Dribble Bars

Why use a Dribble Bar or Trailing Shoe?

In Ireland most slurry is land spread by the splash plate method. This method of application can result in up to 80% of the available Nitrogen (N) applied in the slurry being lost to the atmosphere in the form of ammonia.

Not only does this result in a loss of this valuable nutrient but it also causes atmospheric pollution.

Following surface spreading, approximately 30% of the total ammonia loss takes place in the first hour and the 80% above within the first 12 hours. A basic concept to minimise such losses is to reduce the surface area of the spread slurry that is exposed to the air.

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New Agquip 9-Meter Dribble Bar

Now available at Drumlish Farm Machinery: Brand-new Agquip 9-Meter Dribble Bar. This unused, high-quality dribble bar is perfect for slurry..

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Used SlurryKat 600-Meter Combi Reeler & Dribble Bar

Available at Drumlish Farm Machinery is this used SlurryKat 600-Meter Combi Reeler & Dribble Bar. This high-quality galvanised 600-meter combi..

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At Drumlish Farm Machinery we have for sale a selection of Demo SlurryKat 600-Meter Front Reelers. Contact us today to..

Used SlurryKat 12-Meter Duo Dribble Bar and 600-Meter Bak Pak Reeler

Drumlish Farm Machinery have for sale this quality used SlurryKat 12-Meter Duo Dribble Bar & 600-Meter Bak Pak. Farmer owned..

Used SlurryKat 9-Meter Duo Dribble Bar & Bak Pak

At Drumlish Farm Machinery we have for sale this quality used SlurryKat 9-Meter Duo Dribble Bar & Bak Pak. This..

Used SlurryKat 9-Meter Duo Dribble Bar & 1200-Meter Bak-Pak Reeler

Drumlish Farm Machinery have in-stock this quality SlurryKat 9-Meter Duo Dribble Bar & 1200-Meter Bak-Pak Reeler. This SlurryKat rig which..

Used 2022 Slurrykat 12-Meter Double Macerator

At DFM we have for sale this SlurryKat 12-Meter Double Macerator which is 2 seasons old. It features a spread..

Used Agquip Dribble Bar with 800 Meter Bak Pack

Drumlish Farm Machinery have for sale this used Aguip dribble bar complete with fully refurbished macerater and spread plate. It..

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Grassland slurry spreading systems

Systems of slurry spreading that minimise the surface area of the spread slurry exposed to air and lower ammonia loss are widely used across Europe. These alternatives mainly include: Dribble bar spreading and Trailing-shoe application.

Deep injection (150 mm; 6 inches) is limited by soil texture, soil moisture, stone content and slope. Therefore, in Ireland deep injection is only suitable for a relatively small area. Dribble bar spreading of slurry reduces the surface area of slurry exposed to the air. In addition, dribble bar spreading can achieve a more uniform spread pattern and less contamination of herbage by slurry solids.

The design of the Slurrykat dribble pak using hard straight cured hose ends on the booms means that the dribble bar can achieve the effect of the trailing shoe by combing the grass/ crop aside and delivering the slurry directly onto the soil surface. An alternative to the dribble bar is the trailing-shoe application system in which a metal shoe parts the herbage and slurry is deposited in bands on the soil surface, with the minimum of herbage contamination.

Finance options available

Compared to traditional splash plates, dribble bars offer significant advantages in terms of Low-Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS) and operational efficiency.

Benefits of Using a Dribble Bar for Slurry Spreading

Low Emission Slurry Spreading:

Reduced Ammonia Emissions: Dribble bars apply slurry close to the soil surface in narrow strips, reducing the exposure of slurry to the air. This significantly reduces ammonia release compared to splash plates, which spray slurry and greatly increase the surface area of the slurry exposed to the atmosphere.

Improved Air Quality: By lowering ammonia emissions, dribble bars contribute to better air quality on the farm and for surrounding communities, aligning with increasingly more stringent environmental regulations.

Enhanced Nutrient Utilization:

Direct Soil Contact: The slurry applied via dribble bars is placed directly on or near the soil surface, ensuring quicker uptake by grassroots. This enhances the availability of nutrients for crops, reducing nutrient losses due to evaporation or runoff.

Uniform Application: Dribble bars ensure an even distribution of slurry across the field, promoting uniform crop growth and optimizing the use of organic fertilisers.

Operational Efficiency:

Reduced Odour: Lower emissions also mean reduced smells, improving working conditions for farm operators and reducing nuisance for neighbours.

Less Contamination: By applying slurry in targeted bands, dribble bars reduce contamination of grass, making grazing and harvesting possible sooner after application.

Modern Techniques: Dribble bars are compatible with precision farming technologies, allowing for variable rate application using flowmeters based on soil and crop needs, further enhancing efficiency and crop performance.

Economic Benefits:

Cost Savings: Enhanced nutrient retention and utilization reduce the need for additional chemical fertilizers, lowering input costs.

Increased Yield: Improved nutrient availability can lead to better crop yields, enhancing farm profitability.