Soil health
Caution urged over rush to regenerative
agriculture • Better decision-making is important • Robust data puts farmers in control • Technology aids a holistic approach
F
armers are in danger of allow- ing a leap into regenerative ag- riculture pull their business out
of shape, growers have been warned. Regenerative farming systems can be more sustainable. But some farmers are rejecting current practice without robust data to inform their decisions, said Richard Williamson, managing director of software company Trini- ty AgTech. Mr Williamson was speaking as a panellist at an event hosted by the Eu- ropean Circular Bioeconomy Fund. En- couragement should be given to tech- nologies that enable farmers to take a holistic approach in how they adopt innovation, he said. While precision technology could provide solutions, maintaining soil health should remain at the heart of all agricultural businesses. “New tech- nology cannot come in at the expense of the fundamentals of good manage- ment,” said Mr Williamson. The event brought together organ-
isations to explore ways that agri-tech and precision farming solutions can help farmers meet these targets while capturing opportunities in carbon and natural capital markets. “In the UK, the Basic Payment
Scheme (BPS) has blunted the effect innovation can have on ensuring pro- gress for farming businesses,” said Mr Williamson. “We currently have an analogue system where so much of the value created on farm is captured and con- sumed by intermediaries between the farmgate and the end customer.
Market value “As BPS falls away, the opportunity is to move to a digital system. But if farmers are to take more control and to capture back the value they deserve from the market, they need the data on their farm and access to it that is easy to use.” Trinity AgTech has developed a simple-to-use digital assistant called
Sandy to allow farmers to accurate- ly and independently assess their farm’s sustainability. The company says Sandy can help steer a path to greater profitability. Sandy’s core tools include carbon footprint and biodiversity assess- ments. It can also be used to optimise livestock feed strategies; monitor crop performance; and analyse productivi- ty and financial performance at farm, crop and field level. The software was developed by a team of more than 30 scientists and engineers in consultation with farm- ers and industry leaders. It integrates with a range of other farm software through an easy-to-use series of tools.
The software helps capture opportunities from soil carbon storage.
Attention to detail gets best from cover crops
Cover crops can have a valuable role in improving soil health – but care- ful selection and management is re- quired for best results. That was the message at an open
day hosted by Claydon Yield-o-Meter chief executive Jeff Claydon to mark the company’s 40th anniversary. The ideal cover crop mix includes plants which degrade easily and are easily incorporated, he said. “We have experimented with them since 2016 because – as farmers – we wanted to assess how they might benefit our own soils and – as a ma- chinery manufacturer – we needed first-hand experience and results to discuss with customers.” Mr Claydon said he wanted the cover crop in the ground long enough to gain maximum advantage from the rooting structure – but not so long
logical benefits. They can improve soil structure and drainage and help to re- duce erosion.
“They can increase soil biota and or- ganic matter content. They can provide food and shelter for insects and wild- life and increase biodiversity. Cover crops can also be of benefit by harness- ing nutrients and suppressing weeds.” Dick Neale of agronomy firm
that it generated excessive stick-like biomass.
“When used in combination with an effective stubble management pro- gramme, cover crops can provide sig- nificant agronomic, economic, and eco-
Jeff Claydon and Dick Neale in spring oats which followed the cover crop.
Hutchinsons said careful manage- ment and a good seed mix were key to the best results. A good root system allowed water to penetrate the soil – aiding fieldwork by making it easier to travel earlier in the spring. Whether it was a catch crop, a cov- er crop or a cash crop, it was always important to manage the way water sits within the soil – and its impact on structure – especially when a wet au- tumn followed a dry summer.
AUGUST 2021 • ANGLIA FARMER 41
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