The Farming Express Mar3 | Page 22

Biomass Heating does not have to be expensive or complicated AFS Biomass offers end-to-end solution for renewable or green energy systems to businesses, institutions and homes. From initial design and planning, right through to installation and on going maintenance, our service is truly holistic. We design, supply, install and maintain complete biomass boiler systems for commercial, domestic and district heating applications (where several buildings are heated by a single boiler). We pride ourselves on good advice, on our service, and the efficient, no nonsense installation of the right system for the job. We can provide everything you need from retro-fit systems to bespoke energy centres, from fuel stores to fuel supply. Our biomass boilers will integrate with any existing heating systems, including under floor heating, domestic hot water and with other renewables such as solar. Why Biomass? In a heating context, "Biomass" is the name given to organic material that can be used as fuel. The new generation of "multi-fuel" biomass boilers supplied by AFS are up to 96% efficient and can burn wood logs, wood pellets, wood chips, cereals and miscanthus. There are many good reasons for using Biomass Fuel Biomass is sustainable, renewable, virtually carbon neutral and offers CO2 savings of up to 96%, compared to heating oil. (Source; Biomass Energy Centre) Biomass is cheaper than fossil fuel. Wood pellets are 25-30% cheaper than heating oil and wood chip is 40-50% cheaper. (Source; Biomass Energy Centre) Buying biomass fuel locally reduces the environmental impact of transport, helps your local economy, provides local business opportunities and rural jobs. Excellent return on investment, especially if replacing electricity, heating oil or LPG. "Thinning" - the selective harvesting of a forest's annual growth - not only provides biomass fuel, but is necessary to improve the growth rate of trees and to support biodiversity. Woodland, forestry and agriculture provide the population with leisure and recreation opportunities. Less woody biomass going to landfill means less methane and reduced CO2 emissions. Biomass ash is full of nutrients, so makes great compost for your garden. Wipe Out for Weeds Consider the alternative to spraying weeds and you could be looking at a fast and far more cost-effective method of wiping them out. The concept of weedwiping was developed in New Zealand in the 1970’s and it offers a controlled method of targeting weeds. A weedkiller chemical is coated onto a carpet roller which is wiped across the weeds, applying chemical to the underside of the leaf. It’s an ideal method for paddock, pasture and turfcare, using much less chemical than spraying and, as it targets the vulnerable undersidepart of the weed leaf, it hits it where it hurts without killing grass or clover. The Wessex Weedwiper attaches to a standard ball hitch on an ATV, UTV or 4 x 4 and comprises a unique roller carpet mounted on a sturdy mainframe. There’s a large wheel at each end, one of which drives the roller rotation and the roller runs in the opposite direction to the travel of the Rotowiper to allow thorough coating of the underside of the leaf. The machine is height adjustable to ensure all weed types and growth stages are catered for. A reliable pump transfers chemical from the tank to the carpet, coating it evenly and thoroughly to ensure the weed receives the right amount of lethal chemical. To see the flow of chemical being applied to the carpet roller Wessex recommend adding a small amount of foam, such as Deva foam, to the chemical tank, allowing the operator a visual aid to regulate the am