CHANGES to CAP reform rules next year are likely to see growers look more closely at the potential benefits of autumn cover crops.

Local farmers were given the chance of viewing a number of options at a trial plots open day organised by Armstrong Richardson, at Hutton Rudby, on Friday of last week.

John Charlton, from the company, said the use of cover crops in the UK had been limited, compared with European counterparts. However, they will be included as one of five ‘greening’ options for environmental focus areas, as part of the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme.

He cited several potential advantages to be gained from their use.

“The main role of cover crops is to provide an easy entry for a spring-sown crop,” said Mr Charlton. “They can improve soil structure by adding organic matter and they also have a role to play in increasing soil nutrient status, with some of the mixtures having nitrogen fixing capabilities. In addition, they can enhance soil organic matter content and help with moisture retention, as well as limiting the risk of erosion."

As agents for seed company, DSV, Stokesley-based Armstrong Richardson, had seven DSV Terra-Life cover crop mixes, designed to suit a variety of situations, on display. Mr Charlton explained that preparatory cultivations following winter barley had been simple and inexpensive.

He offered some guidance on establishment methods.

“All the mixes contain both small and large-seeded species and should be planted using a sowing depth of around 2-3cms,” said Mr Charlton. “The main aim is to drill the seed in July/August, immediately after harvesting the previous crop, using a min-till technique. Any remaining straw should be well distributed and if large quantities of straw remain, it may be advisable to apply a small quantity of nitrogen fertiliser.

“The seedbed will need to be consolidated, to conserve moisture and suppress competition from weeds and volunteer oilseed rape or cereals. Cover crops can either be left to be killed off by frost over winter, or sprayed using a herbicide in the spring. They can then be mixed into the soil, ready for the next crop.”

It was important to ensure that green matter was not incorporated into the land, so any cover crop mix which demonstrated a high level of leafy growth during the autumn should be chopped back and mulched, he added. Some of the mixes could also be grazed by livestock.

Since most cover crop mixes contained leguminous species, fertiliser recommendations were generally fairly low and could largely be supplied by farmyard manure, where available, advised Mr Charlton.