Cover crop trial 2020

We wanted to establish a cover crop trial, showing a selection of useful species and mixes that we offer, to highlight the benefits, note observations and extract informative data. This was done to field scale to allow for any disparities in conditions across the site.  

A selection of individual species and different types of mixes were used. From this it will be valuable to note growth habits, nutrient use or immobilisation, species vigour and growth habit alone, and how they respond when grown with other species.  Biomass above ground and rooting structure will also be looked at.  

Both single species and mixtures were used to observe how individual components behave alone and when put together. Is there synergy or antagonism? The mixes used are also designed for different purposes, emphasizing the key benefits of growing these crops.  

Soil samples were taken across all plots, at the start of the trial, and will be take later on in the season too. This will be to establish the quality of the soil and empirical evidence if the crops have made an improvement . Organic Matter assessments will also be done. 

In addition to the standard observations, Polysulphate will be applied at 2 different rates across all plots, to determine any improvements in rooting and nutrient immobilisation. 

Throughout the duration of the crop in the ground, visual assessments will be made. These images will be compared and recorded any critical developments.  Rooting structure will also be noted, and how it has affected the soil structure around it.  

Protocol: 

• Full spectrum Solvita analysis across the site 

• Site subsoiled to remove compaction and then established using standard farm equipment 

• Initial recording of emergence 

• Pictorial record of crop progression 

• Visual inspection of rooting and biomass of all plots including Polysulphate treated areas 

• Tissue analysis of the plots to determine nutrient contents 

• Second round of Solvita tests to observe any differences 

• Crop destruction 

• Follow up OM matter assessments to observe any improvements.