AQ1: Automatic slurry scraper
Find out about eligibility and requirements for the Automatic slurry scraper option.
How much will be paid
£2,760 per passageway/channel
Aim
To reduce ammonia emissions from slurry produced by housed livestock by frequent removal of slurry.
Where to use this item (eligibility)
- On holdings targeted for the reduction of ammonia emissions from agriculture
- With support from a Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) officer
- On solid or slatted floors where livestock are housed
- Within passageways where slurry is deposited and slurry channels in livestock housing systems
Where this item cannot be used
- In systems where the slurry scraper is unlikely to be effective due to the nature of manure (higher dry matter) produced or an uneven or cracked floor
- In systems where ammonia emissions are unlikely to be reduced by the scraper
- For repair or part replacement of existing automatic scraper system
How this item will benefit the environment
The frequent removal of slurry from livestock housing will reduce the levels of ammonia released into the air that impact air quality and the natural environment.
Requirements
- Install an automatic slurry scraping system in livestock housing. This includes a floor scraper that runs automatically using a hydraulic ram and ratchet drive system or a rope/chain and winch system with an electric motor
- Ensure that the scraper is fully operational and effectively scrapes slurry from the installed area so that the slurry can be collected and stored in a suitable store
- The scraper must be suitable for the amount of slurry produced, dimensions of area to be scraped (scraper width to fit passageway/channel width) and type of livestock housed
- Regular automatic scraping should take place a minimum of 4 times a day (more frequent scraping is more beneficial) when animals are housed that are producing slurry
Keeping records
You must send the following with your application.
- Written support from a CSF officer
You must keep the following records and supply them with your payment claim.
- Contracts, invoices or other documents confirming the technical specification for the equipment and installation
- Photographs of the completed works in place and installed
You must keep the following records and supply them on request.
- Receipted invoices, or bank statements where a receipted invoice is unavailable
- Photographs of site before works start
Please see the record keeping and inspection requirements as set out in the relevant manual (Mid Tier or Higher Tier or Capital Grants) for more details
Advice and suggestions for how to carry out this item
The following advice is helpful, but they are not requirements for this item.
Standard cost based on single passageway or channel. You can apply for automatic scraper system(s) for multiple passageways and channels if required.
The funding is for brand new or complete replacement of an existing automatic scraper system.
The more frequently slurry is removed from passageways and channels the greater the reduction in ammonia emissions. Increasing the number of automatic scrapings above 4 per days is encouraged.
There may be temporary (less than 3 months) periods where the livestock are fed on diets that produce higher dry matter manure, for example dry cows, where the scraping is less effective and the risk of ammonia volatilisation is lower. More frequent scraping is not required for this period.
Get more advice
More detailed information about using this item is available through Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF). You may also be able to request a farm infrastructure audit, a slurry and manure handling plan and a conserving nitrogen through reducing ammonia emissions visit.