2020 A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO ENVIRONMENTAL, GREEN MANURE, GAME COVER AND FORAGE SEEDS
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2020 A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO ENVIRONMENTAL, GREEN MANURE, GAME COVER AND FORAGE SEEDS
Welcome
02 YOUR COUNTRYSIDE 2020
NEW F
2020
OR
A warm welcome to all RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT THE LATEST PRODUCTS Supporting
who regularly receive All the species marketed by DLF Seeds Ltd. are trialled at our NEW UPDATES farmers to
Gloucestershire site. In consultation with many of our customers, help their
our spring catalogue we trial and evaluate many different types of products and Stewardship Selector 05
mixture prescriptions. We believe this is the most important local wildlife
and those who are reading NE
RECIW
part of the process as we procure seed from more than a dozen Organic Species 20 & 21
Farm Wildlife provides farmers and advisers with
it for the first time, we hope countries, so testing and evaluating performance under UK
PE best practice guidance on helping wildlife on their
2020
conditions is vital. Our customers may rest assured that they Chemical Charts 24 & 25
you find it informative. are dealing with a forward thinking company which invests
farms and inspiring them to take action. Farm Wildlife
guidance has been produced by a partnership of some
heavily in R&D, majoring in forage crops but also focusing on Forage Maize 26
of the UK’s leading conservation organisations and the
many other crop species. Our Product, Species and Mixture of
Every year growers are faced with Forage Crop Selector 37 farmers they work with.
the year have been carefully selected using customer feedback.
different challenges, from adverse The 6 point plan to manage arable farms for wildlife
weather conditions to increased pest Our main goal is to ensure that our customers receive the best provides advice on how to enhance:
possible product portfolio we can supply for the stewardship NEW VARIETIES, MIXTURES
problems and changes in legislation. schemes and the Your Countryside catalogue continues to offer
1. Existing Habitats 2. Field boundaries
We continue to expand our diverse valuable technical information and advice on a diverse range Colour Boost Mixtures 09 3. Flower-rich habitats 4. Wet features
range of species and choice of of game cover, environmental stewardship mixtures, root crops 5. Seed-rich habitats 6. Farmed areas
and cover crops products. Rapid Gain & Gromore Mixtures 10
specialist mixtures, bringing Game
Cover, Environmental Stewardship, However, if you are unable to find exactly what you are looking Herbs & Legumes 11
Roots and Cover crops together in for within this catalogue, please contact your local technical
expert who will be able to assist and advise you on your Corsa Kale 42
one comprehensive catalogue. We specialist mixture.
hope you find Your Countryside 2020
Arable Silage Mixtures 43
a useful and informative guide. We gratefully acknowledge all photographic contributions.
WE WORK CLOSELY WITH:
Promoting the restoration of wild
Natural England, RSPB, Campaign for the Farmed
plants and habitats for biodiversity,
Environment, Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, landscapes and people
Bumblebee Conservation Trust and Floral Locale.
www.floralocale.org For more information go to www.farmwildlife.info
Contents 03
ENVIRONMENTAL GAME COVER CROPS FORAGE CROPS AN
TST DI
Basic Guide to EFA's with Forage Crop Selector 37
NG
Game Cover Selector 20
U
2019
★O
★
Mixture options England 4 Turnips 38
Establishing Game Cover Crops 22 PRODUCT
Countryside Stewardship Selector 5 Forage Rape 39 OF THE YEAR
Wild Bird Seed Mixtures 6 Pests & Diseases in Brassicas and Maize 23 Fodder Beet 40
Buffer Strip Mixtures 8 Game Cover Chemicals 24 Swedes 41
Solar Mixtures 9 Maize Herbicides 25 Kale 42
Root Mixtures & Arable Silage 43 LEGUME & HERB RICH MIXTURE See page 10
Nectar Rich Mixtures 9 Forage Maize 26
Legume & Herb Rich Mixtures 10
Game Maize 27
Fallow Mixtures 10
Kale 28
ORGANIC SEEDS AN
Herbs & Legumes 11 TST DI
Wild Bird Seed Mixtures 6
NG
U
2019
★O
Scottish Rural Development Programme 12 Brassicas 29 Nectar Rich Mixtures 9
★
Basic Payment Scheme - Scotland 13 Sorghums 30 Green Manuring Crops 17 PRODUCT
OF THE YEAR
Glastir Welsh Environmental Scheme 14 Millets 31 Game Cover Selector 20
Game Cover Crops 33
Game Cover Crops 32 Forage Crops 39
BIOGAS Game Cover Mixtures 35 Arable Silage 43 WBS 2 WILD BIRD SEED MIXTURE See page 06
Biogas Crops 15
ICON GUIDE
AN
TST DI
GREEN MANURING
NG
U
2019
★O
★
Green Manuring 16 PRODUCT
Green Manuring Selector 17 COVER FEED NECTAR LIFTING CATTLE GRAZING SHEEP GRAZING CULINARY USE
OF THE YEAR
Green Manuring Crops 18
DISCLAIMER Any information provided in this catalogue is given in good faith and to the best of our existing knowledge.
Green Manuring Mixtures 19 Any advice should therefore be taken as a general guide only and not relied upon for all conditions and circumstances.
We cannot accept any legal liability for information given in this guide. In any instance where there are shortages of BANGOR FODDER BEET See page 40
specified species we reserve the right to substitute equivalent species.
CFE promotes good environment management through productive Choosing the right measures, putting them in the right place Retaining buffer strips will benefit
Championing the Farmed Environment (CFE) farming practices. The farming and environmental partnership and carrying out the right management will reap the greatest wildlife and reduce the risk of water
encourages farmers to incorporate more environmental measures rewards. Maintaining and improving what you already have pollution and soil loss. Awkward corners,
E N V I R O N ME NTAL
into the everyday farming practices in a way that supports their and setting aside less productive areas of land for wildlife or wet area and small fields can be used
T: 024 7685 85255 business and the environment on which it relies. A combination other environmental benefits is often the most efficient way for Ecological Focus Area fallow options,
E: cfe@nfu.org.uk of funded activity through Stewardship schemes and voluntary to do this. If you have an existing Stewardship agreement it is making field work easier and delivering
www.cfeonline.org.uk measures which sit alongside productive farming practices offers probably worth retaining the options as they are established substantial benefit for wildlife and the
the best options for the farm business and the wider environment. and may already be on less productive areas of the farm. environment when managed well.
04 Basic Guide to EFA’s with Mixture Options
EFA Buffer Strips and Field Margins 1m Length BGM 3 Legume & Species
Flower
Nectar Pollen &
Buffer Strips must be next to or run parallel with a water course or on a slope leading to a BGM 1 & BGM 2 & Herbal Rich Rich Nectar
water course. In addition to buffer strips you can now claim field margins towards your EFA = 9m2 BGM 1 RC BGM 2 RC
BGM 4 & Herb Rich Meadow Grass
Rich
Gold or with
(beyond strips adjacent or parallel to water courses). Minimum width of 1 metre. BGM 5 Mixture Margin
(1112m = 1ha) Mixture Bronze Grass
The same buffer strips can be used to meet both greening and cross compliance rules.
BGM 1 & BGM 2 & Flower Pollen & Annual ForageMax®
EFA Fallow Land BGM 3
BGM 4
Rich Nectar Nectar Grass
Fallow Period 1st January to 30th June. BGM 1 RC BGM 2 RC & BGM 5
Margin with Grass Mixture Mixtures
Minimum width 2m wide with a minimum area of 0.01ha. Wild Bird Mixtures & Nectar Rich 1m2
Mixtures encouraged. Temporary grass & buffer strips can be managed as fallow. Grass
can be sown during the fallow period as long as there is no production during the fallow (1ha = 1ha)
WBS 1 Decoy Feed & Northern Traditional Nectar Nectar
period. Fallow land can be mown as long as the cuttings are left on the land. Can utilise WBS 2 Mixture & Partridge
Cover WBS 1 Game Rich Rich
grass after fallow period. WBS 3 Broadshot Mixture
WBS 4 Mixture Mixture & WBS 2 Cover Gold Bronze
EFA Catch crops / Cover crops
Catch crops established by 20th August and retained until at least 14th October. Cover
crops established by 1st October and retained until 15th January. Must consist of a sown
mix of at least 2 different cover types (1 cereal & 1 non-cereal) that establishes quickly, 0.3m2 Revival N-Rich N-Hance
achieves good ground cover and has different root depths. Crops to choose from are rye, (3.3ha = 1ha) Cover Mixture Cover Mixture Cover Mixture
oats, barley, phacelia, mustard, vetch, radish and Lucerne. The list does not include crops
that would usually be grazed. Minimum area 0.01ha. Grass can also be used, but it must
be undersown in the previous crop and established.
EFA Nitrogen Fixing Crops Mixture EFA EFA Nectar Alsike
An eligible list of leguminous crops has been published. In addition to pure stands of Lucerne Red & Vetch & Peas Yellow
0.7m2 Nitrogen Nitrogen Rich
& White Black &
&
Blossom
Birdsfoot
nitrogen fixing crop you will be allowed to sow a mixture of different nitrogen fixing crop Rich Fixing Bronze & Crimson Trefoil
species or mixtures of nitrogen fixing crops and other crops, as long as 50%+ is nitrogen (1.4ha = 1ha) Sainfoin Clover Medick Beans Clover
Mixture Ley Gold Clover
fixing crops. Must be in the ground 1st May-30th June. Minimum plot size 0.01 ha.
EFA Plant Protection Products Ban – A complete ban of use on:
EFA Hedges 1m Length
· EFA Fallow Land – 1/1 to 30/6 six month period only
Hedges need to be next to arable land. Minimum length 20 metres, with no minimum = 10m2 · EFA Catch and Cover Crops – 8 or 13 week period only
height or width. Newly planted hedges eligible.
(1km = 1ha) · EFA Nitrogen-fixing Crops – entire crop cycle
Countryside Stewardship Selector
STEWARDSHIP SELECTOR
Wildflowers
BGM 4 with
BGM 5 with
Ryegrass
BGM 3 t &
Cocksfo
Clover
s Rich
Grass
BGM sfoot + R
Cock
w
with
Specie
BGM ksfoot
eado
2 no
o
Entry Level Stewardship selector with options that are also available
Coc
Wil or 1 ith
al M
under Higher Level Stewardship Schemes and Countryside Stewardship Scheme.
dflo 5%
2n
0% G w
rs
BG cksfo
o
we
Herb
Co
or 1 SR
M
C
l M tur erb
1 w ot +
ea e &
rba ix H
w
He h M e &
ith RC
SW2 SW3 SW4 SW7
AB8 GS8 GS14 SW1
do
2 SW3
BG ocks
AB3 GSSW3 SW4 SWWT2
SW2 SW8 WT1
Ric gum
WT2 SW7 SW2 SW3
1
C
M foo
5%
8 WT
SW4
AB3 SW7
Countryside Stewardship Scheme Description
1w t
x
SW8 WT1 WT2
T1 W4 W1
Le
T2 W7
Ma
Bu
GS3 SW1 SW
AB 3 S W
ith
8 W W3 S 14 S
1 GS14
SW1 SW8 WT2
Bu tter
SW4 SW1 SW
S
ow
CSS Higher Tier CSS Mid Tier CSS Code CSS Option Title
WT 4 S W1
7
mb fly
ad
W
SW 4 SW
Arable
4 S
AB 3 S
S
SW
leb and
Me
SW2 WT1
rop
G
W
3 W4 W
1 S 7
ee
T2 S 1
8 W W3 S1
AB1 Nectar flower mixture
hC
SW21 GS4
7 SW 1 W W4 4 SW
✓ ✓
W7
W
SW4
GS S T1
2
SW1
Mi
SWW2 S S8 G
tc
S
W2 SW
AB3
1 W W 3
AB2 Basic overwinter stubble
SW3
S
AB
✓ ✓ x Ca
7
WT 3 S1
WF
SW 7
e
3 SW
tur
1
AB3 Beetle banks n
WT 4
S
GS
✓ ✓
G
1 lia
05
T
8 SW G
1 SW
SW 4 W
W
Mix rder
W
S
1
2
Ita
EE2 EE3
AB7 Wholecrop cereals
B8
4
3
S
✓ ✓
1 SW T1
EC24 EE1 EE2 EE3 EE9
SW 8
SWW2 GS
e
8
WT 3
k O
EC
SW T2
F1 A
8 SW
SW 7 W
spo to
AB8 Flower-rich margins & plots
E9
✓ ✓
EC24
S
2
24
S 1
AB
Be cked
2 SW T2
K21
EE3 E
GS
SW 2
AB9 Winter bird food
✓ ✓ 8 ax
SW 8
E
Poll
EE1 EE2
Pa
C
geM
9E
E9 E
EC24 EK20 EE1
GS
EE1
with en & N
24
AB13 Brassica fodder crop
Fora more
✓ ✓
E
8
SW W1
E
EE7 EE8 EE9
C2
EF7 E EE1 EE2
E
E
Gra ectar GS
See re for tives
E3 E
AB15 Two year sown legume fallow
E1
EE2
S
4
✓ ✓
EE3
EE12 EF1
ss 14 3
E
GS chu rna
EE3
E
EC
E
AB16 Autumn sown bumblebird mix
EC2 EE2 E
✓ ✓ r
E2 9
1
Bro ss alte
EE3 EE9
J9
Tie
E2
9
24
EE
E
her
1E
Grassland A
EC24
E2 EE
E
SW1B3 GS
EE
EE9
gra
E
E3 7
24 3
Hig
EE8
E
Necta
1 EE
E
EC EE
4
E
EE1
SW21 GS4 age
4E
E3 9 EJ
EE 9
Necta r Rich Gold
EE8
GS1 Take field corners out of field management
le Sil
✓ ✓
E
21 E2
2 EF
F
EC2
Arab ixtures
EE 9
SW3 GS8
EK E1 E
EE 7
✓ ✓ GS3 Ryegrass seed-set as winter food for birds r Rich & 10
8
GS3
3 EJ
SW4 GS14 EF EJ
Bronz 1 M
EE 9
E
✓ ✓ GS4 Legume and herb-rich swards 2
e SW7 HE
Buffer Strip EJ
8
GS8 Creation of species-rich grassland EE1 10
✓ EC2 20
✓ GS14 Creation of grassland for target features 4E
E3
2 HE1 s EK
1H
E10
Musta
rd
Flower Rich AB1 EE8 0
EG EK2
0 AB7
Organic EE9 EJ5
Margin M EF1 J 2
B7
Mixtu Rich
ixtu E
✓ ✓ OP1 Overwintered stubble re AB8 GS8
WT1 WT2 AB2 A
The
res
EF4
Fodder Radish
✓ ✓ OP2 Wild bird seed mixture J13
EC24 EE1 J10 E
F22 E
Nectar
✓ ✓ OP4 Multi-species ley
EE8 EE9
EE2 EE3 EF6 E AB2 AB7
Stewardship
OP5 Undersown cereal EE12 EF1
✓ ✓ Legume & Fallow AB15 GS8 SW1 SW2 SW3 EF6 EF22
ro p s
Soil and Water EC24
Mixture SW4 WT1 WT2 EE1 EE2 EE3 EE7 EE8 EE9 EF6 EF22 EJ10 EJ13 AB2 AB7 Kwik Fix
✓ ✓ SW1 4-6m buffer strip on cultivated land
Scheme EJ13
B ra s s
ver C
✓ ✓ SW2 4-6m buffer strip on intensive grassland AB13
Selector
EJ10 EJ13
✓ SW3 In-field grass strips Kale
✓ ✓ SW4 12-24m watercourse buffer strip on cultivated land AB13 EJ10
EJ13
Vetch
ica
Co
SW5 Enhanced management of maize crops EJ10
✓ ✓
Rape W EJ13
Forage AB13
s
e e il d B
✓ ✓ SW6 Winter cover crops EJ1
0E AB7 Forage Rye
ics
S
J13
✓ ✓ SW7 Arable reversion to grassland with low fertiliser input
AB1
3 d M ir d EJ1
ix t u re O r g a n
0E
✓ ✓ SW8 Management of intensive grassland adjacent to a watercourse EF J13
6 SW5
edes s
Where this is not possible, you must contact your Organic Inspection body for a derogation.
EF
Wetlands Sw SW6
2
3 22
AB1
EF
WT1 Buffering in-field ponds and ditches in improved grassland Barley
✓ ✓ s SW
urnip
OF
5 S
ble T
WT2 Buffering in-field ponds and ditches in arable land
2
✓ ✓ 3
OF4
B1 W
Stub A 6
OE1 OE2 OE3 OE8
ELS & HLS Description
OE12 OF1 OF73 OK20 OK21
EJ13
OJ5 OJ9 OJ1
SW
HF12
5 N-R
OELS e 13 SW ich
az AB 6
ELS Code HLS Code Code* ELS & HLS Description
te r Gr
Options for trees and woodland Win A B9
EC24 Hedgerow tree buffer strips on cultivated land Rev
OG1 OJ2
ival
oot
OP
Options for buffer strips
1
dR
OE9
9
AB
api
OP
EE1 OE1 2m Buffer strips on cultivated land N-H
AB
2
R
9
EE2 OE2 4m Buffer strips on cultivated land anc
9
AB
Sp e
OP
EE3 OE3 6m Buffer strips on cultivated land
AB9
m rin
2
oo
OP5
EE8 OE8 Buffering in-field ponds in arable land gO
AB16
Z
OP4
Higher Tier
EE9 OE9 6m buffer strips on intensive grassland next to a watercourse 4 ils
HE10 Floristically enhanced grass buffer strips (non-rotational) 3, Ra ed
e
2,
Or
* Use only organic seed mixes on OELS-eligible land.
EE12 OE12 Supplement to add wildflowers to field corners & buffer strips
1, pe
ga
Selector BS
nic
Options for arable land
1
Org
W
Mu
S
Key:
EF1 OF1 Management of field corners
WB
ani
s tar
EF2 OF2 Wild bird seed mixture ix
ern
c W eed M
er M
d
EF4 OF4 Nectar flower mixture
rth
Org Flower
S
untryside Mixtu
ild
EF6 OF6 Overwintered stubble
r Co
Cov
No
res
Organ l Purpose
Bir x
You
anic
EF7 OF7 Beetle banks
ix
d&
d
em
S Sch e Code
ge M
HF12 Enhanced wild birdseed mix plots (rotational or non- rotational)
packed to order
i
Ask for special
Dua
CS
Nec ix
Fee
oMax
EF22 Extended overwintered stubble
requirements
©DLF seeds and science 2019
Bespoke mix
mix tailored
Scheme
id
Options to encourage a range of crop types HIS
tar
M
Partr
WBA 2
70%
EG1 OG1 Under sown spring cereals
&
to your
Co
ELS
Options to protect soil and water
de
EJ2 OJ2 Management of maize crops to reduce soil erosion
EJ5 OJ5 In-field grass areas to prevent erosion and run-off
EJ9 OJ9 12m buffer strips for watercourses on culitvated land.
EJ10 Enhanced mgmt. of maize crops to reduce soil erosion & run off
EJ13 OJ13 Winter cover crops
Options for grassland outside the severely disadvantaged areas (SDAs) DISCLAIMER: Any information provided in this table is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge.
EK20 OK20 Ryegrass seed-set as winter/ spring food for birds If you would like further advice please contact your local Natural England Advisor.
EK21 OK21 Legume and herb-rich swards
“This bespoke mixture
provides high levels of
insect activity (biodiversity)
E N V I R O N ME NTAL
and benefits to wildlife
along with a large quantity
of nutritious seed for the
birds. I like an open game
cover that not only holds the
birds but also allows them
to move freely."
Wild Bird Seed Mixtures
Tom Carter, North Dorset,
December 2019
06
SPRING SOWN MIXTURES
WBS 1 (AB9) 1 Year Spring Sown WBS 2 (AB9) 1 - 2 Year Spring Sown WBS 3 (AB9) 1 Year Spring Sown WBS 4 (AB9) 1 Year Spring Sown Feed & Cover Mixture (AB9)
Attracts Tree Sparrows Attracts Grey Partridge Attracts Finches & Buntings Attracts Finches & Buntings 24% Spring Barley
50% Spring Triticale 45% Spring Triticale 50% Spring Triticale 45% Spring Triticale 24% Spring Triticale
40% Spring Barley 20% Spring Barley 15% Spring Barley 25% Spring Barley 15% Spring Wheat
5% White Millet 15% Spring Wheat 15% Spring Wheat 8.5% Dwarf Sorghum 10% Spring Oats
3% Fodder Radish 7% Kale 8% White Mustard 7% White Millet 7% Dwarf Sorghum
2% Red Millet 4% Fodder Radish 7% Linseed 5% Linseed 6% White Millet
100% 4% White Millet 5% Forage Rape 4% Japanese Reed Millet 5% Linseed
3% Quinoa 100% 3% Red Millet 3% Japanese Reed Millet
Sowing rate 40kg/ha 2% Red Millet 2.5% Gold of Pleasure 2.5% Red Millet
Pack size 20kg Sowing rate 40kg/ha 2.5% Gold of Pleasure
100% 100%
Pack size 20kg 1% Quinoa
Sowing rate 40kg/ha Sowing rate 40kg/ha
100%
Pack size 20kg Pack size 20kg
WBS 4 - Herbicide tolerant, but please discuss with Sowing rate 40kg/ha
your agronomist for current specific products and Pack size 20kg
AN recommendations.
TST DI
NG
U
2019
★O
★
PRODUCT ORGANIC WILD BIRD SEED MIXTURE 1 ORGANIC WILD BIRD SEED MIXTURE 2
OF THE YEAR
1 Year Spring Sown 1 - 2 Year Spring Sown
70% Organic Spring Wheat/Barley 70% Organic Spring Wheat/Barley
20% Spring Triticale 10% Spring Triticale
5% White Millet 7% Kale
For Higher Tier & HLS these mixtures must 3% Fodder Radish 4% Fodder Radish
be agreed with the local Natural England 2% Red Millet 4% White Millet
Advisor before ordering seed. 100% 3% Quinoa
OUTSTANDING PRODUCT OF THE YEAR 2% Red Millet
Sowing rate 40kg/ha
Bespoke mixtures can be packed to order. 100%
Everyone’s talking Pack size 20kg
about it! Sowing rate 40kg/ha
Treatment Some species may be treated Pack size 20kg
Wild
mixt Bird See
ure d
impo s provid
E N V I R O N ME NTAL
rtant e
reso food
u
farm rces for
land
& ins birds
ects
Wild Bird Seed Mixtures 07
NORTHERN SPRING SOWN MIXTURES AUTUMN SOWN MIXTURES
Partridge Mixture (AB9) Northern Shot Mixture Northern WBS 1 (AB9) Northern WBS 2 WBA 1
50% Spring Barley 35% Spring Triticale 1 Year Spring Sown 2 Year Spring Sown 1 Year Autumn Sown
30% Spring Triticale 25% Spring Barley 60% Spring Triticale 50% Spring Triticale 40% Winter Triticale
15% Linseed 20% Spring Wheat 20% Spring Barley 10% Spring Barley 28% Winter Barley
4% Gold of Pleasure 10% Kale 8% Linseed 10% Spring Wheat 10% Fodder Radish
1% Kale 5% Hybrid Brassica 4% White Mustard 7% Kale 10% Forage Rape
2% Perennial Chicory 4% Forage Rape 7% Quinoa 10% Winter Vetch
100%
2% Yellow Blossom Clover 3% Phacelia 7% Fodder Radish 2% Gold of Pleasure
Sowing rate 62kg/ha 1% Green Fennel 1% Fodder Radish 4% Yellow Blossom Clover 100%
Pack size 25kg 3% Green Fennel
100% 100% Sowing rate 40kg/ha
2% Red Clover
Sowing rate 50 - 60kg/ha Sowing rate 40kg/ha Pack size 20kg
100%
Pack size 20kg Pack size 20kg
WBA 2 Autumn Sown Bumblebird Mixture
Sowing rate 20kg/ha
(AB16) 2 Year Autumn Sown
Pack size 20kg
Northern Star Game Mixture 25% Winter Triticale
36% Spring Beans 15% Winter Barley
30% Spring Triticale
20% Spring Wheat
NON CEREAL MIXTURES 15% Winter Wheat
8% Fodder Radish
5% Forage Rape Northern WBS 2 Farmland (Wild) Bird Seed Mixture 6% Winter Vetch
5% Kale Non Cereal Non Cereal 5% Birdsfoot Trefoil
2% Quinoa 23% Kale 45% Linseed 5% Lucerne
2% Yellow Blossom Clover 23% Quinoa 25% Buckwheat 5% Crimson Clover
23% Fodder Radish 17% Fodder Radish 5% Gold of Pleasure
100% 5% Kale
14% Yellow Blossom Clover 10% White Millet
10% Green Fennel 3% Phacelia 2.5% Red Clover
Sowing rate 50kg/ha
2% Phacelia
Pack size 20kg 7% Red Clover 100% 0.5% Oxeye Daisy
100% 0.5% Wild Carrot
Treatment Some species may be treated Sowing rate 20kg/ha
0.4% Yarrow
Sowing rate 12kg/ha Pack size 10kg
0.1% Black Knapweed (N)
Other mixtures Pack size 10kg
Decoy Mixture – pg 35 100%
that also may be
Northern Star Game Mixture suitable for AB9: Broadshot – pg 35 The small seed element of Northern WBS2 and Farmland (Wild) Bird Seed Mixture without
Sowing rate 40kg/ha
cereals have been formulated for those who have access to home grown cereals.
Pack size 20kg (N) = UK Native Seed
Bumblebee Conservation Trust supporting wild pollinators on your land
Flower Bumblebees and solitary bees are very important pollinators of both commercial agricultural
rass
Rich G vide crops and wild flowers. Many UK species have declined in recent years due to habitat loss.
E N V I R O N ME NTAL
s pro
Margin abitat for Bumblebees rely on flower rich habitats from March to September to provide essential nectar
ant h resources for colony growth. They also require undisturbed tussocky grassland for nesting.
import tebrates
inver ds
There are a number of ways these habitats can be provided on arable and livestock farms, including planting pollen and nectar margins
and bir or wildflower buffer strips and implementing a more sensitive management regime; no/very light application of farm-yard manure, no
chemical fertilizers, taking a late hay cut (Mid-July to August) allowing wildflowers to set seed and adopting a sensitive grazing regime.
Buffer Strip Mixtures
Details on how you may improve your land for bumblebees and other pollinators can be found in our series of land management
fact sheets: www.bumblebeeconservation.org/get-involved.We can also offer tailored advice in our target areas.
Please contact advice@bumblebeeconservation.org.
08
BUFFER STRIPS MIXTURES
BGM 1 with Cocksfoot BGM 1 RC Red Clover BGM 2 no Cocksfoot BGM 2 RC Red Clover BGM 3 with Pollen & Nectar BGM 4 with Wildflowers Flower Rich
30% Creeping Red Fescue and Cocksfoot 25% Creeping Red Fescue no Cocksfoot Cocksfoot and Clover with Grass (GS4) & Fine Grasses (AB8) Margin Mixture (AB8)
20% Hard Fescue 25% Creeping Red Fescue 20% Hard Fescue 25% Creeping Red Fescue 25% Creeping Red Fescue 10% Cocksfoot 25% Chewings Fescue 25% Slender Red Fescue
20% Tall Fescue 20% Hard Fescue 20% Chewings Fescue 20% Hard Fescue 20% Tall Fescue 10% Meadow Fescue 20% Hard Fescue 15% Hard Fescue
15% Cocksfoot 20% Tall Fescue 20% Tall Fescue 20% Chewings Fescue 15% Timothy 10% Tall Fescue 15% Slender Red Fescue 12% Chewings Fescue
15% Timothy 15% Timothy 15% Timothy 15% Timothy 15% Cocksfoot 10% Tall Oat Grass 15% Creeping Red Fescue 10% SSMG
15% Hard Fescue 10% Red Clover 10% Crested Dogstail
100% 15% Cocksfoot 100% 15% Tall Fescue 5% Sainfoin
5% Birdsfoot Trefoil 10% Sainfoin 5% Smaller Cats Tail
Sowing rate 20kg/ha 5% Red Clover Sowing rate 20kg/ha 5% Red Clover 4% SSMG
5% Small White Clover 10% Timothy 3% Browntop Bent
Pack size 20kg 100% Pack size 20kg 100% 4% Crested Dogstail
100% 8% Birdsfoot Trefoil 3% Sainfoin
Sowing rate 20 kg/ha Sowing rate 20 kg/ha 3.5% Winter Vetch
Sowing rate 20kg/ha 6% Winter Vetch 3% Winter Vetch
Pack size 20kg Pack size 20kg 2.25% Red Clover
Pack size 20kg 5% Creeping Red Fescue 2.5% Birdsfoot Trefoil
5% Hard Fescue 2% Browntop Bent
2.5% Black Medick
4% Black Medick 1% Birdsfoot Trefoil
2% Red Clover
Species-Rich Wild Flowers Species-Rich Grass BGM 5 with Ryegrass (GS3) 1% Alsike Clover 1% Black Medick
1.25% Oxeye Daisy
(SRWF)* Native (SRG)* Ryegrass seed set as winter 0.3% Musk Mallow 0.5% Alsike Clover
1.20% Wild Carrot
20% Selfheal (N) 20% SSMG food for birds 0.3% Oxeye Daisy 0.4% Yarrow 1.20% Yarrow
10% Birdsfoot Trefoil (N) 20% Creeping Red Fescue 40% Italian Ryegrass 0.2% Selfheal (N) 0.4% Oxeye Daisy 1% Red Campion (N)
10% Black Medick (N) 20% Browntop Bent 30% Inter. Perennial Ryegrass 0.15% Yarrow 0.4% Wild Carrot
10% Ribwort Plantain (N) 1% Ribwort Plantain
10% Meadow Fescue 30% Late Perennial Ryegrass 0.05% Sheeps Burnet 0.3% Red Campion (N) 0.5% Musk Mallow
10% Yellow Rattle (N)
10% Sheeps Fescue 100% 100% 0.25% Ribwort Plantain 0.5% Self Heal (N)
8% Oxeye Daisy (N)
6% Red Campion (N) 10% Hard Fescue Sowing rate 20kg/ha 100% 0.25% Yellow Rattle (N)
Sowing rate 35kg/ha
5% White Campion (N) 10% Crested Dogstail Pack size 10kg Sowing rate 16 - 20kg/ha 0.1% Salad Burnet (N)
Pack size 20kg
4% Yarrow (N) 100% Pack size 20kg 100%
3% Black Knapweed (N) Pack size 20kg Sowing rate 16 - 20kg/ha
3% Lady's Bedstraw (N) Legume Fallow Mixture (AB15) Two Year
3% Meadow Buttercup (N) Pack size 10kg & 20kg
66% Late Perennial Ryegrass
3% Ragged Robin (N) 15% Red Clover
3% Red Clover (N) 95% SRG with 5% SRWF
10% Winter Vetch
1% Field Scabious (N) 90% SRG with 10% SRWF 7% Birdsfoot Trefoil
1% Meadow Vetchling (N)
* Species-Rich Grass & Species-Rich Sowing rate 30 - 40kg/ha (N) = UK Native Seed
Wild Flowers are available separately or 85% SRG with 15% SRWF 1% Yarrow
1% Oxeye Daisy Pack size 20kg DLF Seeds Ltd. is a leading supplier of native provenance wild flowers.
100% as a mixture of grasses (SRG) & flowers Sowing Rate 16kg/ha We liaise with selected producers and growers to ensure our seed is
Pack size 1kg (SRWF) together in the following ratios: Pack size 20kg 100% sourced to the highest possible standard.
“Pro Flora 1 Flowers
Only, provided a fantastic
show of colour from
E N V I R O N ME NTAL
July to October. The all
native annual mixture has
produced an abundance
of nectar, attracting many
species of pollinators and
invertebrates.”
Eamon McAllister,
Nectar Rich Mixtures
Portglenone, Co. Antrim.
October 2019
09
NECTAR RICH MIXTURES SOLAR Our range of Solar Mixtures will cater for most situations. We are
always pleased to advise. Please call for more information. Specialised
Butterfly & Bumblebee Mixture (AB8) WF1 (AB1) Nectar Rich Bronze (AB1) Nectar Rich Gold (AB1) MIXTURES mixtures to suit individual requirements can be arranged.
15% Creeping Red Fescue 42% Sainfoin 50% Sainfoin 40% Sainfoin
15% Hard Fescue
10% Sheeps Fescue
10% Red Clover
10% Birdsfoot Trefoil
20% Winter Vetch
10% Red Clover
18% Winter Vetch
10% Alsike Clover
NATIVE WILDFLOWER MIXTURES
10% Browntop Bent 8% Winter Vetch 8% Birdsfoot Trefoil 10% Red Clover Our range of Pro Flora Wild Flower mixtures will cater for most situations.
9% SSMG 6% Yarrow 5% Alsike Clover 10% Birdsfoot Trefoil We are always pleased to advise upon and produce mixtures to suit individual specifications.
7% Lucerne (inoculated)
5% Lucerne (inoculated) 4% Crimson Clover 10% Lucerne (inoculated) 1 Cornfield Annuals (N)
5% Yorkshire Fog
4% Alsike Clover 3% Lucerne (inoculated) 1.5% Musk Mallow 2 Acid Soils (N)
4% Kidney Vetch (N)
4% Birdsfoot Trefoil 4% Black Medick 100% 0.5% Yarrow 3 Damp Loamy Soils (N)
4% Hairy Vetch 2% Oxeye Daisy 100% 4 Calcareous Soils (N)
Sowing rate 10 - 15kg/ha
3% Tufted Hair Grass 1.25% Musk Mallow 5 Wet Loamy Soils (N)
Pack size 12kg Sowing rate 10 - 15kg /ha
3% Red Clover 1.25% Red Campion (N) 6 Dry Loamy Soils (N)
Pro Flora
Pack size 12kg C
1.5% Ribwort Plantain 1.25% Wild Carrot 7 Hedgerow & Light Shade (N) us ontact
1% Agrimony (N) 1% Corn Cockle (N) Annual Nectar Mixture 8 Legacy Country Meadow (N) infofror more
1% Red Campion (N) 1% Selfheal (N) 25% Buckwheat mat
9 Heritage General Purpose (N) ion
1% Phacelia 0.75% Cornflower (N) 22% Sainfoin
1% Field Pansy (N) 10 General Purpose (N)
0.75% Goats Rue 20% Phacelia
1% Alsike Clover 11 Woodland & Heavy Shade (N)
0.5% Corn Marigold (N) 10% Lucerne (inoculated)
1% Musk Mallow 12 Water Margin & Pond Edges (N)
0.5% Field Poppy (N) 10% Crimson Clover
1% White Campion (N) 110 General Purpose Economy (N)
0.75% Goats Rue
0.5% Salad Burnet (N) 8% Red Clover ORGANIC MIXTURE Pack size 1kg
N
RE EW
0.25% White Campion (N) 5% Alsike Clover CI
2016PE
0.6% Selfheal (N)
100% 100% Organic Nectar Flower Mixture
0.5% Oxeye Daisy
32.5% Organic Early English Winter Vetch
0.5% Wild Carrot
0.15% Betony (N)
Sowing rate 5 - 10kg/ha Sowing rate 10kg /ha
27.5% Organic Lucerne (inoculated) COLOUR BOOST RANGE
Pack size 1kg Pack size 5kg A range of 100% wildflower mixtures providing colourful flowers, essential food source
18% Sainfoin
100% and habitat for many pollinating insects.
6% Organic Red Clover
Sowing rate 16kg/ha
6% Birdsfoot Trefoil
Pack size 1kg COLOUR BOOST 1 COLOUR BOOST 2 COLOUR BOOST 3
6% Alsike Clover
High Impact Annuals High Impact High Impact Perennials
4% Organic Crimson Clover
Quick to establish, long Low-Grow Annuals Seasonal Perennial mixture,
(N) = UK Native Seed 100% flowering period, from Low growing mixture. comprising 90% perennial
DLF Seeds Ltd. is a leading supplier of native provenance wild flowers. Sowing rate 10 - 15kg/ha 8 weeks to first frost 100% Dwarf flower mixture. species and 10% annual species.
We liaise with selected producers and growers to ensure our seed is sourced to the highest possible standard. Pack size 10kg Sowing Rate 3-5gm/m2 Sowing Rate 3-5gm/m2 Sowing Rate 3-5gm/m2
rb
e & He
Legum tures
ix
Rich M le forage
E N V I R O N ME NTAL
r e li ab s
provide ial pollinator
e n e fi c il
&b ove so
& impr re
structu
10 Legume & Herb Rich Mixtures
Legume and herb-rich mixtures
provide an abundance of HERBAL MIXTURES NEW NITROGEN FIXING FALLOW MIXTURES
productive grazing for livestock Herbal Meadow (GS4) Rapid Gain Mixture
2020 FOR
MIXTURES
and a habitat and food source 20% Meadow Fescue 49% Late Perennial
AN
for invertebrates and pollinators, TST DI 15% Timothy Ryegrass (T) EFA Nitrogen Rich Mixture
76% Winter Vetch
NG
U N W
supporting biodiversity. 2019 RECEChicory
20% Perennial
★O
15% Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass (D) IP
★
13% Late Perennial Ryegrasss (D) 2020E
15% Red Clover 12% Crimson Clover
Herbal leys develop a beneficial soil PRODUCT 10% Red Clover 10% White Clover 12% Red Clover
structure through the increase of organic OF THE YEAR Fallow Mixture No.1
7% Cocksfoot 6% Ribwort Plantain 100%
matter. This is due to the variety of species 50% Late Perennial Ryegrass (T)
5% Lucerne (inoculated) 100% Sowing rate 32 -35 kg/ha
used and the length of time which they 5% Smooth Stalk Meadow Grass Pack size 20kg 35% Late Perennial Ryegrass (D)
Sowing rate 20kg/ha
are left in the soil. These leys not only 4.5% Sainfoin 10% Timothy
Pack size 20kg
replace organic matter lost within a 2% Birdsfoot Trefoil EFA Nitrogen Fixing Ley 5% White Clover Blend
rotation but also supply a valuable forage Legume & Herb Rich Mixture (GS4)
1% Fenugreek 52% Red Clover 100%
crop for livestock as either grazing or 25% Late Perennial Ryegrass (D) Gromore Mixture
1% Perennial Chicory 30% Late Perennial Ryegrass (T)
taken for a cut of silage. Grasses offer the 20% Meadow Fescue 35% Late Perennial Sowing rate 30 - 35 kg/ha
0.7% Ribwort Plantain Ryegrass (T) 18% Late Perennial Ryegrass (D)
reliable, bulk forage of the ley. 15% Timothy
0.5% Sheeps Burnet 30% Ribwort Plantain 100%
10% SSMG
0.25% Yarrow 20% Red Clover Fallow Mixture No.2
The nitrogen fixing ability of the legumes 10% Creeping Red Fescue Sowing rate 22-25kg/ ha
0.05% Sheeps Parsley 15% White clover 50% Late Perennial Ryegrass (T)
reduce the necessity for artificial 10% Red Clover Pack size 20kg
fertilisers as well as increasing forage 5.6% Sainfoin 100% 100% 40% Late Perennial Ryegrass (D)
protein content which directly enhances 1.43% Lucerne (inoculated) Sowing rate 25 - 35kg/ha Sowing rate 20kg/ha 10% Timothy
DLWG or milk production. Herbs with a 1% Birdsfoot Trefoil Pack size 20kg Pack size 20kg 100%
deep rooting structure, break through 1% Sheeps Burnet
damaged soil structure and provide 0.5% Ribwort Plantain Sowing rate 30 - 35 kg/ha
0.25% Yarrow Mixed Herbs
livestock with access to vital minerals 27% Sheeps Burnet
0.2% Sheeps Parsley
and nutrients. Herbs also act as a 27% Sheeps Parsley Fallow Mixture No.3
0.02% Oxeye Daisy
natural anthelmintic due to the tannins 26% Sainfoin 55% Late Perennial Ryegrass (T)
they contain which reduces reliance 100%
10% Ribwort Plantain 40% Late Perennial Ryegrass (D)
on wormers. Herbal leys supply vital Sowing rate 32 - 37kg/ha
5% Chicory 5% White Clover Blend
trace elements to livestock without the Pack size 20kg
5% Yarrow
necessity for large synthetic inputs. 100%
OUTSTANDING PRODUCT OF THE YEAR 100%
Sowing rate 30 - 35 kg/ha
Everyone’s talking Sowing rate Variable
about it! Pack size 1kg Pack size 20kgE N V I R O N ME NTAL
Herbs and Legumes 11
TONIC PLANTAIN SHEEPS BURNET LUCERNE BIRDSFOOT TREFOIL
A perennial herb providing forage with a high mineral content A perennial herb which helps to provide a long grazing A persistent, perennial legume that performs particularly A nitrogen-fixing, anthelmintic species which helps boost
for all-year round grazing, even in drought conditions. Tonic season attributable to its early spring growth. A well- well on light, drought prone soils due to its deep, penetrating soil fertility. Like sainfoin, this species contains tannins to
provides well tillered plants in high density mixtures that will established taproot improves drought tolerance within a root system. The roots improve soil structure and aid fertility support the absorption of protein by both sheep and cattle.
complement the grazing system. sward whilst aiding the supply of vital trace elements to by fixing atmospheric nitrogen. Above the soil surface, Birdsfoot Trefoil is continually included in diverse mixtures
Pack size 1kg & 25kg livestock. Lucerne produces a high protein, palatable forage crop that owing to its contribution of beneficial properties both above
Pack size 1kg & 25kg is in an excellent accompaniment to energy feeds in a ration. and below the soil surface.
Pack size 25kg Pack size 1kg & 25kg
Organic seed available in 25kg packs
SAINFOIN
Sainfoin acts as a natural anthelmintic and the tannins
this legume contains aids protein absorption and reduces
the risk of bloat in ruminants. The nutritional balance and
high voluntary intake of the species by livestock enhances
DLWG or milk production. Best suited to light soils, the deep
rooting system of sainfoin provides a drought-resistant
forage. Sainfoin also increases biodiversity by attracting
an abundance of insects and invertebrates, especially
pollinators.
Sowing rate 85-90 kg/ha
Pack size 1kg & 25kg
Organic seed available in 25kg packs
CHICORY CLOVER
A mineral-rich herb with a long taproot which infiltrates the
soil to a great depth and can break through soil compaction. A high protein, nitrogen-fixing forage legume that can be
Chicory is a high protein, anthelmintic species that lifts trace grown on almost all soil types. When grown as part of a
elements from within the soil profile that are then made mixture, clover greatly increases the forage yield for both
available for intake by livestock. Especially good for fattening grazing and cutting.
lambs. Often included within diverse mixtures to provide a Pack size 1kg & 25kg
drought tolerant forage whilst improving soil condition. Organic seed available in 25kg packs
Pack size 2kg & 25kgE N V I R O N ME NTAL
Scottish Rural Development
12 Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) NEW F
2020
OR
AECS Options AECS Green Cover Crops NORTHERN SPECIES RICH GRASS NE W
RECIP
E
& 15% NATIVE WILD FLOWERS 2020
Stubbles followed by Green Manure
25% Creeping Red Fescue
Wild Bird seed for Farmland Birds in an arable rotation
Pages 6 - 7. Page 7 - Non Cereal Mixtures specifically 15% SSMG
Where winter cereals are sown after green cover 10% Crested Dogstail
for those who wish to use their own cereal
SPRING GREEN COVER MIXTURE 10% Hard Fescue
60% Buckwheat 10% Meadow Fescue
Forage brassicas for Farmland Birds 30% Crimson Clover 10% Sheeps Fescue
Pages 37 - 43 10% Egyptian Clover 5% Browntop Bent
100% 3.5% Selfheal (N)
2% Oxeye Daisy (N)
Sowing rate 12-15 kg/ha
2% Ribwort Plantain (N)
Stubbles followed by green manure Pack size 20 kg
2% Yarrow (N)
in an arable rotation Alternative mixtures
Pages 12, 16 - 19 Annual Nectar Mixture and Kwik Fix 2% Red Clover (N)
2% Yellow Rattle (N)
Where spring cereals are sown after green cover 0.5% Black Knapweed (N)
Creation of Beetle Banks, (overwintered GC) 0.5% Lady's Bedstraw (N)
Water Margins and Grass Strips
BGM 4 with wildflowers, legumes and fine grasses OVER WINTER GREEN COVER MIXTURE 0.5% Meadow Buttercup (N)
Pages 8-10 85% Forage Rye 100%
15% Red Clover Sowing rate 16-20 kg/ha
100% Pack size 20 kg
Creation of Species Rich Grassland
Pages 8 & 12 Sowing rate 25 kg/ha
Pack size 25 kg
Alternative mixtures N-Rich Cover Mixture (N) = UK Native Seed
Pages 8 to 10 of this brochure contain many other There will be no NEW AECS entries for 2020. For the latest information see - www.gov.scot/topics/farmingrural/agriculture
mixtures designed for herbal meadows, fallow
ground, pollen and nectar, nitrogen fixing and wild *Disclaimer – The information provided in this catalogue is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge at the time of printing. Any advice should therefore be taken
flowers, many of which suit AECS options. as a general guide and not relied upon for all conditions and circumstances. We cannot accept any legal liability for information given in this guide.E N V I R O N ME NTAL
BPS Scotland - Greening
A guide to Ecological Focus Area (EFA) Mixtures 13
EFA Fallow Land (EFAFAL) Scottish Government Basic Payment Scheme – Greening EFA Fallow BGM 1 BGM 2 BGM 3 Farmland
Fallow Period 15th January to 15th July . No agricultural production between these dates. Wild Bird Mixtures & Wild Weighting Mixture Northern WBS
& & & Wild Bird
Flower mixtures are encouraged and may be sown during the fallow period. After the fallow period is over grass WBS 1 1, 2 & 3
1.0 1, 2 & 3 BGM 1 RC BGM 2 RC BGM 4 Mixture
may be cut or grazed. After the 16th July, plan ahead for next year and establish a late heading mixture for 2021.
EFA Margins (EFAFM) Scottish Government Basic Payment Scheme – Greening EFA BGM 1 BGM 2 WBS Any
Period is 1st January to 31st December. They should be around the margin of a field or split 2 crops within a field. Weighting Northern Grass
& & BGM 3 BGM 4 1, 2,
Must be between 1m and 20 m wide . You are allowed to cut for hay or silage after 15th July. If not beside a WBS 1
1.5 BGM 1 RC BGM 2 RC 3&4 Mixture
watercourse it may be grazed. Wild flower, wild bird seed and normal grass mixtures may be established.
EFA Catch Crops (EFACC) Scottish Government Basic Payment Scheme – Greening EFA Italian
Establish the crop in spring. The only catch crop you can grow will be a cereal nurse crop with undersown grass. Weighting Any
Catch Crop
It should be a recognised grass seed mixture. The catch crop must be retained until at least the 31st December. Grass Mixture
You may graze the catch crop after harvest of the main crop. 0.3 Mixture
EFA Green Cover (EFAGC) Scottish Government Basic Payment Scheme – Greening EFA
Establish the green cover crop by 1st November. Maintain the green cover up to 31st December inclusive. Weighting N – Rich Spring Over Winter
Do not graze during the maintenance period 1st November and 31st December. It must be a mixture of 2 or more Cover Mix Green Cover Mix Green Cover Mix
of the following: Alfalfa, barley, red clover, white clover, mustard, oats, phacelia, radish, rye, triticale and vetch. 0.3
EFA Nitrogen Fixing Crops (EFANFIX) Scottish Government Basic Payment Scheme – Greening EFA
You must ensure that all EFA nitrogen-fixing crops are surrounded by a claimed EFA margin. You cannot harvest Birdsfoot Red & White
before 1st August to protect ground nesting birds. You must grow 2 of the following; Alfalfa, beans, birdsfoot trefoil, Weighting Alfalfa Peas & Beans Vetch
Trefoil Clover
chickpea, red and white clover, lentils, lupins, peas and vetch. Mixtures are allowed, but the nitrogen fixing species 1.0
must be dominant by weight.
EFA Hedges (EFAH)
EFA Agro-Forestry (EFAAF) Various
These are new EFA options for Scotland that do not require any seedE N V I R O N ME NTAL
14 Glastir Welsh Environmental Scheme
Glastir is the All-Wales Agri-Environment Scheme introduced by the Welsh Assembly Government. Glastir will ensure that future environmental
challenges can be met by:
Option 32 Plant unsprayed root crops on
It is a 5 year whole farm sustainable land management scheme available to farmers and land improved grass and arable land
managers across Wales. Since 2012 it has replaced the four existing agri-environment schemes, • COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE
Tir Gofal, Tir Cynnal, Tir Mynydd and the Organic Farming Schemes. • White Turnips - see stubble turnip varieties
• IMPROVING WATER MANAGEMENT
and green globe turnips on page 38
• MAINTAINING AND ENHANCING BIODIVERSITY
• Swedes - see page 41
It is designed to deliver measurable outcomes at both a farm
and landscape level in a cost effective way. • Fodder Beet - see page 40
• Soft yellow turnips
Glastir consists of three elements: • Hardy yellow turnips
1. ALL-WALES ELEMENT (AWE)
A whole farm land management scheme which is open
to application from all farmers and land managers
Option 33 Establish a wildlife cover crop
on improved grass and arable land
throughout Wales. It is designed to provide support for
the delivery of environmental benefits that meet today’s For mixture option see WBS3 page 6.
challenges and priorities. Successful applicants will
make a commitment to deliver environmental goods for These mixtures must include at least 80%
five years under a legally binding contract. cereal with at least one of the following
2. TARGETED ELEMENT (TE) - mustard, linseed, rape.
A part farm scheme intended to deliver significant
improvements to the environmental status of a range of These mixtures are designed to provide
habitats, species, soils and water that might also require both nesting sites and a food source for
changes to current agricultural practices. In order to overwintering species such as tree sparrow,
achieve these specific improvements and outcomes, finches, buntings, skylark, grey partridge,
financial support from the Welsh Government will be
targeted at locations where action will lead to the required
yellowhammer and barn owl.
result.
3. COMMON LAND ELEMENT (CLE) Option 153 Red clover must make up at
Designed to provide support for the delivery of least 80% of the sward
environmental benefits on common land.
Mixtures of red clover cultivars are permitted
as is using a percentage of birdsfoot trefoil
seed.B I O G AS
Biogas Crops 15
Over recent years interest has increased MAIZE SILAGE BEET GRASS SILAGE
in the production of crops for Anaerobic Maize is a well-known source of biogas, having the Beet is the preferred option for ‘feeding’ anaerobic Grass is an extremely versatile crop; it is a good source
digestion plants. advantages of a high methane yield per acre and being digesters, adapting well to many soil and climate types. of material for feeding anaerobic digesters, good for crop
relatively easy to store. It has the highest yield potential amongst all other arable rotation, good for the environment and also adapts well to
The advantages are: When choosing varieties, high dry matter and high yields are
crops and also has the highest dry matter. Due to its many different soil and climate types. It can be planted in the
higher levels of sugar it has a shorter retention time in the autumn after a beet or maize crop and be ready for a silage
• Replacement of fossil fuels the major considerations; however yields of ME and starch
digester than other crops which have a higher lignin and cut in the spring.
should also be taken into account.
• Reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases cellulose content. However storage is more difficult for beet,
High yielding species such as tall fescue and festuloliums,
Dry matter at harvest is vitally important. For efficient than other crops.
• Reduced impact of slurry ensiling the maize needs to achieve a dry matter content
have a very high yield potential and they can in many
When selecting a variety, yield is of primary importance situations compete with maize. Grass and grass with clover
• Less leaching of nitrogen of between 30% and 32%. Some of the ultra high yielding
but cleanliness of the roots should also be considered. work very well in an anaerobic digester mixed with slurry,
• Less odour varieties grown on the continent for Biogas may not reach
Varieties with a smooth root and low dirt tare should thus improving the yield of gas.
this maturity in the UK climate.
• Conversion of waste and reducing the need be chosen and for this reason Enermax is the perfect choice.
Grass is a perennial crop with a good environmental profile,
for landfill Close cropping of energy beet should be avoided as a build improving crop rotation and bringing long term benefits to
Production of Biogas is increased when an energy dense RYE up of rhizomania or beet cyst nematode can occur - the crop soil fertility.
substrate is used to supplement slurry. should not be grown more often than one in three years on
Rye has become very popular in the UK in recent years. We the same ground.
To this end crops can be used as an alternative to waste have varieties being tested against hybrid, conventional and Contact u
DLF have a dedicated breeding programme for Energy Beets. s
with the added advantage of not requiring a waste disposal forage rye types. for more
licence. informati
on
For a farmer developing a biogas plant, high output crops
are a necessity. Also, for the grower with a plant in the
neighbourhood, biogas cropping represents a useful source
of income.
Maize silage Beet Grass silage
Comparison Yield, tonnes dry matter/ha 11 13 11,5
The criteria for suitable crops are: of gas % dry matter 33 20 33
• High yield of DM per hectare yield from
% ash in dry matter 3 8 10
• High gas potential different
• Low costs for growing and handling crops Nm3 methane/tonnes organic matter 352 435 307
• Ease of management and storage Comparison of gas yield from different crops. Based on budget estimates from VFL DK. Søren Ugilt Larsen, Agrotech DK 2010 and 2011g
Growin p
ro
G R E E N MAN UR ING
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a cove ective
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16 Green Manuring
Green Manuring can Green manures not only improve soil status, composition and
NEMATODES IN UK FARMING THEIR EFFECT ON
nutrient balance but provide a basis for a more environmentally
bring many advantages friendly approach to modern farming. We need to focus our AGRICULTURAL CROPPING
ROOT KNOT NEMATODES
to the farmer by adding minds on the twin problems of high artificial fertiliser prices Nematodes behave in different ways:
• Produce galls and can severely damage plant health Ectoparasitic forms – feed externally on plant
organic matter to the and the soil’s need for basic nutrients with these being
• Crops most at risk are:- peas, onions, carrots, parsnips, and roots and Endoparasitic forms – invade the
available in a more sustainable form.
soil, increasing biological A wide range of plant species can be used as green manures. Different crops
spring wheat roots internally. Both forms cause damage,
resulting in an overall reduction in yield or affect
activity, improving soil bring different benefits and the final choice is influenced by many considerations. CYST NEMATODES the marketability of the crop.
If the most is to be made of green manuring crops, it is important that they are
structure, reducing erosion, carefully integrated into the crop rotation and proper attention paid to their • Beard like objects which grow and live on root surfaces
increasing the supply of husbandry. • Widespread in Europe and many parts of the world Nematodes, also known as eelworms
and roundworms. There are over 28,000
nutrients available to plants Green manures can be categorised as spring sown for summer usage and autumn
sown for over-winter usage, intercropping and longer term fertility improvement.
• Crops most at risk are:- potatoes, sugar beet, rape and
beetroot distinguishable species, of which 16,000
(particularly by adding Nitrogen (N) in legumes comes from uptake of soil N and the fixation of N from
are parasitic.
LESION NEMATODES
nitrogen to the system by the atmosphere. The amount of N fixed by different legumes is determined by the
• Produce necrotic lesions throughout the cortex of
Approximately 50% are detrimental to plant
health. Damage caused by nematodes can
fixation), reducing leaching inherent capacity of the crop/rhizobium symbiosis to fix N, modified by the crop’s
growing conditions (e.g. soil, climate, disease), crop management and length of
infected roots emerge differently from crop to crop. But
and weed suppression. time for which the crop is grown. Consequently, the influence of all these factors • Crops most at risk carrots, parsnips, maize and legumes there are a few symptoms which can appear,
that are common to all.
means that a wide range of values has been reported by different researchers.
There are some disadvantages and whilst The presence of soil mineral N is generally thought to reduce fixation capacity. STUBBY ROOT NEMATODES
these are few they should also be noted - lost • Stunted plants
Factors that will increase the soil mineral N pool include manure application, • Plant roots have a stunted stubby appearance
opportunities for cash cropping, exacerbated cutting and mulching, and grazing. Fixation tends to decrease with legume age, • Plants wilt and appear to have no vigour
pest and disease problems (green bridge • Infected roots become less capable of supplying • Stem malformation
mainly because the amount of soil N tends to increase.
effect), and the potential for green manures nutrients
• Yellowing
to become weeds in their own right. These Where growth of legumes is affected by nutrient deficiency (or acidity) the • Crops most at risk:- potatoes, sugar beet, onions, carrots
problems can be overcome with thought and potential for soil N build up is reduced. Phosphorus, Sulphur and some trace • Root Galls
and parsnips
measured usage, and the benefits to future elements (e.g. Molybdenum) are particularly important. Where there are large • Deformed roots and abnormal growth
crops cannot be dismissed lightly. off-takes of soil nutrients as in silage crops both Phosphorus and Potash supplies STEM NEMATODES • Plant death
need to be adequate for satisfactory legume growth. These should be replaced as
they are essential to the legume to enable it to maximise the fixing of nitrogen. • Can cause distortion in the stems in winter beans and Globally, parasitic species can reduce
necrotic area on the plant leaves
agricultural production by approximately 12%.
• Crops most at risk :- potatoes, onions and winter beansCrop Pack Av sowing Treatment Sowing Incorporation Root type/depth Soil type Nitrogen Fixing Useful information and growing tips
size rate kg/ha type dates period or Storing Plant
Short Term Crops Spring/Summer Sowing & Summer/Autumn Incorporation
Fast growing and good weed suppressor. Has biofumigation properties but not to same extent as
10kg & Untreated Spring - Early 8 weeks All types, best on light, sandy
White Mustard 12 - 17 Fibrous root system soils
Storing brown mustard. Produces large quantities of biomass. Excellent scavenger of nitrogen. Requires fine
25kg & Organic Autumn after sowing seedbed. Susceptible to Club root. Plough in before flowering to prevent self-seeding.
As white mustard, but contains high levels of glucosinolate which create biofumigation properties to
Spring - All types, prefers moist reduce wireworm infestation. To maximise this benefit, crop must be finely chopped at flowering and
Brown Mustard 5kg 5 - 7.5 Untreated Autumn - Spring Taproot ground
Storing
Autumn thoroughly incorporated into moist soil. Brown mustard is winter hardy so is excellent for reducing
soil erosion, water run-off and fertiliser leaching when grown after maize, potatoes & sugar beet.
Quick to establish and a good weed suppressor. Flowers loved by bees and butterflies. The crop must
2kg, 5kg Untreated Spring - 10 - 12 weeks Most soil types, will tolerate
Phacelia 7.5 - 10 Shallow, fibrous dry conditions
Storing be incorporated into the soil before setting seed or it may reappear in subsequent crops as a weed.
& 10kg & Organic Summer after sowing Said to release many minerals into soil as it decomposes, especially P, Ca and Mg.
Fast growing and quick to mature, not winter hardy. Dislikes wet, heavy or compacted soil. Do not
10kg & Untreated Spring - Shallow, but with Tolerates poor, but not
Buckwheat 50 - 70 Summer - Autumn wet soils
Storing allow to set seed before incorporating into soil. Attractive to beneficial insects especially hoverflies.
25kg & Organic Summer good penetration Good scavenger of phosphate.
1kg & Untreated Taproot with fibrous Prefers loam, will tolerate Very attractive to insects. Excellent weed suppressor. Biomass degrades quickly into soil.
Crimson Clover 12.5 - 15 Spring Summer - Autumn poor soils as long as alkaline Fixing
25kg & Organic branch roots and free draining
Will over-winter in Southern England for autumn sowing/spring incorporation. Shade tolerant.
Branched taproot Less biomass than red and white clover but better adapted to wet, acid soils and cooler conditions.
Alsike Clover 25kg 5 - 7.5 Untreated Spring Autumn Most types Fixing
Deep rooting Requires shallow sowing and firm seedbed.
10kg & Untreated Summer - Deep rooting Good early vigour that gives quick soil coverage, with a large biomas and a large taproot. Excellent
Fodder Radish 10 - 20 Autumn - Spring Most types Storing
25kg & Organic Autumn taproot Nitrogen scavenger.
5kg & Summer - Deep penetrating Fast establishing, big biomas, long large white tubers. Excellent for breaking up compacted soil with
Daikon Radish 8 - 10 Untreated Autumn - Spring Most types Storing
25kg Autumn taproot its aggressive taproot. An excellent nitrogen scavenger.
Annual clover. Grows aggressively throughout the summer and autumn. Likes deep fertile soils with
Egyptian/ Spring - Early Later Summer - Taproot with fibrous Needs deep fertile soils
25kg 10 - 22 Untreated (uncompetitive)
Fixing plenty of moisture. Produces large amounts of biomass along with fixing large quantities of nitrogen.
Berseem Clover Summer Autumn root network A good cover crop to put between two cereal crops.
Black Oats/ Later Grows well under most conditions. Early vigour, quickly producing lots of biomass due to the
25kg & Winter - Early Grow in most soil types
Japanese Oats 50 - 75 Untreated Summer - Fibrous root system
and conditions
Storing plant rapidly tillering. Can flower early. The fast establishment helps to suppress weeds. Good at
500kg Spring disrupting disease cycles. Not frost hardy.
(Avena strigosa) Autumn
Over Winter Crops Autumn Sowing & Spring Incorporation
Produces large amounts of green material. Excellent nitrogen scavenger and for the prevention of
Forage 25kg & Extensive, fibrous Grows well on light, sandy,
90 - 150 Untreated Autumn Spring free-draining soils
Storing nitrate leaching during winter months. Do not allow to run to seed as this will ‘lock-up’ available
Winter Rye 500kg root system nitrogen. Very hardy.
As with forage rye, produces high yields of biomass. Good root system for improving soil structure.
Untreated Extensive, fibrous Diploids better in wet areas
Italian Ryegrass 25kg 35 - 38 Autumn Spring and tetraploids in drier
Storing If seed heads are produced, crop must be cut before seed is shed to prevent infestation of following
& Organic root system crop. Good ‘mopper-up’ of excess soil nitrogen.
Thick and fibrous
15kg - Untreated Spring / When undersown at a low seed rate into winter wheat, cocksfoot is an excellent soil improver for
Cocksfoot 5 - 7.5 Autumn - Spring with large energy Dry, free-draining Storing
20kg & Organic Autumn drought-prone soils.
reserves
Fast growing. Good alternative to mustard if using high glucosinolate varieties, as decomposition can
10kg & Untreated Spring / Deeply penetrating Most types, able to tolerate
Forage Rape 6.5 - 10 Autumn - Spring poor soil & exposed sites
Storing release chemicals which produce a biofumigation effect if incorporated within 24 hours of cutting.
25kg & Organic Autumn taproot Where club root is a problem, make sure a resistant variety is used.
Untreated Spring / Prefers loams and clay.
Good weed suppressor. Ensure a winter hardy variety is used. Due to its large seed size, will establish
Vetches 25kg 60 - 90 Autumn - Spring Taproot Will not thrive in wet or Fixing
& Organic Autumn waterlogged conditions
later than most other legumes. Requires fine, firm seedbed.
Longer Term Crops
Seed must be inoculated with rhizobium bacteria. Prefers dry growing conditions. Uncompetitive
Lucerne Untreated Spring - Early
25kg 20 - 25 Autumn - Spring Very deep taproot Light/chalky/free-draining Fixing particularly in early stage of development so grow as pure stand or with non-aggressive companion
Pre-inoculated & Organic Autumn grasses.
1kg & Untreated Spring - Early Creeping stolons, Wide range. Tolerates dry Continued defoliation stimulates root growth and nitrogen fixation. Smaller leaved varieties are more
White Clover 5 - 7.5 Autumn - Spring conditions
Fixing
25kg & Organic Autumn Shallow rooting persistent than larger leaved. Good weed suppressor. Shallow sow into fine, firm seedbed.
1kg & Untreated Spring - Early Large, strong Wide range, avoid poorly Aggressive plant, does not release N until crop is ploughed in. Shorter term than white clover. Good
Red Clover 12.5 - 15 Autumn - Spring drained, acid soils
Fixing
25kg & Organic Autumn taproot for improving and aerating soil structure & useful weed suppressor. Ensure fine, firm seedbed.
Yellow Blossom 2kg & Prefers poor soil and dry
Biennial. Quick to establish and grows vigorously. Improves soil structure. Plough in before flowering
12.5 - 15 Untreated Spring Summer - Autumn Long taproot conditions. Dislikes wet, Fixing
Clover 25kg heavy ground
and before stems become woody. Attractive to bees and other insects if allowed to flower.You can also read
