A survey carried out on a random selection of dairy farms has brought to light the issues on farms in relation to slurry and soiled water storage, and the barriers farmers face in implementing practices that are positive to water quality.

Reporting findings from Achieving improvements in water quality through targeted organic manure storage advice, Teagasc Walsh Scholar Róisín McManus disclosed the issues that cropped up on farms.

The aim of the study is to determine knowledge transfer methods to improve slurry storage on farms.

From the 40 farms surveyed, issues found from farmyard assessments included:

Farmers were also asked what barriers they face in implementing practices that are positive to water quality, which included:

The results come after an event, titled 'Future Proofing Farmyards', that McManus organised in January.

At this event, tips on farmyard design and minimising the storage required by farmers, along with the costs, design options and common problems found in yards, were discussed.

For farmers wondering what the soiled water closed periods and the soil water storage requirements are this year, and in the following years, they are outlined below by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Soiled water closed period for dairy farmers:

Soiled water storage requirements: