ARABLE

The typical rotation is two to three years of fertility building leys such as Red Clover, Lucerne, Sanfoin and herbal leys, followed by spring wheat, winter rye or spelt, spring oats and spring barley. The majority of our crops are under sown with a cover crop to naturally cultivate the soil through continuous root action, protect the land from soil and nutrient loss, provide cover and food for other animals and an additional source of cattle fodder at the end of the winter or early spring.

To improve fertility, we incorporate composted farm manure which we blend ourselves using our compost turner. Harmful pathogens and weed seeds are removed during the process and we can alter the funghi:bacteria ratio by blending different materials, thus improving nutrient availability for plants. Weeds can be a significant challenge in an organic system. We use a Harrow-Comb Weeder and the System Cameleon to help control numbers. We operate successfully with a higher weed threshold which is integral to our pest management; the volunteer plants within our crops attract beneficial insects and pollinators which, in turn, help control pests.