An update on the future farm systems trial
Peas are out and buckwheat is in!
An update on our Future Farming Systems trial at our Chertsey Arable Research Site, which has a conventional farm system on one side and a more experimental, future farm system on the other. Talley’s process pea crops were harvested late December separately to test for differences between the two systems. The two sides produced noteworthy differences in final product. The conventional side yielded 10.62 t/ha and quality was TR 126-140. The future farm system side yielded 9.51 t/ha, with quality TR 101-105. The conventional side had a higher yield, but the future system side was better quality which resulted in better gross margins.
Both sides had buckwheat direct drilled in early January. On the conventional side the pea vine was baled to reduce residue, resulting in drier soil conditions when sowing. On the future side the pea vine was left in situ. This did cause some challenges when drilling the buckwheat, however the increased soil moisture retained by the vine residue resulted in better conditions for seed germination. Slug baits were applied in the drill row with the seed to reduce the risk of damage during establishment.
It will be interesting to see what differences become apparent as the trial progresses. Thanks to Carrfields for the demonstrator Horsch Avatar disc drill, and Talley’s for the support and help with the pea crops.
Both sides had pre-emergence glyphosate and were irrigated 5 days after sowing.
On both sides the buckwheat crop is starting to emerge so keep an eye out for further updates!
Photos:
Below top: Horsch Avatar drill sowing buckwheat.
Below middle : Buckwheat emerging on the future system side.
Below bottom: Buckwheat emerging on the future side system.
