- AGCO brands. give farmers the tools they need ties and commitment he brought Massey Ferguson’s machinery to meet ever challenging condi- to the role and the significant sales approach 50% of AGCO’s tions.” contribution he made to the $5.3 billion global turnover. He continued,“There is also total re-birth of the MF brand. British-born Mr Markwell good news on MF harvesting He has set a strong foundation joined Massey Ferguson in 1975. equipment with increased sales upon which the MF team can With widespread international and positive customer feedback. base further growth and devel- experience, he has held a variety We had a tremendous 2005 har- opment. He will be missed in of senior European sales and vest in Europe with the Activa, the AGCO organization world- marketing positions with AGCO Beta and CEREA combine wide.” including a ten year period in ranges, while the Brazilian-built He continued,“ It says much France. He speaks both French models are proving themselves in for the breadth of talent that Richard Markwell,Vice and German. Africa and Middle East territo- exists within AGCO that Richard President and Managing Director for Massey Richard Markwell comment- ries. The restructuring at the Markwell is taking the lead role Ferguson operations in ed,“It’s a good time to be part of Randers plant in Denmark has in the next stage of developing Europe,Africa and Middle East (EAME) Massey Ferguson. With all the provided a big boost to the Massey Ferguson’s further latest new product introduc- CEREA range and production is growth in EAME. Richard has AGCO Corporation has tions, MF has its best model line- scheduled to increase significant- many years international experi- appointed Richard Markwell as up ever. In the last two years, ly in 2006.“ ence within AGCO and specifi- Vice President and Managing the MF brand has won more “Backed by industry leading cally with the Massey Ferguson Director for its Massey Ferguson awards than any other tractor after-sales support, and continu- brand. He is clearly the right operations in Europe,Africa and make and is achieving growing ing investment in product devel- man to take the brand forward”. Middle East (EAME). market share in every region of opment we will be seeking to Steve Clarke, currently Based in the UK at the world. I’m joining a strong further grow our market share Director Sales and Marketing for Coventry, Richard Markwell will team. The depth and breadth of in all sectors,” he said. AGCO Parts EAME, has been be responsible for all Massey the current MF line-up demon- Richard Markwell replaces appointed to Richard Markwell’s Ferguson related operations strates that we are responding Steve Wood, who has decided to previous position of Vice throughout Europe,Africa, and strongly to the varying needs of retire early to take up other President, Customer Support for the Middle East. Prior to his both developed and developing interests. Gary Collar, Senior AGCO EAME.

PERISTALTIC PUMP Easy tube loading pump

Autoclude, the UK based design- design is its ability to have addi- dard a three roller rotor mount- beverage industries, as well as ers and manufacturers of peri- tional heads stacked onto a sin- ed on its own stainless steel laboratory, research and analysis staltic pumps, are pleased to gle drive unit enabling multi- drive shaft which is supported applications all of which will ben- announce an addition to their channel pumping from a single by two ball race bearings to efit from this stylish new design. wide range of original equipment drive. minimise the side load on the CONTACT manufacturer (OEM) and cased The pump head will accept drive motor so extending the peristaltic pumps. The new 6 tube sizes from 0.8 mm bore life of that unit. Sales Department, Autoclude ‘Easy’ tube loading pump’ from through to 8 mm bore and will The pumps can be supplied Pumps, Victor Pyrate Works, Autoclude has been designed accept 5 different tube materials with ac and dc motors to suit a Arisdale Avenue, South specifically for applications to meet the chemical compati- range of voltages or as pump Ockendon, Essex, RM15 5DP. where the loading of the tubing bility demands of today. Flow head only for mounting on cus- Tel: +44 (0)1708 856125 into the pump head needs to be rates up to 1260 ml/min can be tomers own drive. Fax: +44 (0)1708 857366 effected quickly and simply with- achieved dependent upon tube The new Easy tube loading E-Mail: info@auto- out the use of any tools. A size and motor choice. pump head will suit applications cludepumps.com Website: major feature of the new pump Each pump head has as stan- in brewing, chemical, food and www.autocludepumps.com

25 PRODUCTS

WASTE MANAGEMENT Seriously effective design Serious Waste Management, trade association for the UK which used design to make a design industry and acts as a virtue out of what it does, primary intermediary between cleaned up at Europe’s premier design and business to promote design awards run by the DBA effective design as an enhance- (the trade association for the ment to business growth and design industry). profitability (www.dba.org.uk). Re-branded ‘Serious**’ from Projects are assessed on its original name of Envirotech, commercial performance, rather the company, based in Burton than the aesthetics of the design on Trent in Staffordshire, and its itself. They are judged by senior design agency Elmwood, netted figures from all areas of indus- the prestigious DBA Design try. Raymond Turner, former Effectiveness Award for creating Group Design Director, BAA, a distinctive brand, which led to chaired the judging. Senior a 75% increase in turnover. executives from Design Business Association (DBA) award winner – Serious Rather than disguise the Waste Management for it’s ‘Serious**’ rebranding GlaxoSmithKline, Nissan, O2, substance of the business, the Virgin Atlantic,Vodafone and new brand identity champions it Waitrose were among the - and does so with a sense of wanted to be proud and profes- identity helped develop a strong judges. humour. The name, which sional about what we do but we working relationship, and previ- The awards reflect every demonstrates that the company also have a sense of humour. ous customers were prompted major design discipline, such as is serious about its role, came The change of design has to get in touch by seeing the packaging, retail, website and out of a conversation about the changed our fortunes and now new livery.With no other mar- product design. possible consequences of not people remember our name keting support, the re-branding The re-branding of complying with environmental when they see a tanker on the is a testament to the power of Serious** has previously won law. Suggestions about what the M6 or M1 and that means we effective design. other design awards including two asterisks stand for, in phras- stand out from the crowd.” Raymond Turner, chair of the Roses Awards, organised by es like “We deal with **it”, for From the identity’s launch, the judges, called Serious** “a Adline Magazine, the 2004 example, provide an engaging combined sales of the compa- bold branding decision, brilliantly ‘Design Week’ Identity dialogue with customers.And ny’s core tanker and mainte- executed throughout the organ- Programme Award and the new the green and brown colours? nance services increased from isation and a great door opener design was voted the Best Piece They refer directly to the stuff £1 million per year to nearly £2 which delivered tangible busi- of Work in the Carnyx competi- of the business. million per year. Numbers of ness results.” tion for Adline. David Birkett said:“ We are customers cited the identity as The Design Effectiveness thrilled to win this award, it just an influencing factor in awarding Awards are a unique initiative CONTACT shows how being bold in a contracts. New customers men- from the DBA (Design Business Serious**. David Birkett. design can attract attention. We tioned that the humour in the Association). The DBA is the Tel: +44 (0)1283 562382

GENERATORS

kVA, 34 kVA and 50 kVA units have been New Froment generation replaced by 28 kVA, 35 kVA and 51 kVA machines respectively, whilst the 44 kVA UK-based N.J. Froment & Co. Ltd., Europe’s Commenting on this latest development, the three phase model has been uprated to 45 leading manufacturer of tractor driven company’s product manager for the Magnate kVA. With new lower prices, our customers generators, has announced the launch of its range, Keith Fowler, said:“The new are now getting more capacity and better new range of Magnate pto generators. generators are all brushless, which not only value for their money than ever before.” All Froment Magnate units now feature provide excellent voltage regulation, but also Portable Magnate generators have been brushless alternators from the internationally reduce maintenance and its associated costs further upgraded by incorporating two 16 well respected British manufacturer, Newage over the life of the machine. This is quite amp sockets with residual current device International Ltd. simply because there are fewer moving parts. (RCD) protection to facilitate the safe use of In addition, Froment has increased the ratings It’s altogether a much cleaner, simpler design. power tools and other equipment, at no on selected generators, whilst reducing prices “At the same time we have increased ratings. extra cost. by an average of 8% across the range. In the single phase Magnate range, the 25 All Magnate generators are continuously

26 LANDWARDS SPRING 2006 WEED BURNER Flaming good weed control

round care managers at various coverage. sites including schools, stately Thermhit 75’s larger size makes it partic- Ghomes and holiday parks are snap- ularly suitable for weed clearance in public ping up a new range of hand held weed squares, school grounds, hiking routes, cycle burners which have major advantages over paths and other similar larger surfaces. Its herbicides. double wheelbase allows easy manoeuvrabili- HOAF’s new pedestrian weed burners ty despite its larger size. powered with Calor liquified petroleum gas Thermhit 45’s smaller size makes it ideal (LPG) have become established in the ground for use around obstacles and can be used to care sector as an effective solution to weed treat areas such as picnic sites, terraces and control, for those organisations unable, pathways. Its lower burner head allows use unwilling or seeking an alternative to using underneath picnic benches. herbicides and the associated environmental The Weedmaster range offers two implications caused by their use. widths of machine - Weedmaster 35 at 350 The new Weedmaster and Thermhit mm and Weedmaster 65 at 650 mm - and equipment is already being used in dozens of also uses propane as its fuel. Weedmaster is locations throughout the country and Calor LPG powered pedestrian weed widely used by local authorities. burners are an effective solution to demand is expected to increase even further weed control for those seeking an alter- Weedmaster and Thermhit models fea- this year. native to herbicides ture 12 months’ parts warranty and are avail- HOAF’s UK representative Richard able from www.thermoweed.com, along with Pearson said that the new range of hand held “Environmentally sensitive sites, local the full HOAF range. burners meant that the equipment was suit- authorities, caravan parks and heritage sites Calor LPG offers clear advantages over able for a wide variety of uses. are turning to LPG in preference to chemical herbicide use and is widely used in the He said the equipment could be used at controls.As that interest has grown, we’ve ground care sector to power mowers and smaller grounds such as schools and caravan expanded the product range and the new all-terrain vehicles (ATV’s) as well as weed parks but could also be used in larger areas hand held equipment is being very well control equipment. managed by councils and stately homes. received. “We have placed 25 units already this “We’ve also built up a relationship with year to customers ranging from stately Calor, the UK’s leading supplier of LPG, to CONTACT homes to borough councils and are well ensure a reliable fuel supply,” he added. placed to reach our target of 100 units in The new equipment is available in two To arrange a demonstration of HOAF’s Thermhit and Weedmaster equipment, 2005,” he said. ranges - Thermhit and Weedmaster. The contact Richard Pearson. Mobile: +44 “Over recent years we’ve built up our Thermhit range operates on propane cylin- (0)7769 655564. Website: customer base to the point where LPG pow- ders in two widths - Thermhit 45 provides www.calor.co.uk. ered equipment is in widespread use. 450 mm coverage and Thermhit 75, 750 mm

rated at maximum output with a powerful “The new range of Magnate generators surge for motor starting and precise voltage provides peace of mind and the capacity to regulation over a wide range of powers and deliver all the power the farmer needs when speeds. Capacities range from 20 kVA to 80 he needs it most.” kVA to meet various individual needs. The renowned Froment gearbox, standard on all Magnate generators, features premium Keith Fowler, N. J. Froment & Company quality hardened and ground helical gears to Ltd, Easton-on-the-Hill, Stamford, PE9 3NP. ensure quiet running, high reliability and Tel: +44 (0)1780 480033. extra long life. Fax:[email protected] Website: “With warnings of harsher winters ahead, www.froment.co.uk the need for farmers to have a reliable back- up supply in the event of power cuts is more essential than ever,” explained Keith Fowler.

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