The process of extracting oil from rapeseed could be made simpler thanks to a new strip tillage system being tested by the HGCA.
Farmers Weekly reports that the organisation, which aims to promote the UK’s cereal and oilseed markets, has been working with plant science firm NIAB TAG to test the use of gylphosate in order to control weeds.
By cultivating in strips, growers can use the herbicide to control weeds growing in between the rows, with savings in passes establishing the crop more than accounting for lower yields that might result from increased spacing between strips.
What’s more, Nathan Morris, of NIAB TAG, told the publication that with the proper cultivating machinery, yields could probably be made comparable.
Growers would then be able to save money, which could be invested into bulk materials handling equipment used to extract and process oil from rapeseed.
In April, the HGCA revealed that bioplastics made from animal feedstocks such as maize and wheat starch are being used in the manufacture of everything from disposable cutlery and food packaging to electronics casing and foam insulation.
Typical Guttridge equipment used in the oil extraction industry includes; conveyors – screw conveyors – chain conveyors – belt conveyors