Miscanthus stabilises flooded soils, say researchers
L
ow input energy crop mis- canthus can help stabilise flooded soils, according to a
researchers at Aberystwyth Uni- versity.
Miscanthus can grow well in
waterlogged and flood-prone ar- eas – as well as providing much needed soil stability, suggests a recent study by the university’s Institute of Biological Environ- mental and Rural Sciences.
Crop quality Lead researcher Jason Kam said crop quality was not com- promised by flooding. “There is no significant difference in yield and other physiological develop- ment. Observed height and tiller number have no differences be- tween winter flooded and non- flooded ground.” The Environment Agency es- timate that the UK loses 2.2 mil-
lion tonnes of topsoil very year – with more than 17% of arable land showing signs of erosion. “Miscanthus not only helps to stabilise land, it also feeds de- pleted soils, retaining vital nu- trients,” said Dr Kam.
More resilient
Miscanthus is a perennial crop, so does not need to be planted annu- ally. “This therefore reduces soil disturbance to a minimum. The structure of miscanthus rhizome and root helps to stabilise soils, making it more resilient against flood-caused soil erosion.” Interest in the crop has nev- er been greater, according to mis- canthus specialist Terravesta. It is a profitable option for marginal land where farmers find it hard to grow profitable arable crops, sug- gests Alex Robinson, the compa- ny’s general manager.
The crop which is current- ly grown on around 7,000 hec- tares of low-grade marginal land in the UK. Contracts to grow miscanthus are seen as an in- creasingly attractive diversifica- tion option for farmers looking to benefit from long-term price se- curity.
Grower return
“Miscanthus takes care of itself,” says grower Ashley Eastland. “There are no inputs with it and it’s great to see no outgoings such as chemical, fertiliser and diesel bills leaving the account.” The company launched Ter-
ravesta Athena last summer, describing it as the world’s first commercially bred miscanthus hybrid variety. It is said to deliv- er faster establishment and high- er yields sooner, improving grow- er return on investment.
Miscanthus can thrive even when waterlogged, suggests the study
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JANUARY 2020 • MIDLAND FARMER 11 28/08/2019 12:27
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