Cover cropping ahead of spring drilling can help protect soils over-winter, reduce nutrient losses and return organic matter. Grazing of cover crops by sheep can potentially reduce feed costs, return nitrogen in a readily available form and reduce the reliance on glyphosate to terminate cover crops. However, if not managed correctly, grazing can damage soil structure thereby increasing the risk of run-off and soil erosion. Selecting the correct cover crop species is crucial and must consider both impacts on livestock performance and any rotational conflicts with the following cash crop.

This trial, sponsored by AHDB, will evaluate cover crop grazing before establishing a spring crop, providing much needed feed at low cost and at a critical time of year, so that we can make good use of the fertility left behind.

Farmers who may be interested in joining this field lab are invited to attend a virtual meeting to discuss the issues and set out initial plans for a methodology.

The event will be facilitated by the trial coordinator and researchers:

Emily Pope - Emily is a Senior Knowledge Transfer Manager at AHDB. Emily studied Geography & Environmental Management at University of Exeter before completing a PhD at Harper Adams University. After lecturing in Soil & Water Management at Harper Adams University, Emily joined AHDB in 2015. She works closely with both the regional Knowledge Exchange and cross-sector research teams to establish and communicate the application of research on farms. Her work involves coordinating the demonstration of research outputs across the arable Strategic Farm and Monitor Farm programmes.

Dr. Anne Bhogal

Anne is a Principal Soil Scientist in within ADAS’ Soils and Nutrients team. Anne studied environmental science at UEA before completing a PhD focusing on the fate and efficiency of nitrogen fertiliser in long-term wheat production at Nottingham University. She has over 25 years’ experience in the research and development of policies on soil and nutrient management and is currently involved in a number of projects looking at how to measure and improve soil health, the impact of organic amendments to soils and ways to maximise the benefits of cover crops. She is a FACTS qualified advisor and Fellow of the British Society of Soil Science.

Dr. Kate Smith, ADAS - Kate is a research scientist within ADAS’ Soils and Nutrients team, Kate studied Biology at The University of Sheffield before completing a PhD focusing on the relationship between soil organic matter and soil structural condition at The University of Stirling with industrial partner Rothamsted Research. Since joining ADAS in 2010, Kate has worked with Defra, AHDB and water companies to research the impacts of cover cropping on: water quality, erosion, soil structure, soil nitrogen-supply and cash crop yields.

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Once registered, we will send you an agenda and details of how to join. By registering to attend you are expressing an interest in joining the field lab group and participating in the trial.

If you have any questions, please contact Rebecca Swinn on 0117 987 4572 or email rswinn@soilassociation.org. To find out more about Innovative Farmers, our live and concluded field labs, and the support available, click here.