Well, 2024 was a bit rubbish on the farm. We didn’t get all our planned cash crops planted, either autumn 2023 or spring 2024 and some of our summer cover crops (grown instead of profitless break crops) were disappointing, to say the least. The spring linseed was a bit patchy too, but the weather ensured …
PCN damage to potatoes Potato cyst nematodes (PCN) are a major threat to the UK potato industry, often invisible and hidden away from plain view. These microscopic pests live in the soil and attack potato plants, leading to lower crop yields and reduced tuber quality. The danger of PCN lies in their ability to remain …
Potato cyst nematodes (PCN): The hidden enemy of potato crops Read More »
The development of soil-release agents and protected forms of phosphate means growers can meet crop needs without having to apply large quantities of TSP, SSP or rock phosphate. Disincentivised by higher prices for phosphate (P) fertiliser Britain’s growers have gradually reduced application rates to the extent that many soils now contain worryingly low levels of …
Long-term fall in phosphate use raises concerns Read More »
Written by Mike Harrington, Managing Director of AIVA Fertiliser Following on from the beginning of November, and it is reassuring to see that nature’s autumn cycle is beginning. The time where digestion, recycling and humification occurs in active soil systems. We do not require an expensive test to see this. Our eyes tell us that …
New research from Rothamsted Novel tool will give breeders more predictive accuracy for seed development and growth. Scientists at Rothamsted have developed a novel mathematical model for seed germination. The new tool is derived from field data and marks a significant improvement in accuracy over previous models. Germination models use water and temperature as the …
Chadbury-based agricultural machinery manufacturer, Weaving Machinery, has been awarded Gold in the British and Irish Manufacturer of the Year category in the LAMMA Innovation Awards 2025. Family business, Weaving Machinery, has launched several new products and innovations over the past five years, with widespread recognition. The Sabre drill debuted in 2020 and quickly became one …
Worcestershire-based family business wins industry award Read More »
Written by Chris Fellows It’s always great to be back at the BASE Conference, where over 100 soil-focused farmers, agronomists, and researchers gathered to discuss the latest advancements in regenerative farming. The event provided an excellent opportunity to hear from leading experts, exchange ideas, and, of course, enjoy the lively conversations in the bar! Below …
Written by Nature Friendly Farming Network Under the stewardship of award-winning farmers James and Emma Loder-Symonds, Nonington Farms exemplifies how farming can embrace nature-friendly practices while maintaining profitability and producing high-quality crops. Their multi-generational farm serves as a vibrant showcase, welcoming everyone from school groups to farm clusters. In 2013, James and Emma Loder-Symonds made …
How an arable farming system in Kent is balancing nature and financial viability Read More »
By Indigro Ltd Regenerative agriculture is proving to be a game changer in enhancing soil carbon sequestration and farm sustainability. Over four years, Indigro Ltd conducted a comprehensive survey of their clients, gathering invaluable data on how different practices influence soil organic carbon (SOC). The study, led by agronomist Charlotte Cook, provides a compelling case …
Enhancing Carbon Sequestration Through Regenerative Agriculture Read More »
