AHDB leads UK cover crop research project

The eight cover crop champs selected by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB)’s Cereals & Oilseeds team will each focus on a different cover crop technique.

The crop cover champion initiative was first introduced in the US. Now, work will be carried out in various UK locations, with the farmers recording their core measurements and observations during the 2024/25 growing season, sharing practical case studies on their individual techniques’ impacts.

Cover crops are grown over a single winter to cover bare soil and stubble. However, the duration of the cover can vary from a few weeks to several months or years, depending on the approach and the specific objective.

“Cover crops can have many environmental, soil, crop and economic benefits. The best approach will depend on the farm’s objectives and how well the cover crop fits into the system,”​ explained Ana Reynolds, head of sustainable farming and research at AHDB.

This research comes as farmers call for independent information, especially that which can help them diversify their income.

The eight farms are located in Scotland, Northern Ireland, the North East, East Midlands, East Anglia, South East, South West, and North West; and will assess different methods including, if a biostimulant seed treatment (based on endophytes) can improve the germination and establishment of two simple cover crop mixes and the use of sensors to track soil nutrients and moisture.

Most of the champions already have several years of experience and want to take their approaches to the next level. Although one study – taking place in Essex – will be undertaken by famers relatively new to cover cropping and focus on exploring various techniques to identify the best approach for their farm.

All champions will include assessments of nitrogen (in the soil and the crop) to help determine the influence of cover crops on nutrient dynamics. How to estimate the availability of nitrogen to the next cash crop following a cover crop is a key question.

After a very wet 2023/24 growing season, the project provides a good opportunity to assess how cover crops can help soils recover.

“The champions will use a common trial protocol and document their approaches – from the mixes used to the way cover crops are established, grown and terminated. By sharing their successes and failures, we want to help other farmers on their cover crop journeys, build on the work at our Strategic Cereal Farms and Monitor Farms and inform the development of decision support tools,”​ added Reynolds.

In other news, Roberts Bakery has appointed Julia Banton as its new managing director as Bill Thurston takes on CEO position.​​