Research – Page 2 – Direct Driller

AHDB outlines biostimulants basics

The reviewers found that nine of the 11 product categories were associated with a statistically significant increase in yield in at least one experiment. For the most common product categories – seaweed extracts, humic substances, phosphite and plant-growth-promoting bacteria – statistically significant yield responses were observed for 3/7, 3/4, 4/17 and 13/15 cereal experiments, respectively. Data for oilseed rape was found to be lacking for all products, and no firm conclusions could be made.

Can you farm carbon?

Research, Soils Farmer / By Nuffield Scholars

As I embarked on my Nuffield scholarship in 2022, I held soil carbon markets (SCMs) in very high regard. The media buzz portrayed them as a transformative solution for promoting regenerative farming in UK agriculture. Sceptics of SCMs were dismissed as ‘killjoys’ and those likening it to the ‘wild west’ considered ‘spoilsports’. Soil carbon dynamics …

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A brief history of the Recommended Lists (RL)

Research / By AHDB

The RL has entered its eightieth year. Jason Pole, technical content manager at AHDB, explores the history and direction of the long-lived lists. A brief history? The RL has delivered trusted, independent variety information since 1944. Over the intervening 80 years, it has evolved and adapted through many changes to farming and wider society. Although …

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BYDV threat under the spotlight at TWB Farms open day

Products in Focus, Research, Soils Farmer / By RAGT

The increasing threat of barley yellow dwarf virus in winter wheat and the potential of resistant varieties to overcome it was the focus of a recent open day at TWB Farms, near Lichfield. Host farmer Clive Bailye set up an observation trial last autumn, comparing 15ha of BYDV-resistant RGT Grouse with a similar area of …

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Going for gold

Research, Soils Farmer / By ADAS

The ADAS Nutrition Challenge is back for 2024 with thirteen growers competing against ADAS crop scientists and RB209 best practice guidelines to see whose crop nutrition strategy ends up achieving the highest gross margin over nutrient costs.

Is regen farming producing more nutritious food?

Biodiversity, Research, Soils Farmer / By Mike Abram

Can how you grow crops impact on the nutrient and health value of food? It’s what farmer and doctor Hannah Fraser is trying to find out on a Nuffield Scholarship By Mike Abram For a long time there has been a suspicion that how you grow food will determine its nutrient status and ultimately impact …

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Long awaited clarity for carbon accounting tools

Carbon, Research, Soils Farmer / By Trinity AgTech

After a year-long investigation, Defra’s report: ‘Harmonisation of Carbon Accounting Tools for Agriculture’ is providing much-needed guidance on appropriate standards for carbon reporting.

The Challenge of Wet, Compacted Soils

Farm Trial Results, Research, Soils Farmer / By Soil Fertility Services

While spring brings a renewed sense of vitality to the soil, it also presents challenges, particularly following the level of rainfall seen in the UK this winter. Wet, compacted soils can impede the growth and development of crops, exerting a cascade of effects that ripple through the soil ecosystem and impact potential yields.

Achieving the potato impossible

Research / By Nuffield Scholars

Written by Harry Barnett I never dreamt that a soil disturbing potato farmer like myself would be writing an article for the Direct Driller magazine but I feel privileged to share some of my findings and views. I am based on the Holkham Estate in North Norfolk, where I run a potato growing enterprise growing …

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Farming’s fungi focus: Considering belowground to benefit aboveground

Research, Soils Farmer / By Dr David Cutress

Dr David Cutress: IBERS, Aberystwyth University. • Symbiotic fungi mycorrhiza have important interactions with many plant species• Mycorrhiza, in optimal conditions, can improve plant growth with fewer inputs, improve soils and protect from weeds, insects, contamination and climate changes• Mycorrhiza focused systems as such could act as a promising future tool to combat the increasing …

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