Late drilling is considered to be from mid-October onwards and presents a unique set of challenges as well as opportunities to the crop, as the days shorten, soils get colder and crops take longer to emerge.

“As well as allowing for black-grass control and helping with avoiding aphid flights to minimise the risk of BYDV, as later sown crops take longer to emerge they are also likely to have less over-wintered inoculum, and a thinner canopy which may reduce disease pressure from septoria. But beware of an increased risk of juvenile yellow rust,” says Ben Haste, agronomist for Farmacy, based in Suffolk.

“However, these benefits need to be balanced against the risks of poorer establishment, reduced yield, and weaker rooting – as from mid-October onwards, soils will be rapidly cooling, resulting in less biological cycling in the soil and thus a much slower availability of nutrients to the plant,” he adds.

“We know one of the key components to achieving high biomass crops in May, June and July is the management of the early foundation stage of crop development, so it is important to ensure crops are not held back through nutrient deficiencies.”

Feeding the late drilled crop

“Success for this drilling slot requires more of a pre-planned approach to plant nutrition than earlier autumn planting,” comments Dick Neale, technical manager for Hutchinsons.

“Until the plant is up and out of the ground, and there is enough leaf to take a tissue sample, it’s not actually possible to gain an accurate measurement of any deficiencies – and even then, it’s not legal to apply nitrogen in autumn, so it’s important to consider this before the crop goes into the ground.”

He points out that phosphorus is key at this time in the plant’s growth both above and below the ground, and is best applied as a placement fertiliser at drilling – either as Primary-P or Crystal Green as microgranules, or Laguna as a liquid form.

“On black, fen soils, which is generally where much later drilling is being carried out, manganese can often be deficient, so it’s also important to consider this.”

Crystal Green is a struvite form of phosphorus, which provides a low carbon form of phosphorus that is removed from waste water. It’s not water soluble, so it doesn’t leach or move far in the soil, and therefore is best used later in the autumn when soils are generally wetter. Crystal Green works by responding to crop demand; naturally releasing phosphorus, along with nitrogen and magnesium (5-28-0 with 10% Mg), so the plant regulates what it needs.The phosphate in Primary P is highly water soluble, but protected from being locked up in the soil – making it well suited to lighter, drier soils.

Come the spring

“Late-drilled crops tend to be thinner with a more open canopy, so once spring arrives and soil temperatures begin to warm up and dry up, then this is the time to get on some early nitrogen, get the plant building and maximising tiller retention and really build up that critical biomass,” says Mr Neale.

“If conditions permit, apply 60–80kg N/ha in mid-February, ideally accompanied by fresh phosphate (unless phosphate went on earlier as a placement fertiliser), some potash to support shoot development, and sulphur to balance the nitrogen. Phosphites are well-proven at this time to bolster root and tillering.

“Then you should come back with the nitrogen regularly to keep the crops going, so you don’t leave a ‘hunger gap’. It will be possible now to take reliable tissue samples to get a more accurate nutrient picture and respond to this.

“Once crops are growing away, apply an early, low temperature-active PGR. This will help tiller retention, promote rooting and counteract the tendency for thick crops with thinner shoots to be more prone to lodging.

“It’s all a matter of recognising the challenges of later drilling and doing everything possible to counteract them so you can take full advantage of its valuable role in managing black-grass, without compromising yield,” Mr Neale concludes.

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A new approach to fertilisation with Supersoil

Adam’s journey towards sustainability led him to discover Supersoil, an organic fertiliser with a difference. Composed of healthy soil microbes and organic plant matter, Supersoil not only enhances soil health but also promotes grass regrowth. The fertiliser breaks down organic matter to release vital nutrients to the sward.

A tale of two paddocks

Adam’s experiment began with a meticulous approach. He measured the dry matter in two paddocks, both initially registering at around 1,800 kg of dry matter per hectare. One paddock received Supersoil, while the other received the usual slurry application.

Promising results from organic fertiliser

Even in the face of challenging weather conditions with no rain for a week, the results spoke volumes. In just one week, the paddock treated with Supersoil exhibited a remarkable 9.5% increase in growth rate compared to the one receiving slurry. This initial boost in grass regrowth was a promising sign of what Supersoil could deliver.

A month of transformation

The positive impact of Supersoil continued to manifest over the course of a month. Adam noticed an impressive overall increase of 420kg of dry matter in the paddock treated with Supersoil compared to the one receiving slurry. Not only did Supersoil enhance growth, but it also contributed to a lush and even sward, adding to the overall visual appeal of the pasture.

Optimal timing for first-time users

While Supersoil has already proven its worth in enhancing dairy farming practices, its timing of application can optimise its benefits for first-time users. Applying Supersoil at the back end of the year, during the land’s resting phase, allows for the multiplication and establishment of beneficial soil microbes. These microbes work diligently over the winter months, converting organic matter into vital nutrients and priming the soil for the growing season.

Microbial establishment

The key to Supersoil’s effectiveness lies in its microbial community. By applying it at the back end of the year when the land is in a resting state, farmers allow these beneficial microbes to multiply and establish themselves in the soil. This crucial preparatory phase ensures that the soil is brimming with microbial activity, ready to kickstart the growing season in spring.

Nutrient release

Supersoil’s microbes excel at breaking down organic matter, releasing nutrients that would otherwise remain locked away. By introducing organic fertiliser during the dormant winter months, these microbes have ample time to work their magic, converting organic matter into readily available nutrients for the upcoming season.

Reducing dependency on chemical fertilisers

The strategic application of Supersoil at the end of the year allows farmers to reduce their reliance on chemical fertilisers during the growing season. As the soil becomes enriched with nutrients, the need for synthetic additives diminishes. This contributes to a more sustainable farming approach.

Improved grass regrowth

When the first signs of good growing conditions arrive in the spring, pastures treated with year-end Supersoil application show a remarkable boost in growth. This initial advantage can set the tone for the entire season, resulting in healthier and more abundant forage for livestock.

Long-term soil health

Applying Supersoil towards the end of the year fosters long-term soil health. The microbial population establishes a robust ecosystem within the soil, contributing to improved soil structure, nutrient cycling, and overall resilience.

More than a fertiliser

Adam Holman’s experience with Supersoil underscores the importance of sustainable farming practices in modern agriculture. Dairy farmers like Adam can achieve improved grass regrowth, healthier livestock, and a greener, more sustainable future for their farms. In doing so, they also reduce the reliance on chemical fertilisers and harness the power of organic alternatives like Supersoil.

Supersoil is more than just a fertiliser; it’s a symbol of innovation and commitment to the land. As we look toward the future of farming, sustainable solutions like Supersoil are set to play a pivotal role in creating a harmonious balance between agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship. Farmers like Adam Holman are leading the way, proving that sustainable farming practices are not just a choice but a necessity for a thriving agricultural industry.

By applying Supersoil at the back end of the year, farmers can maximise its benefits, leading to healthier pastures, reduced reliance on chemicals, and long-term soil vitality, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and prosperous future for farming.

How to get your Supersoil organic fertiliser

Take advantage of Supersoil’s organic fertiliser before the year is out; visit the Supersoil website to make contact.

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“We’re testing techniques that will enable these soils to better cope with the weather extremes that climate change is, and will, throw at it,” explains Mike Green, BASF agricultural sustainability manager and project lead.

Enhancing soil health and biodiversity

Extended spells of dry weather, combined with very short periods of heavy rainfall tests soils’ capacity to simultaneously absorb and retain water. The five plots are all designed to improve infiltration and increase organic matter. As a commercial farm, the need to produce profitable crops hasn’t been ignored. Neither has biodiversity, which is recognised for its agro-ecosystem services of pest management and pollination.

“Fundamentally, it’s about balance and resilience,” surmises Mr Green.

Alongside the broadacre crops, the plots include three- and four-year herbal leys with grazing sheep and ‘supercharger’ cover crops. The plots are interspersed with what the team are calling ‘agrofloristry’ – 2m of undisturbed grass between two 3m meadow flower strips – as well as being topped and tailed by headlands which have been taken out of production to be ‘reset’ under a three-year meadow mix.

Degraded topsoil

Professor Jenni Dungait has been analysing the the soil health since the baseline year in 2021:

“When I first looked at this field, it was clear that it was degraded.

“At the top of a hill, it’s what would traditionally be called a ‘scald’, and over generations, much of the best soil has been carried to the bottom of the hill by wind and rain. With little topsoil above the bedrock, it is stony and vulnerable to compaction.”

Ahead of the first year of Project Fortress, Prof Dungait took soil samples from across the field and the adjacent woodland. She expected to find the cultivated areas contain very little carbon and have poor structure.

“Surprisingly, at about 6.5%, the topsoil across this field had very high levels of organic matter for their type, topography and climatic conditions, making it difficult to improve.”

Despite the challenge, the herbal ley with rotational grazing by sheep has increased the organic matter content of the topsoil by 0.5% in just two years. “In this context, and understanding how long it takes to build organic matter in soils, that’s a huge increase,” notes Prof Dungait.

Compacted subsoil

Below the traditional plough depth of 8in, it was a different story: “The sub soil is compacted and has a comparatively low organic matter content of 3–4%. So that’s where our focus has been – getting carbon-containing organic matter down deep into the soil profile.”

Contrary to current trends, Prof Dungait suggested subsoiling to alleviate some of the compaction, enabling water penetration and the plants in the trial plots a chance to get their roots down.

“We needed to make a drastic impact on how this soil is performing. We’re already seeing the effects of climate change here, with the land experiencing high rainfall and drought, so the pressure is on to get this soil performing quickly,” she explains.

Prof Dungait and the team assumed that none of the deep-rooting plants in the herbal and cover crop mixes would be able to get through the remaining patches of compaction. “We were wrong. Given a second season, the chicory grew to over 5ft tall and its roots just about broke through. However, the thin spidery threads would take years to achieve what a sub-soiler can do in a pass.

“The taproot of the sweet clover also penetrated the tightly packed layer. It’s really important. We’re achieving one of Project Fortress’ primary objectives and getting carbon deep into the soil, both through the root mass and the carbon-rich exudates it’ll be releasing into the soil. That root will be keeping the soil structure open, allowing air and water to penetrate. It’s an incredible achievement in just two years.”

Excitement for the future

With a further three years of trials and analysis in Project Fortress, the team is really excited about the future. “The pressure is on,” says Mr Green. “Climate change is fast accelerating, and we need to adapt.

“Project Fortress is the ideal space to look at both the impact of climate change, and some approaches to building resilience on farm. It also gives us a platform to share knowledge and engage with those at the forefront of decisions that will impact the industry for generations, and our thanks go to the Pitts family for supporting the partnership.”

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New green fertilisers and digital tools will give farmers something to consider when assessing their crop yields.

“The new facility will be a production facility for YaraVita, our range of specialist micronutrients and biostimulants,” says Jari. “It will be the largest plant in Britain and one of the largest in the world, reflecting the growth in demand for those particular nutrients not just here but globally.”

The new plant will be located in Howden, just 18 miles south of Yara’s current site at Pocklington. 95% of what is produced will be exported to the European and wider global overseas markets. So why did Yara choose Britain as the home of its new plant?

“We already have the skill and expertise for this kind of production in the UK at our Pocklington site and we really wanted this to continue,” says Jari. “Also, glasshouse testing is done in the UK and if we look at the innovation side of things, we have patents either granted or applied for, for our current operations at Pocklington. This ensures we have a pipeline of new products for continued growth.”

The shift to green fertiliser production

Jari Pentinmäki in his element.

Along with investments in its own growth, Yara is invested in operating according to its mission; to feed the world and protect the planet. The development of green fertiliser is a key part of its plans to transform the food system and reduce carbon emissions.

“Yara premium fertilisers already have a low carbon footprint but their production is currently dependent on fossil fuels,” says Jari. “But this is about to change. This year, Yara is introducing fossil free green fertilisers that are produced using renewable energy sources like water power, instead of fossil fuels like natural gas.”

Switching from natural gas to renewable energy sources will create a more resilient food system that is less dependent on fossil fuels.

“Producing fertiliser using renewable energy sources is enabling an 80-90% reduction in carbon emissions compared to fertilisers made from natural gas,” says Jari. “This allows us to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and work towards a food system that’s free from carbon emissions.”

Embracing green fertilisers throughout the food chain

To achieve the desired impact, collaboration at all levels of the food system is crucial.

“There has to be collaboration at all levels,” says Jari. “It needs to take place at the industrial level, for example in the setting up of green fertiliser production units, but I think that it’s also very important that the food chain is collaborating. We are very active in building partnerships with food companies, most recently with Simpsons Malt where we were looking at producing low carbon malt for the whisky industry.”

Collaboration is worth it, and the benefits of moving from traditional fertiliser to green fertilisers are substantial.

“Moving to green fertiliser means we are able to reduce the overall footprint of food by about 20%,” says Jari. “It’s quite a substantial reduction. If we take that all the way up to an individual slice of bread, for example, it will be on the market with 12% less carbon footprint.”

Building resilient crops through nutrient management

Coping with climate change is also about producing more resilient crops. As farmers deal with increasingly extreme weather, nutrient management is an important way to cope with changing conditions.

“Farmers are keen to improve nutrient use efficiency (NUE),” says Jari. “Plants need 16 different nutrients and Yara is working to help them optimise those nutrients. By doing so, they can grow crops that are more resilient to climate change.”

The YaraVita range is a crucial tool to help farmers improve NUE.

Climate change continues to drive the need for more resilient crops.

“YaraVita products are crop specific, so farmers can choose products that match their cropping plan,” says Jari. “Applying the products according to our recommendations builds that resilience and can increase yields by between 3 and 9%.”

Biostimulants will also play an important role in the growing of more resilient crops in the future. The biostimulant market is growing by around 12% year on year, and Yara already has five products available in the UK.

“We are continuously developing our biostimulant portfolio and a lot of our effort goes into looking at how biostimulants and crop nutrition products are working together,” says Jari. “We want to be a holistic solution provider that looks at the entire system of crop nutrition, not just one product at a time.”

Digital tools are ready for testing

An increasingly important part of improving resilience to climate change on farm is data. Yara has developed its own digital tools such as Atfarm, N Sensor, and N-Tester to help farmers make good management decisions. The advice for farmers? Start testing them and see how they work for you.

“I would encourage farmers to start testing these tools which are freely available at the moment,” says Jari. “So for example, if you want to optimise your nitrogen application, you can download these apps and start testing how they could help you produce a good harvest and reduce your application rate by ensuring you apply it in the right place in the field.”

Yara is keen for farmers to test the new digital tools available to them.

A well-rounded package

For farmers and agronomists who want to take a holistic approach to nutrient management, Yara has the solutions.

“We have a whole suite of fertiliser products from nitrate products to micronutrients, and now biostimulants as well,” says Jari. “Our customers also have access to our latest digital tools like Atfarm, N-tester, and N Sensor, as well as soil and leaf sampling services, and a tank mix service.”

About Yara

Yara grows knowledge to responsibly feed the world and protect the planet, to fulfil its vision of a collaborative society, a world without hunger and a planet respected. To meet these commitments, it has taken the lead in developing digital farming tools for precision farming. It also works closely with partners throughout the whole food value chain to develop more climate-friendly crop nutrition solutions.

In addition, it is committed to working towards sustainable mineral fertiliser production. It fosters an open culture of diversity and inclusion that promotes the safety and integrity of our employees, contractors, business partners, and society at large.

Founded in 1905 to solve the emerging famine in Europe, Yara has a worldwide presence of about 17,000 employees and operations in over 60 countries. In 2018, Yara reported revenues of USD 13.1 billion.

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Groundswell 2023 sold out for another year, attracting over 6,500 attendees

Watch our Groundswell re-cap video here

With over 100 sessions and 200 speakers, from across the world, the theme this year centred on “what is regenerative agriculture”, creating a welcoming stage for technical experts, experienced regenerative farmers, leading researchers, politicians, retailers, and NGOs to explore and debate the topic.

Taking place from 28th to 29th June, and now in its eighth year, the event is hosted by the Cherry family at Lannock Manor Farm in Hertfordshire and brings together a wide range of discussion, supporting both theoretical and practical applications of agroecology.

To ensure the event was inclusive for everyone, sessions included “First Principals” for those at the start of their journey, through to advanced sessions looking at integrated pest and disease management and enhancing underground communications.

Groundswell attracts those who want to learn about sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices, techniques and how they can translate to their own land

Event director, Alex Cherry said of the event “It’s been a monumental eighth Groundswell, welcoming old friends and new faces, and catching up with people about their evolving farms and projects, some of which were initiated at Groundswell.

“When we first launched Groundswell, just 400 people joined us. Today, thousands travelled from across the world to look at how we can continue to develop and advance sustainable agriculture, improving our soils and enhancing our food production. It is really humbling that, together, we can create stimulating conversations that generate positive change.”

Demonstrations throughout both days attracted large crowds

Across the site, crop plots including cover cropping and herbal leys, direct drilling demonstrations, mob grazing, composting and tree management were on display to illustrate the work of those exhibiting and allow visitors to experience how these could be integrated into their own farm.

Visitors included Patron of the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations, HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Secretary of State, Thérèse Coffey, who joined the Cherry family for a tour of the site to understand more about the progress being made to deliver a sustainable agricultural future, and the challenges facing the sector.

HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh was a visitor to Groundswell and is Patron of the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations

Independent plant and soil consultant, Joel Williams, opened the event, “The term “regenerative” is still an open definition, allowing more people to connect. We are still learning and developing the concept but it all stems from soil regeneration, and whilst we often talk about it as an emerging topic, regenerative agriculture is something many are rediscovering, rather than something new on-farm.

“It goes beyond the soil, and is also about regenerating our people, restoring the connections in our communities. That is why, for me, events on on-farm and peer-to-peer learning in the field, is key to generating action.”

Soil consultant, Joel Williams, opened the event

Other speakers included biologist, Anne Biklé who explained the role of pasture-fed livestock for the health of humans. During her presentation she showcased 22 studies involving cattle, comparing pasture-based and concentrate diets, concluding that phytochemical levels are 20 times higher in pasture-based diets.

Ensuring that Groundswell connected the whole supply chain was a key objective this year, with a “Moveable Slaughter Unit” on site. Luke Smith, farmer and abattoir owner, joined the event to talk about his own experience, the investment required and the positive welfare and economic benefits to rural and agricultural communities.

Over 200 speakers explored this year’s theme of “what is regenerative agriculture”

Farmer and recognised regenerative advocate, Richard Perkins, felt that customer certification was vital for the future of his business, ensuring that he operates transparently to build a connection between food and farming. He also highlighted the benefits of using technology and utilising existing tools to provide data for efficient management. One example he shared was the use of drones to teach his poultry to use down and up vision to protect themselves from predators.

Catchment and Biodiversity Manager, Alistair Leggatt, from headline partner, Affinity Water, who has been working with the Cherry family for over six years, shared his reflections,

“Safeguarding soil and water quality for future generations is essential.  We have been helping farmers, including the Cherry family, to invest, improve and retain soil on farm.  Through our attendance at Groundswell, we have been growing this conversation, to help make change happen.

“It’s been such a positive event, those who attended had a sharp focus and came armed with questions to put to exhibitors and speakers, showing a real desire to develop and improve UK agriculture.”

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The CERC trails at Harper Adams University have shown that the inclusion of clover and herbs at reseeding improves the overall DM and protein production of grassland leys.

The same study has also shown that including herbage seeds can improve the drought tolerance of grassland leys, with the added diversity they provide making leys eligible for current countryside stewardship schemes.

“Although bagged fertiliser prices have come down since the highs of 2022, there has been a continued resurgence in interest amongst livestock farmers looking to reintroduce nitrogen-fixing clover into their grassland rotations,” said Simon Montgomery of Field Options.

“However, to achieve good rates of germination and establishment, the introduction of new seedstock must be done at the correct timing, with evidence suggesting that the best results are achieved when clover and herbage seeds are drilled as part of a planned reseeding programme,” he added.

Trials carried out by Field Options at the Crop and Environment Research Centre (CERC) at Harper Adams University in Shropshire have demonstrated that red clover, white clover, and herbs such as plantain and chicory, introduced at seeding, can significantly improve the protein content and DM (dry matter) yield of forage, even when provided with modest levels of bagged nitrogen.

The response is even more dramatic when the same mixtures are managed without nitrogen.

The aim of the trial was to test the performance of various grassland mixtures by comparing grass and clover blends to leading hybrid and perennial ryegrass controls, Mr Montgomery explained.

“With four years of data captured, the trial has shown that the inclusion of white clover elevates dry matter production by 0.8t/ha/year for swards receiving 250kg/ha of synthetic nitrogen, while the addition of red and white clover gives an uplift of 0.8-2.5 tonnes per year. In both cases, the gains can easily be translated into savings on bought-in feed and improvements in milk and meat productivity.”

The trial also tested the yield response of the same mixtures when zero supplemental nitrogen was applied. Despite some initial challenges, the grass and clover combinations eventually surpassed the leading perennial ryegrass blend that received 250 kg/hectare of N.

Clover played a significant role in driving this yield increase, with white clover contributing over four tonnes of DM per hectare per year and red clover delivering more than 5.5 tonnes, Mr Montgomery said.

Drought tolerance and stewardship opportunities

Several of the mixtures tested also contained drought tolerant grasses or Boston Plantain and Puna II Chicory, which increased yields even further, particularly in the dry season of 2020, he continued.

“This performance boost can be accounted for by the deep rooting growth habit of these species which makes them more resilient to drought by enabling them to scavenge nutrients and moisture from deeper soil horizons.

“With ‘normal’ weather patterns becoming increasingly unreliable, and early summer droughts more commonplace, livestock producers should therefore give careful thought to the composition and make-up of their grass swards – not only to enhance overall productivity and forage quality, but also to safeguard against future weather-related pressures,” he stressed.

Incorporating clovers and herbs in grassland leys can unlock GS4 Countryside Stewardship payments in England and GFTE payments in Wales. Moreover, in mixed farming rotations, it can enhance soil structure and fertility for subsequent arable crops.

The deep-rooting nature of clover and herbs such as plantain and chicory makes grassland swards more tolerant of dry ground conditions.

However, Mr Montgomery advised growers to be aware that nitrogen fixed by clover is not immediately accessible to companion grasses, as clover utilizes the nitrogen for its own needs during the initial 9-12 months of its lifecycle. Therefore, the addition of clover should be considered as part of a comprehensive and long-term nutrient and sward management strategy.

“It’s also worth remembering that over-seeding clover into an existing sward can be challenging, with good establishment often hard to guarantee,” he added.

“A better option is to introduce clover as part of a reseeding strategy, although it may be necessary to control perennial weeds in the previous sward and to modify the cropping strategy by introducing a ‘cleaning’ break crop.

“Overall, however, it works out cheaper to sow a complete mixture of grasses and clover plus herbs in one hit compared to carrying out two separate seeding operations to introduce the components individually,” Mr Montgomery concluded.

For more information, get in touch with Field Options directly on 01544 262500 or via email at info@field-options.co.uk.

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Joel Williams, Soil Health Educator

Soil expert Joel Williams

Joel Williams is an independent plant and soil health educator and consultant. He has a keen interest in managing microbial ecology and mineral nutrition to optimise soil function, plant immunity and food quality. Joel works to integrate soil chemical and biological assessments, along with plant nutritional analyses as a joined-up strategy for managing crop production.

Diversity and regenerative agriculture

Diversity will be a key theme of Joel’s session ‘First principles’ at Groundswell Festival. With examples at both the field and landscape levels, he will explore how diversity of plant species is key, as seen by the multi-faceted role our ecological infrastructure – the flower strips, trees, shrubs and hedgerows – play in the ecosystem, and how we can harness their benefits as well as enhance plant diversity within production systems.

He will look at how plant diversity dilutes food sources for pests and diseases, enabling us to reduce our dependence on crop protection products. And how, through the variation in rooting depths and habits, plant diversity can lower the need for fertilisers.

Below ground, plant diversity has been shown to stimulate soil biology and improve soil structure, further improving nutrient cycling. With intercropping and diverse pastures, as well as buffer strips and ecological infrastructure being viable options, plant diversity becomes a central tool of redesigning our farming systems.

At Groundswell, Joel will be taking the conversation further in two integrated pest and disease management (IPDM) sessions. The first will focus on designing with diversity where he will talk about how an IPDM program makes other in-field strategies more likely to succeed. The second session will move onto the microbiome and highlight how beneficials that live around, on or in plants can either directly antagonise pests and disease or induce the production of defence chemicals within the plant.

Following Groundswell, Joel will be heading to Groundswell Outreach (GO) Falkland, a fringe Groundswell event with a regional focus in Scotland. Here, he will be discussing how we conceptualise ‘helping farming systems’, redesigning them and moving towards something more sustainable. As a result, the session at GO Falkland will also talk about the subtleties of philosophy around transition.

Whichever is right for you and your farm, regenerative agriculture is still an emerging concept and it takes an open mind, initiative and a certain amount of resilience to reimagine a landscape and its farms.

The post Soil expert shares key to soil success at Groundswell appeared first on Farmers Guide.

Transitioning soils to new, more sustainable, production systems can be a long and sometimes, difficult process. It can take years to rebuild a high functioning soil biome.

The reason is fairly straight forward; the food web beneath our feet is complex. Cultivations and synthetic inputs, directly and indirectly, damage the network of interconnected relationships and the organisms themselves.  Tillage, for example, disrupts the habitat of macro-organisms like earthworms.

Mark Shaw, country manager UK & Ireland

While we’re squaring the circle regarding tillage, and integrated pest management is making strides in protecting crops from weeds, pests and disease, crop nutrition is largely unresolved.

In natural ecosystems, the network of fungi is well established. Their hyphae extend into nearly every crack and pore in the soil’s structure, unhindered by cultivations and compaction. Some extend into plant roots, exchanging water, dissolved nutrients, enzymes and hormones for carbon-rich root exudates.

Living alongside them, in the soil and in plant roots, are bacteria and a wide range of other micro- and macro-organisms. Together, they maintain a rough equilibrium where plants thrive, in no small part, due to the water and nutrients the micro-organisms supply.  This soil biome has taken many years to develop; the relationships are well established and the populations of different species finely balanced.

In fields that have farmed with extensive use of tillage, crop protection products and artificial nutrients, the soil’s ecosystem has been largely destroyed. It, therefore, takes time and the right conditions for populations at each trophic level to rebuild and relationships to reform.

Soil revitalisation

Fortunately, there are solutions that can ease the transition. Gaïago, a company specialising in innovative soil revitalisation solutions, was co-founded by Francis Bucaille and Samuel Marquet who are both experienced soil specialists and farmers. They have dedicated years of research and development to understanding soil and developing solutions that protect yields, supporting growers that are reducing synthetic inputs.

FreePK, for example, is a root probiotic based on Bacillus mucilaginosus – a bacteria that produces organic acids which solubilises mineral nutrients, making them available to plants. Its synergistic relationship with plants influences growth hormones and promotes the development of strong and healthy roots.

In trials in Northern France, Free PK has been shown to increase the absorption of potassium, phosphorous and magnesium in potatoes, resulting in a 2t/ha increase in yield. Likewise, European maize trials have demonstrated 0.7t/ha yield increases.

But it’s not just the nutrients locked-up minerals which can be harnessed by plants via microbes. Azobacter Chrocoocum is a free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria, capable of capturing nitrogen from the atmosphere, transforming into an assimilable form.

Just as in those natural ecosystems, it’s the plant-microbe relationship that regulates the supply of nitrogen throughout the growth cycle and ensures there’s neither a famine nor a feast.

In contrast to artificial fertiliser, applying microbes like Azobacter Chrocoocum in Gaiago’s Free N100, can’t leach and therefore isn’t counted in fertiliser plans, yet is proven to deliver the equivalent of 30kg N /ha, when the crop needs it. From wheat and barley, through rape and maize, to sunflower and sugar beet, trials have shown that Free N100 can help growers maintain yield while reducing nitrogen fertiliser.

As well as adding beneficial microbes, it’s possible to stimulate those that are already present.  Nutrigeo is a soil prebiotic that contains organic acids, polysaccharides and complex trace elements. Its formulation activates humifying flora, increasing fungi production of mycelial hyphae and the secretion of fungal mucilage which helps with microaggregation of soil particles, creating and maintaining microporosity.

The fungi are part of the basal layer, decomposing crop residues and manure. They mineralise nutrients as well as stabilising organic matter and increasing the cation exchange capacity of soils.

It’s a useful tool where growers are seeking to support the agroecological transition process.

With climate change already influencing our weather patterns, it’s essential that we make the most of soils’ ability to capture atmospheric carbon and stimulate biodiversity. It’s also proving beneficial for the bottom line.  As Gaïago’s saying goes “mankind thrives, when soil thrives”.

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Belinda Bailey, Syngenta sustainable farming manager, demonstrates green cover for soil enhancement.

Created in partnership with specialist seed supplier Kings, the mixtures have been specifically selected to achieve reliable establishment under farm conditions, as well as cost-effective management.

All Syngenta Operation Pollinator seed mixes are backed by years of research and studies of the ecological and biodiversity gains, including for pollinating insects and beneficial pest predators, along with agronomic features of nutrient capture and soil enhancement.

The mixes also fit in with SFI and Countryside Stewardship schemes, including pollen and nectar flower mix (CS AB1 & AB8) and provision of winter bird food (CS AB9), or as a watercourse buffer strip (CS SW4) – attracting payments now worth up to £732 per hectare.

What’s more, the mixtures may attract additional payments for growers through the advent of new and diverse funding opportunities coming in from the private sector.

Belinda Bailey, Syngenta sustainable farming manager, highlighted the mixes and recommended management techniques have been refined by 20 years of Syngenta investment in Operation Pollinator research and on-farm trials to ensure reliability and success for growers.

“Ecological payments for many are an increasingly important part of a farm’s overall income stream,” she said. “Ensuring habitats can be consistently created and managed effectively to meet the requirements of schemes is essential to achieve their objectives.

“The Operation Pollinator mixes that have proved so popular in past seasons continue to deliver on both ecological and economic fronts,” she continued. “New research is continuing to ensure they meet the changing legislative landscape and fit seamlessly with agronomic practices in a shift to regenerative agriculture systems.”

Syngenta Operation Pollinator seed mixes for the 2023 season

The new mixes available to farmers include:

Operation pollinator annual flower mix

A carefully selected mix of flowers designed to be easy to establish and manage, yet offering an incredibly rich diversity with impressive visual appeal when in flower. When sown in the autumn, it is one of the earliest flowering mixes in the season – before many of the perennial flower margins – to attract pollinating insects and provide habitats for beneficial pest predators.

The mix is also ideal to fill the hungry gap for insects after OSR flowering.

Seed supplier Kings describes the product as: “The mix that goes on giving, research has even shown it can be left in situ for two successive seasons with great results.”

Syngenta Green Headland Mix

A fast growing and strong rooting mix originally designed for sowing on uncropped areas surrounding potato and vegetable fields. The cover provided helps to protect soils from erosion and damage due to farm equipment, while also capturing and retaining high levels of valuable nutrients in the field.

According to Kings, growers who have used the Green Headland Mix have seen enhanced performance of the following crop compared to fields that had no cover.

Non-brassica Green Headland Mix

Designed for field vegetable growers or arable farms where brassica crops are a key part of the rotation, the non-brassica version of the Green Headland Mix provides the same benefits of soil protection and nutrient capture as the standard, while maintaining the rotational break clubroot and pests.

Moreover, research is currently looking at the benefits of planting these margins in the tramlines of vegetable fields.

Kings say the non-brassica mix may also provide benefits to farms that suffer from flea beetle infestations, which may compromise brassica establishment.

Bees and Seeds Mix

Finally, a mix that pioneered proactive multi-tier ecological habitat management. It is designed to provide vibrant flowering as a crucial source of pollen and nectar for insects through late summer and autumn, along with seed-bearing heads to give farmland birds an essential source of food through the winter months.

Kings added: “Sunflowers in the mix are a real stand-out for colour and attraction, as well as a long-lasting food source for farmland birds. The mix provides an ideal habitat for game birds and complements game cover.”

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Lincolnshire Showground, Lincolnshire Farming Conference.

Organised by the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, this year’s event was centred around the theme ‘Healthy soils, Healthy minds’, sparking discussion on how healthy soils and healthy minds go hand in hand.

The theme has been a key talking point in recent years due to ongoing issues with soil health across the UK, as well as reports that 36% of farmers in the UK are “possibly” or “probably” depressed, according to RABI’s Big Farming Survey.

Kelly Hewson-Fisher, chair of the Lincolnshire Farming Conference, opened the annual event by discussing the importance of soil health, saying that increasing soil organic matter by 1% can improve the water holding capacity by 20,000 gallons per acre.

The event featured Heather Wildman, managing director at Saviour Associates, insights into her farming journey and how the life-changing Nuffield Scholarship helped her begin a career in agriculture.

The Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust offers funding to those starting their career in the industry, allowing new entrants to go overseas to develop their skills and learn from others, while also helping them share ideas when they return home.

After a series of inspiring talks, NFU vice president David Exwood rounded off the conference by discussing soil health on his own farm and talking about his personal experiences with mental health and why healthy soils and healthy minds go hand in hand.

The event also featured a range of topical workshop sessions on the future of farming and increasing soil productivity, as well as demonstrations, Q&A sessions, and a number of exhibitors for attendees to browse.

Sarah Duxbury, business development and trade sales manager at Lincolnshire Showground, commented: “After being unable to host the Lincolnshire Farming Conference for two years due to Covid-19, it was great to see the event back with so many attendees.

“It was an incredible event which was filled with speeches from key names in the industry who provided their unique insights and perspectives into the theme, Healthy soils, Healthy minds, a particularly important theme for all those who work in the world of farming.”

She also highlighted how the conference facilitated open and much-needed discussions on mental health in farming and shed light on the sheer number of people it affects in the industry.

Finally, she thanked all sponsors, speakers, and delegates for making the 2023 conference a memorable event, saying “it was certainly worth the two-year wait”.

“We’re already excited for next year’s conference and looking at ways to make it even better.”

For more information about Lincolnshire Showground, visit www.lincolnshireshowground.co.uk.

To read the Big Farming Survey report, visit the RABI website here.

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