Lyons Farm, situated just north of Ratchcoole, Co. Kildare is the research and teaching farm for University College Dublin (UCD).

It forms part of the teaching and research infrastructure of the College of Health and Agricultural Sciences.

One of its major ongoing research projects is a study of 'Long-term Pasture Based Production Systems‌'.

A key question to be addressed is the "Effect of farm systems on soil carbon sequestration, soil quality and fertility, water quality, net greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity".

This is a broad brush and with the emphasis being firmly on livestock production, the recording and precise application of the nutrients that have not been absorbed by the animals, is hugely important to understanding the farm system.

When choosing a tanker to apply the slurry produced on the farm, UCD assessed several tankers, including Abbey Machinery’s 3500 recessed tandem axle tanker with trailing shoe applicator and ISOBUS technology.

It was these two features in particular, which persuaded the college to purchase the Tipperary-built machine.

The farm manger is Eddie Jordan who notes that having an ISOBUS system already installed meant that it is compatible with the Trimble GPS system on the college tractors.

This will allow for accurate placement as well as ease the recording of material application, and so assist in reaching the farm's sustainability goals.

Eddie also notes that the department was impressed by the applicator’s capability to maintain pressure in a stable and steady manner on the ground, as well as the ease by which it may be integrated into the present machinery environment.

Abbey Machinery claims that The Recess Tandem range offers flexibility in running larger flotation tyres, reducing ground compaction, while at the same time maintaining a narrow overall width.