Technical

Promoting diverse colonies of soil biology to improve plant health is something most regenerative farming systems are based around. And while biology cannot offer consistent control of pests or disease like an agrochemical might, its use is an important piece of the integrated crop management puzzle.

Collaboration was a key theme of this year’s National Organic Conference. Alice Dyer went along.

Potato growers may be able to add value to their crops in an unexpected way, depending on the results of a new research project.

Developing chickpeas as a novel source of homegrown protein is the focus of a new research project, which will explore the potential for domestic chickpea production and boost the UK’s first chickpea breeding programme.

Simon Nelson advises farmers on a wide range of arable and forage crops across Cumbria, north Lancashire and into south west Scotland. He has worked for Agrovista for 23 years.

With variety decisions for the coming season at the forefront of minds, Alice Dyer attended an AHDB and ADAS Recommended List variety demo in Herefordshire, to find out which varieties are best suited to the West.

Good establishment of oilseed rape is essential to growing a successful crop with a decent yield. Neil Groom, general manager for Grainseed gives his top tips for getting OSR off to a strong start. 

With cover crop drilling set to closely follow the combines, Alice Dyer explores what the perfect species mix might look like.

Growers, farmers, processors and the public are asked to remain vigilant after APHA confirmed findings of Colorado potato beetle larvae in Kent.