IMPROVING CROP ROTATION – USING COVER CROPS

All farmers should appreciate that soil is their most precious asset and the current focus on soil health is nothing new.

In the first half of the 18^th century the 2^nd Viscount Townshend – better known as Charles ‘Turnip’ Townshend – developed what became known as the Norfolk Four-Course System/Shift at his ancestral seat at Raynham Hall.  His work was championed by the 1^st Earl of Leicester – ‘Coke of Norfolk’ – at Holkham in the second half of the same century. Here he also improved livestock breeding, especially Leicester sheep, and land drainage.

Nowadays, the principle of crop rotation is a mainstay of any arable farm, with the need to improve soil structure and fertility well recognised, not to mention the effective control of weeds. 

Arable farmers who are looking to improve their soil structure and reduce the weed burden without excessive chemical use should certainly consider fodder crops grazed by livestock.  Such fields are less susceptible to soil erosion and compaction as well as potentially bringing in another income stream.

Sheep are the ideal livestock for this purpose.  They have minimal housing needs, with temporary structures such as fencing and watering easily moved around the farm.

Furthermore, they can help to manage blackgrass and other weeds through grazing crops, once again reducing the need for chemical controls.  Their manure can contribute up to 35% of soil organic matter, providing vital nutrients to crops and supporting organisms that improve soil health.

There are some issues to consider.  Livestock may not fit into every system, and the location of the farm, soil type, field aspect etc are all factors to think about.

Also, not all arable farmers will feel confident in their ability to manage livestock, or indeed be up-to-speed with the latest regulations.  Working in partnership with livestock businesses may be the way forward, rather than trying to go it alone.

But there can be little doubt that incorporating livestock, and in particular sheep, is a way of improving on ‘Turnip’ Townshend’s basic premise that rotation will preserve and improve soil health, and hence productivity.

May I wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful and more Prosperous New Year.