Livestock farmers are leading research into diverse winter grazing crops to cut feed and input costs while boosting soil health and biodiversity.
The Innovative Farmers field lab project is comparing their usual winter forage of a single species brassica mono-culture with a diverse, 16 species fodder crop mix – including clovers, hairy vetch, ryegrass, spring oats, kale and linseed.
The aim is to provide a nutritional crop that maintains animal health and performance, while at the same time reducing soil erosion and create habitats for nature during winter grazing, said triallist George Greed.
Mr Greed milks 280 cows on a 230ha organic farm in Devon. Soils are a mix of aluvial with some deep loamy areas. “I am interested to find out what benefits diverse fodder can provide,” he said.
This trial is testing whether the higher biomass of a diverse crop can boost farm resilience by protecting the soil structure. It is hoped benefits will include reduced erosion and run off, and higher worm counts, infiltration rates, and water holding capacity.
The field lab’s findings could be particularly significant as keeping soils covered over winter is set to be rewarded in the new Sustainable Farming Incentive.
For more details about the trial, visit www.innovativefarmers.org.
