game cover mixtures - Countrywide Farmers

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6Evaluation of New CropsBIOMASS CROPSThe production of energy is becoming increasingly important and so therefore are the crops required tofeed the Biogas plants. There are now approximately 60 digesters in the UK with planning applications formany more. The most popular crop currently grown for this purpose in the UK is maize but also grown aregrass, cereals, fodder beet, forage rye and forage sorghum. At our trialling site between 2012 and 2014 wewill be evaluating all the above plus other species in extended replicated trials. Samples will be taken formethane evaluation and next year’s catalogue will contain a table of results so far obtained.NEW VARIETIES & MIXTURESEach year at Hailes Farm, Gloucestershire triallingsite and in consultation with many of our customers,we experiment with different products and mixtures.This enables us to observe and evaluate theirperformance so that we can select the best varietiesand mixtures for future use.Maize typesSorghum typesEnergy Fodder Beet TypesForage Rye TypesKales from New ZealandWild Bird Seed Mixtures
Establishing Game Cover Crops7Game cover crops will only reach theirfull potential if they are well managedright from the start. A successfullymanaged shoot is both profitable andrewarding to landowners and thelocal community, as it contributespositively to the countryside and theoverall environment. It is hoped thefollowing notes will help and guideyou to a successful establishment ofgame cover crops; any regional orparticular soil conditions have notbeen taken into consideration as it ispreferable to take advantage of localknowledge. If you would like more indepth information please contact yourlocal seed specialist, who will be ableto give advice for your own particularfarm/situation.Crop RotationRotations are essential to help reduce soil-borne diseasesuch as Club Root in brassicas. A rotational system willalso help to improve soil fertility and structure as eachcrop can benefit the soil in different ways, each requiringdifferent trace elements. Crop rotation is essential whereweeds and/or disease have become a persistent problem.CultivationsA well prepared seed bed is essential for crop health anddevelopment, as a rapidly growing game cover crop hasmore chance of resisting pest attack. Generally, ploughingand rapid consolidation to conserve moisture is the idealstart for these crops. Ensure the seed bed is fine and firmto help reduce the risk of slug activity.SowingWhere possible we recommend drilling game cover crops.This ensures accurate seed depth and row width and willprovide maximum seed to soil contact that will encouragea speedy establishment. Sowing at the correct row widthwill also improve bird holding and driving capability.Each growing season is completely different, but try notto sow too early to ensure the soil temperature is warmenough to encourage a quick successful germination.FertiliserSoil testing is essential to determine the fertility of thesoil, which can then be managed accordingly to maximizeits potential. Farmyard manure is an excellent way ofimproving soil structure and adding fertility. Fertiliserwill also be required at the early stages of establishmentto maximize the output of your game cover crop. Limemay be required for some acid soils to balance the soil pH.Weed ControlThe stale seed bed technique is a well proven weed controlsystem and allows early control of weeds. The techniqueinvolves spraying, ploughing and cultivating to encourageweed seeds to germinate in a first flush, then re-spraying;this can be repeated as often as you feel it is requiredto help achieve a clean seed bed. This technique is veryuseful where mixtures are grown and no herbicide can berecommended. (For chemical weed control see tables onpages 8 and 9).
Page 2 and 3: 2WelcomeYOUR COUNTRYSIDE 2012WELCOM
Page 4 and 5: 4Game Cover SelectorCropPageNo.Pack
Page 8 and 9: KEYSOLAs Game CoverLTAEU OKOK to ap
Page 10 and 11: 10Pests & Diseases in Brassicas & M
Page 12 and 13: 12Game Maize“Choosing the right c
Page 14 and 15: 14KaleKale is still one of the most
Page 16: 16SunflowersSunflowers traditionall
Page 19: Miscellaneous Crops19ArtichokesProv
Page 22: 22Game Cover Mixtures“We have had
Page 25: Environmental Stewardship Selector2
Page 28 and 29: 28Make the Most of Environmental St
Page 30 and 31: 30Stewardship Schemes For ScotlandS
Page 32 and 33: 32Glastir Welsh Environmental Schem
Page 34 and 35: 34Forage RapeForage Rape has the ad
Page 36 and 37: 36Kale“Another year on and I am o
Page 38 and 39: 38SwedeCREATE sauce pan iconSwedes
Page 40 and 41: Green Manuring Selector40Green Manu
Page 42 and 43: 42Green Manuring Cropsfor Spring So

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