Northern Ireland (NI), in conjunction with the Water Catchment Partnership, is embarking on a trial to reduce pesticide use later this year.
It is in response to high levels of farm chemicals in certain water catchments, which is increasing the cost of water treatment.
This pilot scheme, to begin between May and September 2017 and 2018, is aimed at land managers tackling rush weeds in the catchment area of Seagahan Reservoir near Markethill.
The project, which is completely free of charge, will have a Farm Liaison Officer working with farmers and land managers to manage the weed wiping and promote better advice on handling, applying and disposing of grassland sprays, guidance on mechanical control of rushes and improving land condition to addressing the underlying causes of infestations.
'High levels of grassland pesticides'
Roy Taylor, Catchment Manager at NI Water, explained the project: “At present, extra treatment is required at Seagahan Water Treatment Works as a result of the water quality in the Seagahan Dam. Monitoring of water in the dam has shown high levels of grassland pesticides such as MCPA, which could be from agricultural activity.
“Final drinking water is always at a high standard and meets all the required water quality standards, but there is a major increase in cost for the extra treatment required to deal with these chemicals.
“This innovative pilot scheme, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, will provide an alternative way of tackling rush weeds without using harmful pesticides. The method we will use is ‘weed-wiping’ to kill the rushes.”
Full support
Ulster Farmers' Union Deputy President Ivor Ferguson said that the union 'fully supports' NI Water on the initiative.
Mr Ferguson said: “The UFU would encourage local farmers to show their support by signing up to the project and avail of this free weed wiping service. It is hoped that the success of this initiative will continue to build on the successful work of NI Water and the Water Catchment Partnership to date and that farmers can continue to adopt best practice protocols when it comes to weed control.”
The scheme will operate in the Seagahan catchment area in Co Armagh. Only fields within this area are eligible for the free weed-wiping service. The closing date for applications is 30 April 2017.
