![green horizons blog](/media/tiujga4j/blog-1.png?width=960&height=640&v=1d94b738e5074e0?quality=40?quality=70)
What did we achieve in 2021? | Green Horizons Blog
Blog - 20.04.23
News update 1/3
In 2021 we carried out a wide range of Green Horizons trials covering aspects of nutrition, biosolutions, new chemistries and maximising soil resilience. These trials were kindly supported by our Green Horizons sponsors: UPL, FMC, Corteva, BASF, Bayer and Interagro. Here we provide a brief summary of some of the trials that were undertaken. We'll be posting further updates over the next few weeks, including a summary of trials planned for 2022.
GROWING ORGANIC MATTER
Objective: To evaluate methods of improving soil organic matter by varying cultivation methods, rotation and cover crop choice and establishment.
Location: Midloe Grange
Crop: Spring barley (following OSR)
Soil type: Hanslope chalky boulder clay
Findings:
- Although establishment costs were much lower in the conversion area, the reduction in yield meant that the conventionally ploughed area still produced a higher margin, with a difference of £42.50/ha.
- However, the overall soil resilience on the conversion area was better, with infiltration rates being higher in the conversion area.
VARIETY BLENDS
Objective: To assess whether blends can produce more consistent yields and reduce disease pressures compared to straights.
Crop: Winter wheat – four straights were used, followed by a blend of varieties (KWS Extase, SY Insitor, RGT Saki, LG Skyscraper)
Findings:
- Different diseases were seen in different areas of the country, which altered the variety performance in those regions.
- KWS Extase had an exceptional year and so played an important role in the success of the blends. There were no blends tested which did not contain KWS Extase.
- Blends can offer a level of consistency regardless of the challenges of the season. The reduced disease recorded was on an overall plot basis.
STOW LONGA
Objective: To examine cultural controls of blackgrass
Location: Stow Longa, near Huntingdon
Findings:
- Brome is now a problem after five years of min till/direct drill, so a blackgrass threatened farm now faces a new issue.
- The best gross margin over the years uses spring cropping heavily.
- The worst rotation started badly with winter oats in a blackgrass situation following with winter wheat, winter beans and winter wheat crops crops (drilled 'late') which just couldn't get this block back on track.
- The best to worst of rotations and establishment techniques gave a £339 per hectare annual swing, profit or loss...
- The gap between best and worst narrows when t he worst block has been proactively managed by adding spring barley into the rotation.
Look out for the next in this series of updates, which will cover:
- Continuous wheat: what factors (focusing on fertiliser and seed treatments) affect performance?
- Variety and fungicide choices trials - how does a greener crop protection programme perform across a range of winter wheat varieties?
- We'll also be looking forward to the Green Horizons trials in place for 2022.
Join Our Community
![Agrii Card X Twitter](/media/z24ir1us/agrii-card-x.png?width=275&height=175&v=1da0b3eb8a9e1f0?quality=70)
Agrii X
We love engaging with clients and partners. Give us a follow and let's share stories for the community.
![Agrii Card Community Instagram](/media/03jfpl0j/agrii-card-community-instagram.jpg?width=275&height=175&v=1da0b3e96458fb0?quality=70)
Agrii Instagram
A picture paints a thousand words. Follow us on Instagram to see what we are up to.
![Agrii Card Community Facebook](/media/25ghsigb/agrii-card-community-facebook.jpg?width=275&height=175&v=1da0b3e91fee550?quality=70)
Agrii Facebook
Follow us on the worlds biggest social media site for the latest news and events straight to your feed.
![Agrii Card Community Linkedin](/media/410hlhoa/agrii-card-community-linkedin.jpg?width=275&height=175&v=1da0b3e9e190a50?quality=70)
Agrii LinkedIn
If you are all about the business, connect with us on LinkedIn to build your network
Stay In Touch
![Agrii Card Touch Newsletter](/media/uxufpp40/agrii-card-touch-newsletter.jpg?width=275&height=175&v=1da0b3ea5aa4bd0?quality=70)
Newsletter Sign-Up
Receive email updates on topical news and information from around Agrii and UK Farming.
![Agrii Card Touch Podcast](/media/3eglmaen/agrii-card-touch-pocast.jpg?width=275&height=175&v=1da0b3eaf0a80f0?quality=70)
Listen To Our Podcasts
Listen to the Tramlines Podcast. Fortnightly chat about agriculture and trials with your host Tony Smith.
![Agrii Card Touch Journals](/media/mh5jxdvu/agrii-card-touch-journals.jpg?width=275&height=175&v=1da0b3ea1b20f90?quality=70)
Agrii Insights
Read essential agri intelligence for profitable farming.
![Agrii Card Touch Events](/media/vblbj4bb/agrii-card-touch-events.jpg?width=275&height=175&v=1da0b3eb2be1310?quality=70)
Find an Event
Join us for our upcoming events and tours.