Alternative spring sown options
With the wet winter weather continuing through February, there are still some spring sown crop options. These include environmental mix options, cover crops for soil improvements and forage crops. The chart below shows sowing times of different options, some that can go in as early as the end of February/early March.
Cover crop/green manures
Phacelia
Leaching prevention
Increased soil organic matter
Soil structure
Weed control
Attracts bees
Suitable wtih OSR in the rotation
Vetch
N fixation
Organic matter
Soil structure
Some weed control
Ideal before OSR
Mustard
Leaching prevention
Builds organic matter
Improved soil struction
Weed control
Radish
Leaching prevention
Builds organic matter
Improved soil structure - tillage radish is great for compacted soils
Weed control
Some nematode control depending on type
Berseem Clover
N fixation
Some weed control
Easy to incorporate
Buckwheat
Builds organic matter
Some weed control
Easy to establish
Encourage bees and wildlife
Phosphorus scavenger
Westerwolds
N lifter
Large root mass
Provides a bulky hay or silage crop - ready to cut after 12 weeks
Countryside stewardship mixes
BPS options i.e. AB1, AB9
AB1 Nectar Flower Mix
Mixes designed to create areas of flowing plants, boosting pollinators
Established between 1st March & 15th September
See: https://www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants/nectar-flower-mix-ab1 for more information
AB8 Flower-rich margins and plots
Providing pollen and nectar rich flowers to create habitats and foraging areas
Established between 1st March & 15th October
See: https://www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants/flower-rich-margins-and-plots-ab8
for more details
AB9 Winter Bird Food
Designed as a feed source for farmland birds
Several mix options available, for both one and two year options
Established between 15th February and 15th June
See: https://www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants/winter-bird-food-ab9
for further details
Spring sown forage crops / Growing Costs
Stubble Turnips - £66/t DM
Fodder Beet - £115/t DM
Swede - £62/T DM
Kale - £67/t DM
Arable Silage Mixes
Providing high protein forage
Can also be used to under sow grass, reducing establishment time
Easy to harvest and can fix some N enhancing soil and the following crop
Pea / Oat or Pea / Barley
Maize
Extra forage for livestock or AD plants
Won’t affect other crops in the rotation
Can get a winter cereal in behind after harvest
Lucerne (£140/t DM)
N fixation, and benefit to following crop
Builds soil structure
Some weed control
3-5 year potential crop
High protein forage
Drought tolerant