XSplit®: Improved Slurry Maagement and Grass Quality
Case study: Lowlor Dairy Farm

Problem

Fibre left behind after slurry application was contaminating silage and reducing the efficiency of slurry spreading on a multi-cut dairy farm along with challenges of herd health issues from mycotoxins.

Solution

The installation of a Vogelsang XSplit separator enabled cleaner slurry application, faster spreading, improved nutrient utilisation and the production of reusable dry solids and clean uncontaminated silage feedstocks.

The customer and the problem

Stephen Lawlor farms just outside Navan, Co. Meath, where he manages a 500-acre dairy enterprise milking 300 cows. The farm also rears all replacement stock and grows approximately 60 acres of maize silage.

Operating a four-cut silage system, Stephen wanted to maximise grass quality while making better use of slurry nutrients. However, fibre remaining in slurry after application was creating challenges during silage production. They needed a solution to improve slurry application while reducing fibre contamination and making slurry nutrients work harder across the farm. This would also minimise the risk of mycotoxins on the farm.

The solution

Stephen selected the Vogelsang XSplit separator, complete with VX rotary lobe slurry pump, integrated stone box and control unit. The system is capable of handling up to 50 m³/hr and producing solids with up to 40% dry matter, while offering simple operation and minimal maintenance.
One of the deciding factors was the practical design of the Vogelsang system.

"We went for the Vogelsang system because it's very easy to maintain." 
 

Stephen also valued the ability to adjust the dry matter content of the separated solids to suit the farm's requirements.

"It's very easy to adjust the dry matter of the solids if you want it wetter or drier. We tested the solids coming off the separator and it's coming out about 31% dry matter. You can that there is no liquids coming off. It is a very dry product." 

The compact, user-friendly design combines the pump and separator in one efficient system, keeping energy consumption low without placing a significant load on the farm's power supply. The XSplit's simple design means routine maintenance is straightforward, helping reduce downtime and ownership costs.

Following installation, Stephen has already seen measurable improvements across slurry management and nutrient utilisation. Removing fibre from the liquid fraction has significantly improved slurry application across grassland. And with fewer fibres in the liquid fraction, slurry can be applied much more efficiently.

Analysis of the separated slurry demonstrated excellent nutrient availability, with testing showing 15 units of available nitrogen per 1,000 gallons of slurry. As Stephen explains for every 3,000 gallons that leaves the yard is the same as buying a bag of urea.

Reliable aftersales support was another important consideration. Stephen says, 

"All the spare parts are readily available and it's very easy to maintain. There's very little maintenance to be done."  

For Stephen, choosing the Vogelsang XSplit has resulted in a slurry separation system that delivers cleaner application, improved nutrient utilisation, greater spreading efficiency and practical day-to-day operation—supporting a more productive and efficient dairy farm.
 

Advantages of the XSplit®

  • Cleaner slurry application with reduced fibre content
  • Faster slurry spreading for improved operational efficiency
  • Enhanced nutrient utilisation by maximising the value of slurry
  • High dry matter solids for easier storage, transport and reuse
  • Low-maintenance, energy-efficient design with adjustable dry matter output and readily available spare parts
  • Compact, complete solution – System includes VX rotary lobe slurry pump, integrated stone box and control unit, providing an efficient all-in-one slurry separation solution