The mission of the Spartanburg Soil & Water Conservation District (SSWCD or District) is to promote the wise and responsible use of our natural resources through education, demonstration, and technical services for the benefit of all citizens of Spartanburg County. To this end, the District seeks to community interest in possible future investments. Following the information, please complete the survey questions; your answers will help the SSWCD to better serve the county.
In effort to combat the escalation of the Feral Hog population in South Carolina, the Spartanburg County Soil and Water Conservation District would like your input on the severity of overpopulation and damage of this invasive species in our county. Please answer the following questions:
The SSWCD is evaluating the purchase of an aerator to rent to farmers/cattlemen who do not have access to an aerator for their personal use. Soil compaction has been consistently rated one of the top concerns in our annual Local Work Group survey and Clemson University has recommended annual aeration for pastures. Using an aerator annually has shown greater crop/grazing grass yields with reduced fertilizer and nutrient usage by opening the soil to create pathways for water, organic matter, and nutrients to flow to the root zone instead of off the property. Proper aeration can also be used for land reclamation and better game management.
SSWCD is evaluating a RanchworX SL Series with one 36” diameter/8’ wide drum with a hydraulic landing gear. To allow for easier road towing, the wheels are set behind the unit and the tongue in front. The unit has 6” beveled (self-sharpening) blades with a leading-edge set in a spiraled position (not spikes, tines, or shanks) for slicing, not tearing the roots. The blades should cut 3” deep but should also fracture the soil down 24”. The unit weighs 4,000 lbs dry and 6,600 lbs wet and will require at least 50 HP to be pulled. The unit can be drawn across the field/pasture at 5 to 11 MPH depending on the tractor and property. It can cover up to 10 acres per hour, but realistically one could expect to cover 30 to 40 acres per day. This aerator is considered a no-till implement. In fact, a local farmer who has one of these units uses it to loosen up the soil before he no-till-drills his crop. You can review the unit on-line at https://RanchworX.com.
Since this an expensive implement, SSWCD is surveying the local farmers/cattlemen to determine if it would be a welcomed addition to our current rental fleet of two no-till-drills and the Firminator. Please answer the following questions:
Would you be interested in helping SC NRCS rank resource concerns in the state? If so, please fill in the following form to be added to our Local Work Group.