game cover mixtures - Countrywide Farmers

2WelcomeYOUR COUNTRYSIDE 2012WELCOME to all those who regularly receive our catalogue and to thosewho are using it for the first time.OUR AIM is to provide you with anattractive, interesting and easy to usehandbook for use in field or office. Wehave included as much informationas possible to assist you in making aneducated choice as to which crops willbe best suited to your requirements.OUR CUSTOMERS may restassured that they are dealing with aforward thinking company whichinvests heavily in R & D and whoseaim is to ensure that you receive thebest possible service at al times. Welook forward to discussing your seedrequirements for 2012.‘Your Countryside’ Cataloguecontinues to offer youtechnical information andadvice on a diverse range ofproducts including GameCover, Stewardship, ForageCrops, Arable Silage andGreen Manuring enablingfarmers, estate managers andgamekeepers to select thebest products to suit theirrequirements.NATURAL ENGLAND AND THE CAMPAIGN FOR THE FARMED ENVIRONMENT (CFE)Despite last year’s exhortations to farmers to support the CFE and voluntarily adopt environmental measures to avoid compulsoryset-aside, the target is unfortunately still well below the hectarage required; this could partly be due to external pressures such as the highmargins cereals were achieving during 2011 and possibly to proposed changes to the CAP, but whatever the reason, the campaign is dueto end in June 2012 by which time a further 2,700 hectares are needed to reach the target figure. There are two ways in which this targetcan be achieved - by gaining 30% of ELS points from choosing key target options or by putting 3-4% of land into CFE voluntary measures.The good news is that in practice, if every farmer and land manager in England were to establish just one hectare of pollen and nectarmix and two hectares of wild bird seed in every 100 hectares of productive land and buffer vulnerable watercourses, the Campaign couldmeet its targets thus avoiding further restrictive regulation.One of the key messages of the CFE is the Farmland Bird Package. Through the use of Environmental Stewardship,or voluntary options of the CFE, a number of simple management measures can be put in place that will make a huge difference to farmlandbirds. By adopting the Farmland Bird Package you will provide the three main things needed by farmland birds to survive and thrive: winterbird seed, nesting habitat, and spring chick feed source.Many of the seed mixtures advocated by CFE for the purposes of protecting flora and fauna are also eminently suitable for attracting gameand so fulfil both environmental and agro-business purposes.For further information and for suitable mixtures see pages 24-29 of this catalogue.For help and advice concerning CFE, visit www.cfeonline.org.ukGlastir Welsh Environmental schemeGLASTIR is the name of the scheme introduced by the Welsh Assembly Governmentto replace the number of environmental schemes which are currently in force.It has been heavily reviewed since Spring 2010 and is now more ‘farmer friendly’.For further information and for suitable mixtures see page 32 of this catalogue.NEW UPDATESChemical ChartsStewardship SectionGlaSTIR WELSHENVIRONMENTAL SCHEMENEW PRODUCTSNEWRECIPEOrganic wild bird seed mixtureOrganic nectar flower mixtureWe gratefully acknowledge the contribution ofphotographs from the MGA, Sue Adlard, Chris Baylis,Lorna Checketts, Hannah Davies, Mark Howard, Ed Lowe,Katie Moorhouse, Tim Marlow, Mark Wood and past andpresent members of staff.

★ Outstanding ★★ Outstanding ★★ Outstanding ★ContentsYOUR COUNTRYSIDE 2012 3Game Cover CropsGame Cover Selector 4/5Evaluation of New Crops 6Establishing Game Cover Crops 7Game Cover Chemical Table 8Maize Herbicide Table 9Pests and Diseases inBrassicas and Maize 10/11Game Maize 12/13Kale & Miscellaneous Brassicas 14/15Sunflowers 16Millets & Canary Grass 17Sorghums 18Miscellaneous Crops 19/20Game Cover Mixtures 21-23EnvironmentalEnvironmental Stewardship 24Environmental Stewardship Selector 25Environmental Stewardship Options 26/27Make the most ofEnvironmental Stewardship 28Higher Level Stewardship 29Stewardship Schemes for Scotland 30/31Glastir Welsh Environmental Scheme 32Forage CropsForage Root Crops Selector 33Forage Rape 34Turnips 35Kale 36Fodder Beet 37Swede 38Root Mixtures & Arable Silage 39Green ManuringGreen Manuring Selector 40Green Manuring Longer Term Crops 41Green Manuring Spring Crops 42Green Manuring Autumn Crops 43ICON GUIDECOVER FEED NECTARLIFTINGCATTLEGRAZINGSHEEPGRAZING2011Product ofthe YearGOLDENEYE KALE - See page 142011SPECIES ofthe YearFODDER RADISH - See page 192011MIXTURE ofthe YearNORTHEN STAR - See page 23DisclaimerAny information provided in this catalogue is given in good faith and to the best of our existing knowledge. Any advice should therefore be taken as a general guide only and not relied upon for all conditionsand circumstances. We cannot accept any legal liability for information given in this guide. In any instance where there are shortages of specified varieties we reserve the right to substitute equivalent varieties.

4Game Cover SelectorCropPageNo.PackSizeCover /Feed CropAverage Sowing Rateper AcreAverageDrillAverageRowSuggested Guideto SeedbedFertiliser (kg) haDurationSowing Date Utilisationof theGuide PeriodDepth WidthCropBroadcast Direct Drill cm cm N P KMaize 12-13Sunflowers - Standard, Dwarfand Super DwarfMillets / Grasses45,000/50,000seeds/acre✓✓Precision drill45,000 / 50,000seeds/acre16 5kg ✓ ✓ 5kg April - JuneApril - June September - February 1 Season 6 75 80 85 205July -November1 Season 4 75Ensure adequateP but very little NMillet - White / Red / Japanese 17 5kg ✓ ✓ 5kg 5kg April - June September - December 1 Season 1 - 1.5 35-45 60 30 30Ambush Millet 17 5kg ✓ ✓ 5kg 5kg April - June September - December 1 Season 1 - 1.5 35-45 60 30 30Millgame Millet Mix 17 5kg ✓ ✓ 5kg 5kg April - June September - December 1 Season 1 - 1.5 35-45 60 30 30Holdfast Canary Grass 17 2.5kg ✓ 2.5kg April - June All Year 5 Years+ 1.5 70 - 90 55 28 28Reed Canary Grass 17 2.5kg ✓ 2.5kg April - June All Year 5 Years+ 1.5 70 - 90 55 28 28Giant Sorghum 18 12kg ✓ 12kg May - June September - February 1 Season 2.5 - 4 45 - 50 100 50 120Sorghum - Intermediate & Dwarf 18 8kg ✓ 8kg May - June September - February 1 Season 2.5 - 4 45 - 50 100 50 120Over n’ Under Sorghum Mixture 18 8kg ✓ 8kg May - June September - February 1 Season 2.5 - 4 45 - 50 100 50 120DisclaimerThese tables are given in good faith and intended for general guidance only. Weather, local conditions and crop rotations must always be taken into account.

CropPageNo.PackSizeCover /Feed CropAverage Sowing Rateper AcreAverageDrillAverageRowSuggested Guideto SeedbedFertiliser (kg) haDurationSowing Date Utilisationof theGuide PeriodDepth WidthCropBroadcast Direct Drill cm cm N P KBrassicasKale 14 1kg ✓ 2 - 3kg 1.5 - 2kg April - June September - March 1 - 2yr 1 - 2 50 100 50 120Surefire Kale Blend 14 2kg ✓ 2 - 3kg 1.5 - 2kg April - June September - March 1 - 2yr 1 - 2 50 100 50 120Jonty 15 1kg ✓ 2 - 3kg 1 - 2.5kgSpring / EarlyAutumnAutumn / Early Winter 1 Season 1 - 2 Various 110 55 55Texsel Greens 15 1kg ✓ 2 - 3kg 2.5kg April - August September - January 1 Season 1 - 2 Various 110 55 55Forage Rape 15 5kg & 25kg ✓ 4kg 2.5kgMay - end ofSeptemberJuly - December 1 Season 1 - 2.5 15 - 20 20 40 40Zoom Mixture 15 5kg ✓ 2.5kg - 4kg 2.5kg Spring / Autumn September - March 1 Season 1 - 2 Various 110 55 55Miscellaneous CropsArtichokes 19 25kg ✓500kg(potato planteradvisable)April August - December Permanent 15cm 100cmGrows strongly onmost soilsBuckwheat 19 5kg ✓ ✓ 20kg+ 20kg April - May August - December 1 Season 1 - 2.5 20 - 35 35 105 210Mustard 19 5kg & 25kg ✓ 5 - 7kg 2.5 - 5kg Spring - Autumn August - December 1 Season 1 - 2.5 20 - 35Brown Mustard 19 5kg ✓ 2 - 3kg B/C Only Spring - Autumn Autumn / Spring 1 Season B/C B/CFodder Radish 19 5kg ✓ 2.5 - 3.5kg 2.5kg Spring / Autumn July - December 1 Season 1 - 2.5 25 - 30 40 15 20Perennial Chicory 20 2kg ✓ 2kg+ 2kgSpring or EarlyAutumnAll Year 5yr+ 1 15 - 20 100 50 120Quinoa 20 1kg ✓ ✓ 2kg+ 2kg April - June September - December 1 Season 1.5 45 100 50 120Yellow Blossom Clover 20 1kg ✓ 2.5kg+ 2.5kg April - June All Year 1 - 2yr 0.5 75 30 0 0Linseed 20 25kg ✓ ✓ 25kg April - May September - February 1 Season 1 - 2 8 - 18 40 75 65Triticale 20 25kg ✓ ✓ 50kg Spring / Autumn August - February 1 Season 2.5 12 - 16 125 0 0Gold of Pleasure 20 5kg ✓ ✓ 5kg+ 5kg April - May September - December 1 Season 1 8 - 18 40 75 65Borage 20 5kg ✓ 5kg+ 5kg April - June Autumn 1 Season 1 - 2 15 - 20MixturesOverdrive 21 2.5kg ✓ ✓ 2.5kg+ 2.5kg April - June September - February 1 - 2yr 2.5 45 - 50 100 50 120Late Cover Mix 21 5kg ✓ 6kg+ 5kg Spring / Autumn September - February 1 Season 1 - 2 20 - 35 55 28 28Kwik Fix 21 5kg ✓ 5kg+ 5kgJuly - End ofSeptemberSeptember - December 1 Season 1 - 2 40Lodging can occurwith excess fertiliserDecoy Game Mixture 22 8kg ✓ ✓ 8kg B/C Only Spring September - February 1 Season 80 40 96Partridge Mix 22 25kg ✓ ✓ 25kg Spring September - February 1 Season 1 - 2.5 12 - 16 30 75 75General Purpose Rearing Pen Mix 22 13kg ✓ 13kg+ B/C Only Spring / Autumn All Year 5yr+Deer Lawn Mixture 22 15kg ✓ 15kg+ B/C Only Spring / Autumn All Year 5yr+ B/C B/CTraditional Game Cover Mixture 23 10kg ✓ ✓ 10kg B/C Only April - June September - February 1 Season B/C B/C 80 40 96Northern Star Game Mix 23 20kg ✓ ✓ 20kg Spring September - February 1 Season 2.5 - 3 15 75 37 37Four Ten Mixture 23 14kg ✓ ✓ 14kg Spring September - February 1 Season 6 75 185 90 220Sundown Mixture 23 13kg ✓ ✓ 13kg April - June September - February 1 Season 5 - 6 75 - 100 60 60

6Evaluation of New CropsBIOMASS CROPSThe production of energy is becoming increasingly important and so therefore are the crops required tofeed the Biogas plants. There are now approximately 60 digesters in the UK with planning applications formany more. The most popular crop currently grown for this purpose in the UK is maize but also grown aregrass, cereals, fodder beet, forage rye and forage sorghum. At our trialling site between 2012 and 2014 wewill be evaluating all the above plus other species in extended replicated trials. Samples will be taken formethane evaluation and next year’s catalogue will contain a table of results so far obtained.NEW VARIETIES & MIXTURESEach year at Hailes Farm, Gloucestershire triallingsite and in consultation with many of our customers,we experiment with different products and mixtures.This enables us to observe and evaluate theirperformance so that we can select the best varietiesand mixtures for future use.Maize typesSorghum typesEnergy Fodder Beet TypesForage Rye TypesKales from New ZealandWild Bird Seed Mixtures

Establishing Game Cover Crops7Game cover crops will only reach theirfull potential if they are well managedright from the start. A successfullymanaged shoot is both profitable andrewarding to landowners and thelocal community, as it contributespositively to the countryside and theoverall environment. It is hoped thefollowing notes will help and guideyou to a successful establishment ofgame cover crops; any regional orparticular soil conditions have notbeen taken into consideration as it ispreferable to take advantage of localknowledge. If you would like more indepth information please contact yourlocal seed specialist, who will be ableto give advice for your own particularfarm/situation.Crop RotationRotations are essential to help reduce soil-borne diseasesuch as Club Root in brassicas. A rotational system willalso help to improve soil fertility and structure as eachcrop can benefit the soil in different ways, each requiringdifferent trace elements. Crop rotation is essential whereweeds and/or disease have become a persistent problem.CultivationsA well prepared seed bed is essential for crop health anddevelopment, as a rapidly growing game cover crop hasmore chance of resisting pest attack. Generally, ploughingand rapid consolidation to conserve moisture is the idealstart for these crops. Ensure the seed bed is fine and firmto help reduce the risk of slug activity.SowingWhere possible we recommend drilling game cover crops.This ensures accurate seed depth and row width and willprovide maximum seed to soil contact that will encouragea speedy establishment. Sowing at the correct row widthwill also improve bird holding and driving capability.Each growing season is completely different, but try notto sow too early to ensure the soil temperature is warmenough to encourage a quick successful germination.FertiliserSoil testing is essential to determine the fertility of thesoil, which can then be managed accordingly to maximizeits potential. Farmyard manure is an excellent way ofimproving soil structure and adding fertility. Fertiliserwill also be required at the early stages of establishmentto maximize the output of your game cover crop. Limemay be required for some acid soils to balance the soil pH.Weed ControlThe stale seed bed technique is a well proven weed controlsystem and allows early control of weeds. The techniqueinvolves spraying, ploughing and cultivating to encourageweed seeds to germinate in a first flush, then re-spraying;this can be repeated as often as you feel it is requiredto help achieve a clean seed bed. This technique is veryuseful where mixtures are grown and no herbicide can berecommended. (For chemical weed control see tables onpages 8 and 9).

KEYSOLAs Game CoverLTAEU OKOK to apply but some transient crop effects might be observed8Game Cover Chemicals 2012Blank fields = no informationYes ok to useYes when establishedYes from 3 leaf stageNo - do not useThe chart below was kindlysupplied by Agrovista UK LtdStaleSeedbedPre-emergence herbicides Post emergence herbicides InsecticideSpeciesNotesRoundup Ultimate(SOLA 20082892)Avadex ExcelButisan S / Rapsan 1.5l/haGamit 36CS (SOLA 20091280)Kerb Flo (SOLA 20082942)Novall 2.5 l/ha (AUTUMN use)Cinder (SOLA 20092208)AgritoxAvadex ExcelARAMO (SOLA 20082813)Basagran (SOLA 20082819)Butisan S / Rapsan 1.5l/haButryflowCaptureFusiladeGaleraLaserJester (SOLA 20100322)Jubilee SX (SOLA 2859/2008)MIRCAM PLUSNovall 2.5 l/haStarane (SOLA 2925/2008)Springkok 2.5 AUTUMN onlyCinder (SOLA 20092208)Kerb Flo (SOLA 2410/2008)Notrtron Flo (SOLA 20082919)Depitox (SOLA 20082843)Axial (SOLA 20082815)Lentagran WP (SOLA 20090788)Markate 50Canary GrassLTAEU - products used oncereals or forage maizeSOLA No No No Nolow rate from2-3 leaflow rate from2-3 leafNo No No Nomax 20gfrom 3 leafNoNomax3.3NoNoChicory SOLA No Nomax2.5l/haNo No No No No No No No Nomax2.5Giant SorghumLTAEU - products used oncereals or forage maizeSOLA No No max 3.75 No No No from 2-3 leaf No No Nomax 6gfrom 3 leafNomax 0.75 from2-3 leafNomax3.75No No NoKale SOLA No No No No No No No No No No No NoMillet RedLTAEU - products used oncereals or forage maizeSOLA No max 1.7 No max 2.5 No No No No No No Nomax3.3NoMillgame Millet Mix(mix red + white)LTAEU - products used oncereals or forage maizeSOLA max 1.7 No max 2.5 No Nolow rate from2-3 leaffrom 3 leafmax 0.8No No Nomax 6gfrom 3 leafNoNomax3.3max 2.0from 3 leafNoMillet WhiteLTAEU - products used oncereals or forage maizeSOLA No No Nomax3.75l/haNoNolow rate from2-3 leaffrom 3 leafmax 0.8No No Nomax 6gfrom 3 leafNoNomax3.75NoNoMustard SOLA AUTUMN No No No No No No No No Autumn NoQuinoaLTAEU - products usedon OSRSOLAmax 1.5AUTUMNNo No No No No No Nomax 6gfrom 3 leafNo No Autumn Nomax 1.7from 3 leafNoFodder Radish SOLA No No No No Nolow rate from2-3 leafNo No No No No No No #1SunflowersLTAEU - products usedon OSRSOLA max 1.7 AUTUMN No No No No No No No No No No No No Nomax3.3Swede SOLA No No No No No No No No #2Yellow BlossomCloverLTAEU - products usedon OSRSOLA AUTUMN max 2.5 No No No No Nofrom3 leafNo No No No No No Nomax2.5max 1.7from 3 leafTexel Greens SOLA No No max 3.3 No No No No No No No No No No No NoStubble Turnip SOLA No No No No No No No No No #2Note: This is not a complete list of products which can be used on these ‘crops’. In some cases information is based only on limited data so should be used with caution. SOLAs and LTAEU off-label uses are at GROWERS OWN RISK# 1 Radish Markate 50 SOLA 20080204 #2 Swede and turnip Markate 50 SOLA 2010. Disclaimer: Agrovista cannot accept any responsibility for any loss, damage or accident arising from the use of information in this report.

KeyMaize Herbicides 2012SusceptibleModerately susceptibleModerately resistantResistantLitre quantityindicates effectiveapplication rateThe chart below waskindly supplied byAgrovista UK Ltd( ) = Based on trials9ProductBullet XLPendimethalinWing-PCadou StarDual GoldTemplarCalarisCallistoTemplarSamson Extra 6%Crop TimingPre-emergence up to4 leavesPre-emergence up to4 leavesPre-emergence up to4 leavesPre-emergencePre-emergencePre-emergencePre & Post - emergencePre & Post-emergencePost emergencePost emergence2.7Dose rate litre/haStomp Aqua 3.3Cinder 3.754.00.85 g/kg1.42.51.51.52.50.75Wild Radish 1.5L/HA 0.75L/HAVolunteer PotatoVolunteer OSR 2-4TLThistle CreepingStinking Mayweed 1.5L/HA 2-4TL 0.75L/HASow ThistlesShepherd's Purse 2-4TLScentless Mayweed 2-4TL 0.75L/HAScarlet PimpernelSmall Nettle 2-4TLRedshank 0.75L/HARed Dead Nettle 2-4TLPoppy 2-4TLPineappleweed 1.5L/HA 2-4TL 0.75L/HAPennycress 1.5L/HA 2-4TLParsley PiertPale Persicaria 2-4TL 0.75L/HAOrache 2-4TL 0.75L/HAKnotgrass 1.5L/HA 1.5L/HA 2-4TLSpeedwell, Ivy-leaved 2-4TLHenbit Dead Nettle 1.5L/HAGroundsel 2-4TLFumitory 2-4TLForget-me-not 2-4TLFool's ParsleyField Pansy 2-4TL 0.75L/HAField BindweedFat Hen 2-4TL 0.75L/HADockCreeping ButtercupCorn MarigoldCrane's Bill( )Common Poppy 2-4TLC Hemp NettleC. Field Speedwell 2-4TL 0.75L/HAC.Chickweed 2-4TLCleavers 1.5L/HA 1.5L/HA 2-4TLCharlock 2-4TLBugloss 2-4TLBlack Nightshade 2-4TL 0.75L/HABlack Bindweed 1.5L/HA 2-4TLAnnual Mercury 0.75L/HAAmaranthusWild OatsVolunteer CerealsRyegrassCommon CouchBlackgrassAnnual Meadow Grass 1.5L/HA 2-4TL (2 LVS)ButryflowPost emergence1.0Gal GonePost emergence1.0TitusPost emergence50 gJesterPost emergence500g( )DISCLAIMER Agrovista cannot accept any responsibility for any loss, damage or accident arising from the use of information in this report

10Pests & Diseases in Brassicas & MaizeFlea BeetleManagementBrassicas (Kale, Rape, Texsel Greens, Jonty) and Linseedare vulnerable in hot weather conditions to attacks of FleaBeetle. Chemical insecticide treatment will be requiredimmediately if ‘shot holes’ are seen in the young leaves.Increasing soil fertility and structure helps speed the cropthrough critical growth stages to minimize attack.Grüner Angeliter, Goldeneye and Thousand Head Kaleare available with Cruiser Flea Beetle seed treatment tohelp prevent attack.N.B.Flea Beetle treated seed should be drillednot broadcast as it can be toxic to peopleand wildlife. Also if left on the surface of the soil theeffectiveness of the chemical against Flea Beetle willbe reduced.Flea BeetleDiabrotica Beetle(Western CornRootworm)Diabrotica is a serious pest of maize. The Colorado beetleis ranked number 10 as the world’s most destructive pest;Diabrotica beetle comes in at number 3 so that gives aperspective as to its destructive ability. The pest has beenmigrating through Europe for the last few years andhas now reached the UK. The larvae can be devastatingto maize crops. It has been detected in successive yearsin areas around Gatwick and Heathrow. If a field is in aDEFRA identified “Risk Area”, farmers are required torotate maize with crops that do not act as a host or it isrequested that seed is treated with a specialist insecticidesuch as Cruiser, Gaucho or Poncho. Numbers ofDiabrotica are on the increase and everyone must keep aneye open for their presence. This is as important in gamemaize crops as it is for forage maize crops.Diabrotica BeetleWirewormThis pest is normally a problem after grass, especiallylong-term leys. The standard maize insecticide seedtreatment, Mesurol, does not control Wireworm. Cruiser/Gaucho/Poncho Seed treatment does have an effect onWireworm, but it is important to use vigorous varieties,prepare a good seed bed and give the crop every chance toestablish fast to limit the damage from this pest.Frit FlyWirewormA key UK pest of maize, especially in grassland areas.This is easily and cheaply controlled with Mesurol whilstavailable, which also has some bird repellent properties.European Corn BorerThe corn borer is a pest native to Europe which has beenspotted in the British Isles in the 2011 maize crop. Themoth lays clusters of eggs on the underside of the leafwhich hatch into caterpillars causing damage to the earsand stalks of maize, chewing tunnels which can cause theplants to fall over. Control is difficult as the maize is tootall to spray by the time the damage occurs.Other PestsEuropean corn borerdamage in maizeGame cover is often sown in the spring near to woodsand trees and therefore is very attractive to crows, pigeons,slugs, rabbits, hares, deer, badgers and caterpillars. Gamecover crops need to be checked regularly and relevantaction needs to be taken quickly to prevent further attacksfrom these pests. Mesurol seed treatment, whilst stillavailable, can help reduce Corvid damage to maize crops.

11Diseases in BrassicasDiseases in MaizeClub Root(Plasmodiophora brassicae)Maize Smut(Ustilago maydis)Eye Spot(Kabatiella zeae)Rust(Puccinia sorghi)Although sometimes seen in the UK, normally at the endof the season, Rust is not a major threat. It is observed asdark brown/red rust pustules which develop on the upperleaves. Even when present, this disease has not been a realproblem.Club Root is a serious and widespread disease of brassicaplants. It is very difficult to control and once present inthe soil, is virtually impossible to eradicate. Roots affectedby Club Root are swollen and distorted thus reducing theflow of water and nutrients to the plant; leaves becomeyellow and wilt causing severe stunting of growth. Sowingcrops in the autumn when the soil is cooler reduces therisk of attack. Increasing soil pH through liming, ensuringgood drainage and maintaining long rotations betweenbrassica crops (at least four years) are the best methods tomanage the disease.This fungus can be seed or soil borne and is also a diseaseof barley. Common Smut often appears in hot dry yearsand is characterised by irregular shaped ‘puffy’ balls onthe cobs and stems of the plant. These puffy balls are eatenin Mexico as a delicacy! This disease rarely affects yieldor feeding value and does not present a health hazard tolivestock.Another fungus which can be a problem in coastal areasespecially in cold wet seasons. Seen as severe dark lesionson stems and leaves. The disease is hosted by maize trash,so with any occurrence, field rotation and variety selectionshould be considered for future sowings. Deep burying oftrash from previous cropping is a must.Stalk Rot(Fusarium spp)This is a fungus normally developing in late maturitycausing premature senescence. It can weaken plantsrapidly and cause lodging, especially if harvesting at 30%+dry matter content.Maize SmutEye Spot

12Game Maize“Choosing the right crops and getting advice onspraying has enabled us to achieve excellent coverfor our birds and a better shoot percentage.”“We have a 700 pheasant shoot on my sheep farm in the Gowerpeninsula. As the shoot acreage is small we have to be selective withthe game cover crops we grow. We chose triple maize blend becauseof its good holding ability and also because it stands so well. Nextto it we planted a strip of millet which works very well as it can betreated with the same sprays as the maize. It can be very windy hereso we use sorghum around the edge to cut down the draught in themaize. As can be seen from the photo the crops look really great!”Mr Ed John, Gower Peninsula November 2011Game Maize is still one of the mostpopular crops used for cover and feed.Nearly all maize varieties used forgame cover have at some stage beencommercial forage or grain varieties.As these varieties are superseded bynewer hybrids, stocks of those beingreplaced diminish and we carefullyselect the most suitable of these for ourgame cover purposes.The selection criteria a breederwould use for a new foragemaize are:High yield potentialMaturityResistance to lodgingVery good early vigourResistance to diseaseMost of these attributes are just as important for ourgame cover crops and as breeding evolves the varieties wesupply will continue to improve.Every year seems to be difficult for growing maize for onereason or another and 2011 was no exception! Most areasexperienced very dry conditions causing various degreesof plant stress, with some counties such as Shropshiresuffering from drought so badly that the plants resembledbrown cardboard. However, in those areas where rainfinally did fall, the crops compensated remarkably well.The brand ‘Late Shot’ has increased in popularity,producing an immature crop with unripe cobs at harvest,therefore not suffering from the damaging attentions ofbadgers and rodents. (see photo on p 13)For game cover purposes, a crop of maize can always berelied upon to provide the perfect hiding cover for game;birds can move easily through it and the cob will providevaluable feed.Variety selection is as important a factor as when andwhere to sow and we have a choice of five brands to suit alllocations and requirements.Biomass Maize varieties available

13Game MaizeRapid FireRapid Fire is still our biggest selling brand of maize.Varieties are chosen which have very good standingability, early vigour and a low cob carriage.Pack size 50,000 Seeds Mesurol treatedDouble Gold– Grain TypeDouble Gold is still our first choice variety in the UKand Europe for grain production. As it is used for grain ithas excellent standing power, which is very important towithstand a whole shooting season. It has excellent earlyvigour which is always important but even more so indifficult sowing conditions.Pack size 50,000 Seeds Mesurol treatedSilver ShotSilver Shot is a very short, compact plant and has beensown in large shoots for several years. It is a stay-greenvariety with high drought tolerance which may haveimpact in the future!Pack size 40,000 Seeds Mesurol treatedTriple MaizeBlendTriple Maize Blend is a mixture of varieties, normallythree different types of early, mid and late. This willgive differing rates of maturity as cobs ripen at differenttimes, thus providing cover throughout the whole of theshooting season.Pack size 50,000 Seeds Mesurol treatedLate ShotThis plant is extremely late to mature and could not featureanywhere on a UK Maize List due to its lateness. It willproduce an immature cob that rarely develops past the‘bright white stage’. Due to its very late maturity Late Shotseems to be of less interest to rats and rabbits, so wherestandard varieties have been decimated, Late Shot shouldstill be looking good at the end of the shooting season.Pack size 50,000 Seeds Mesurol treatedComparing immature Late Shot (cob on left) toearlier Rapid Fire (cob on right) in OctoberN.B.Height of maize may vary dependingon seasonal and management variations.

14KaleKale is still one of the most popularcover crops used today. The mainadvantage of Kale is that it willprovide cover for the whole shootingseason. Pheasants particularly like thecombination of a good canopy and bareground which allows easy movementin a relatively dry environment.Kale requires soil with a pH of around 6.5, so it is veryimportant to conduct soil analysis prior to sowing. Kaleis a very hungry crop and benefits from the applicationof farmyard manure/slurry prior to sowing. Care shouldbe taken with continuous Kale as the ground can become“brassica sick”; Club Root (Finger and Toe) will inhibitor prevent the growth of brassica crops but this can beprevented by growing Kale and another crop such asMaize in adjacent strips and alternating the strips fromone year to another.Kale is frequently grown in conjunction with other cropssuch as Quinoa and Yellow Blossom Clover. Selection ofany such mixture should take into account the requiredlength of time for which the crop is grown and thepotential weed control that may be required.2011Product ofthe Year★ Outstanding ★Goldeneye KALEwith clubroot toleranceGoldeneye is a giant type kale especially bred for the gamecover market, selected for the optimum combinationof height and leaf production. It has a leafy top, strongstem, good winter hardiness and good field tolerance ofdisease, making it the ideal choice for game cover usage.In a trial conducted at the Scottish Agricultural College,Aberdeen, Goldeneye achieved a higher vigour score thanCaledonian kale and equal or better club root tolerance.Pack size 1 kg, untreated or Cruiser Flea Beetle TreatmentOutstanding Product of the YeaREveryone’s talking about it!Grüner AngeliterTall variety with good winter hardiness. Grüner Angeliterlooks to be a significant improvement in the game cropsector. In difficult growing conditions this is by far thebest looking variety in the game cover sector.High leaf canopy. Thick strong stem with a branching-outumbrella-like canopy, with plenty of room for the birds torun underneath.Pack size 1 kg, untreated or Cruiser Flea Beetle TreatmentSovereignEVALUATINGFOR2013Sovereign is a medium-tall forage kale with excellentyield potential and is the leading variety in New Zealand.Being late flowering and with a good leaf-to-stem ratio,the variety has the potential to maintain good qualityproduction over a longer usage period.Thousand HeadTraditional medium tall variety with medium-branchedstems. Good winter hardiness and good standing abilitymake this variety a popular choice.Pack size 1 kg, untreated or Cruiser Flea Beetle TreatmentSurefire Kale BlendA combination of three excellent game cover kale varieties,to provide a tall varied canopy. This blend will give superbcover over an extended period and will give second yeargrowth with various bolting times. The flowering kaleattracts insects and provides shed seed, all helping to drawboth game and song birds.0.75kg0.75kg0.50kg2kg/acreThousand Head/GoldeneyeGruner AngeliterKeeperPack size 2kg, (1 acre packs)Cruiser Flea Beetle Treatment only

Miscellaneous Brassicas“A fantastic cover crop whichwe are using for part of the the2011 Retriever Championship.In what has been a verychallenging growing yearZoom has produced a topquality holding cover for bothPheasants and Partridge.Mr Jim Chattaway, Nevill Holt Estate,Leicestershire 5th December 201115JontyTexsel GreensForage RapeJonty is a fast growing brassica, which will provide coverwithin 6 weeks of sowing. Due to its rapid bolting tendencyJonty is best planted in early autumn as a rescue crop.Pack size 1kg, Thiram & Sepiret treatedTexsel Greens are an easy to establish, frost hardy covercrop. Their rapid growth is ideal for suppressing weeds.Pack size 1kg, Thiram & Sepiret treatedForage Rape is particularly useful in that it can be usedas a rescue or catch crop, continuing until the New Yearwhen it flowers and goes to seed. A well grown crop withadequate spacing between rows will provide good coverfor holding, driving and feeding. It is largely unaffectedby frost and wet weather.Sowing rate 2.5 - 4kg/acrePack size 5kg and 25kg untreatedCruiser treatment available (limited)See page 34 for Clubroot tolerant varietyJontyTexsel GreensAkela OrganicForage RapeWidely grown in Europe, Akela is a leafy, palatable plantwith high protein content, high dry matter yield and goodwinter hardiness. It is another very late flowering varietywhich performs well whether sown for summer, autumnor winter use.Pack Size 25kg untreated organic seed (limited)Zoom BrassicaMixtureZoom is a blend of Winfred Hybrid Brassica and ForageRape. This is a very vigorous and quick growing mixturewhich is ideal for replacing failed crops or patchingspring sown crops. High seedling vigour gives a reliableestablishment of a high leaf to stem ratio crop withcarefully selected varieties that have good disease andbolting resistance.Flea Beetle treated seed must be drilled and not broadcast. Flea Beetle seed treatment greatly reduces the effect of Flea Beetle damage in the early stages of establishment,however regular monitoring of the crop is still required as further action may be needed in the event of heavy attack.Pack size 5kg.Cruiser Flea Beetle treatment

16SunflowersSunflowers traditionally have beengrown in the more southerly partsof the UK due to their requirementsfor early spring sowing and warmsunshine. The standard types ofsunflower have a seed-head that istoo high for pheasants to reach easilyand so the selection of dwarf andsuper dwarf varieties has improvedthe utilisation of this crop. In mostsituations sunflowers are now grownin conjunction with many other gamecrops, either in mixtures or adjacentblocks. They provide highly nutritiousseed of a high oil content that allgame and song birds enjoy. The youngseedlings are very vulnerable to slugattack, so a close eye must be kept onthe newly planted crop.Standard TypeVariable height, but generally tall. For best utilisation ofthis crop it should be “swiped down” to enable game birdsto reach the seeds.Pack size 1 acre (5kg) untreatedDwarf TypeA short hybrid variety with good standing ability. Theseed-heads tend to be larger than those of the standardtype. These are also best “swiped down” to enable birds toreach the large seed-heads.Pack size 1 acre (5kg) Fungicide treatedSuper Dwarf Type‘Diamond’A true super dwarf variety with a short, very strong stemwhich supports huge seed-heads. The shortness of thestems makes the seed-heads readily available to gamebirds. Excellent standing ability.Pack size 1 acre (5kg) Fungicide treatedDiamond SunflowersDiamond Sunflowers

18SorghumsSorghum is a tall semi-tropical,non-cob producing, maize-like plantwhich will provide cover throughoutthe shooting season. It thrives best inwarm, sunny growing conditions andtherefore is suited to the more southerlyregions of the UK. Sorghum is a veryslow establishing plant that does notbegin to flourish until late July.Giant SorghumGiant Sorghum is a Sorghum x Sudan grass hybridstanding approximately 2 metres tall or more andtherefore is extremely useful as a windbreak to protectmore vulnerable crops. Its deep rooting system enables itto withstand drought conditions. Useful as a flushing cropeven though the Giant Sorghum is prone to lodging laterin the season.Pack size 1 acre (12kg) Fungicide treatedIntermediateSorghumIntermediate Sorghum as suggested by its name, is inbetween giant and dwarf in height, approx 1.5m. Useful asa windbreak around other game cover crops, it providespheasants and partridges with protection from overheadpredators. Has an attractive seed-head.Pack size 1 acre (8kg) Fungicide treated plus untreated(limited)Dwarf SorghumDwarf Sorghum has a short, sturdy, broad-leaved stemand a substantial seed-head, providing birds with warmcover throughout the shooting season. Often sown as acompanion to Maize with the bulkier, shorter Sorghumplants giving protection to the birds below the tallergrowing maize plants (see Four Ten on p23) Averageheight 1 - 1.25mPack size 1 acre (8kg) Fungicide treatedN.B.Giant SorghumHeight of Sorghum may vary dependingon seasonal and management variations.Over N’ UnderSorghum MixTUREA combination of two differing heights of sorghum. Theshorter Dwarf Sorghum will give the birds protectionfrom predators with the taller Giant Sorghum acting asa windbreak.4.00 kg Giant Sorghum4.00 kg Dwarf Sorghum8.00 kg/acreOver n’ Under Sorghum MixturePack size 1 acre (8kg) Fungicide treated

Miscellaneous Crops19ArtichokesProvide tall, dense cover which tolerates adverse growingconditions and remains green well into the autumn.Gradual die-back will occur but game can be held untilthe end of the shooting season if well managed. Bestgrown in ridged rows which will provide shelteredtunnels to protect the birds. Requires annual thinningof rows and re-ridging to prevent the crop becoming toodense. Once established they are difficult to eradicate.Can combine with a feed crop such as millet. It is essentialthat artichokes are planted within 48 hours of delivery tofarm.Sowing rate 500kg/acreMinimum order 250kgBook early to avoid disappointmentPack size 25kg untreatedArtichokesBuckwheaTA rapidly growing short term crop highly attractive topheasants, partridge and deer both as cover and feed. Thelarge amount of nectar produced attracts bees and insectswhich in turn provide added interest for game birds. It is auseful component to add to mixtures due to its bulkinessand its ability to continue to provide holding cover and feedafter the first frosts when the crop has fallen. Buckwheatthrives best in sunny rather than shaded areas.Sowing rate 20kg/acrePack size 5kg untreatedMustardMustard is a relatively inexpensive and highly versatilecover crop either sown alone or as a companion to otherspecies. It is ideal for early cover and although killed offby frost, the fallen woody stems will create shelter for thebirds below. This is especially useful when sown with seedproducing species which alone would provide no cover.Popular as a green manure crop (see green manure section).Sowing rate 5kg/acrePack size 5kg and 25kg untreatedCruiser treatment available (limited)Organic seed available (limited) in 25kg packsBrown MustardA green manure crop with biofumigation properties, i.e.it suppresses soil-borne pests and diseases. It is an easyto establish 50 - 70 day crop that can be sown betweenApril and September and unlike conventional varietiesof mustard it is winter hardy. It will improve the healthof the soil by increasing organic matter and acts as anexcellent weed suppressant. It is also especially usefulas over-wintering green cover after maize, potatoes andsugar beet crops, reducing soil erosion, fertiliser leachingand water run-off.Sowing Rate 2kg - 3kg/acrePack size 5kg untreatedBrown Mustard2011SPECIES ofthe Year★ Outstanding ★Fodder RadishA fast growing cover crop, its prime usefulnessbeing where brassica sickness is a problem due to itsimmunity to the disease. Other qualities are its speedof establishment which aids weed suppression, and itsuse as a green manure crop. It is useful as a catch cropin northern regions if sown in July as it will be ready toprovide cover within six to eight weeks, just as birds arelosing cover from the cereals being combined. Due toits fast growth it is valuable as a replacement for failedcrops. Fodder Radish is not winter hardy, but continuesto provide cover right through the season. In addition,it holds its seed in pods which shed in late winter/earlyspring, thus providing feed during that all important‘hungry gap’.Sowing rate 2.5kg/acrePack size 5kg untreatedOutstanding SPECIES of the YeaREveryone’s talking about it!

Game Cover Mixtures21Our range of game cover mixtures arespecially formulated to ensure youwill be able to achieve the best fromyour cover crops. Combining differentspecies into a mixture can extendthe utilisation period, help to attractand hold specific types of game andprovide feed and cover where both arerequired.However, there are sometimesinstances when none of the above willfit the bill for one reason or another.In these cases, specialised mixtures tosuit individual specific requirementscan be arranged.N.B.Flea Beetle treated seed should be drillednot broadcast as it can be toxic to peopleand wildlife. Also if left on the surface of the soil theeffectiveness of the chemical against Flea Beetle willbe reduced.OverdriveA superb combination of winter hardy cover provided bythe Kale and high quality feed provided by the Quinoa.This mixture is excellent for holding birds.1.25 kg Quinoa1.25 kg Grüner Angeliter Kale Cruiser Flea Beetle Treatment2.50 kg/acreSowing rate 2.5kg/acrePack size 2.5kgLate CoverMixtureA rapidly establishing and maturing mixture providingwinter cover to the height of 2 - 3 feet. It is often usedas a patching crop where spring crops have failed. Thismixture will tolerate drought conditions.3.00 kg Forage Rape1.50 kg Stubble Turnips0.35 kg Mustard0.15 kg Fodder Radish5.00 kg/acreSowing rate 5kg/acrePack size 5kg untreatedKwik FixThis is a flexible cover crop which can be used to patchfailed spring game covers. Mustard increases the coverelement and prolongs the cover period. This mixture willnot provide full season cover, but it is more winter hardythan straight Mustard.3.50 kg Fodder Radish1.50 kg Mustard5.00 kg/acreSowing rate 5kg/acrePack size 5kg untreated

22Game Cover Mixtures“We have had great success with establishing ourcovers this year and have created good habitatswithin game cover maize boundaries. There is verygood shelter and feed supply available from thecrops. By using maize on the outer edges the birdsare lifting when they clear the covers and it also actsas a useful windbreak in more exposed locations. Itis important that any cover established is pleasingto the eye and blends in well with the surroundings;by adding some sunflowers I feel we have achievedthis with the Decoy Game Mixture.”Mr Paul Turnock, Pewit Hall October 2011Deer Lawn MixtureA mixture blended to provide a wide and very diverseblend of forage which will suit the needs of most deerspecies found in the UK. The grasses will provide thebulk of the forage, Meadow Foxtail being one of thespecies particularly favoured by deer. The wide selectionof leguminous plants provides good levels of proteinand minerals adding variation and interest to the diet.Mixtures such as these can be sown into cleared areas ofwoodland where soil types and structures are not alwaysideal and where deer may graze without disturbance.38% Meadow Fescue15% Timothy15% Intermediate Perennial Ryegrasss (Diploid)5% Late Perennial Ryegrasss (Diploid)5% Smooth Stalk Meadow Grass3% Black Medick3% Lucerne Pre-inoculated3% Sainfoin2.5% Common Bent Grass2.5% White Clover2% Red Clover2% Fenugreek2% Perennial Chicory1% Meadow Foxtail1% Plantain100%Sowing rate 15kg/acrePack size 15kgGeneral PurposeRearing Pen MixA mixture of species which provides a perfect rearing/release pen mixture. This mixture establishes rapidlyand forms a hardwearing sward which will withstandintensive stocking. The legumes included will fix nitrogenand attract insects.3.00 kg Amenity Perennial Ryegrass2.50 kg Late Perennial Ryegrass2.00 kg Timothy2.00 kg Meadow Fescue2.00 kg Creeping Red Fescue1.00 kg Birdsfoot Trefoil0.50 kg White Clover13.00 kg/acreSowing rate 13kg/acrePack size 13kgDecoy GameMixtureA combination of six small seed producing specieswhich will provide excellent cover and feed and will lastthroughout the season. It is easy to sow and establish asall the seeds are of similar size and offers an excellentalternative to our Traditional Game Cover mixture.Decoy mixture can be used in ELS as a Wild Bird SeedMixture option.2.0kg Linseed (chinook treated)2.0kg Buckwheat1.5kg Red Millet1.5kg White Millet0.5kg Fodder Radish0.5kg Mustard8.00 kg/acreSowing rate 8kg/acrePack size 8kgEF2 450 points per ha - See page 25Decoy Game MixPartridgeMixtureA very hardy mixture that thrives on colder, poorer soils.This mixture has an open canopy that encourages andholds partridges and is useful as a break crop from Kale.Partridge mixture can be used in ELS as a Wild Bird SeedMixture option.12.50 kg Triticale7.50 kg Spring Barley3.75 kg Linseed (chinook treated)1.00 kg Gold of Pleasure0.25 kg Kale (untreated)25.00 kg/acreSowing rate 25kg/acrePack size 25kgEF2 450 points per ha - See page 25Partridge Mix

“We have been growing Wild Bird Seed Mixtures for 8 years now and use them for game cover and forstewardship margins. We find them very good at holding birds right through the season as the covers don’tgo flat and are draught free. Because we use a biennial mix it has halved the cost and risk of establishment.It’s fantastic to see the wild birds that are drawn to these mixtures, ranging from finches to grey partridge.They provide great publicity for the estate with the changing array of colours through the season, frombright blue, to vivid yellow to a lovely golden brown.”Mr Mark Wood, Herefordshire November 201124Environmental StewardshipThe Future of Our CountrysideOur countryside has always been a sight to behold, and those of us who spend our lives in this idyllic environmentmight just think that the overall appearance of the landscape could never be improved upon. We have had just alittle over 11 years of Environmental Stewardship in one guise or another and whilst the overall views of what wesee might not have changed greatly, time moves more slowly when nature is involved and there have been manyimprovements which to the naked eye are a little more difficult to discern. Farmers have gradually seen that highinput farming in many instances is not always as profitable as first thought, and that a more considered view asto land management and animal husbandry does have its benefits. We need a vibrant, ecological countryside formankind to continue its presence on this planet. However, man must be very careful not to indulge himself intomaking sweeping changes to the landscape as we know it. It has taken many thousands of years to evolve and has,during that process, given every species whether plant or animal the chance to evolve at its own pace and hencekeep its place in the fragile structure of the planet.Many of the noble aims for the protection of our countryside need time to come to fruition; if we rush this, it willbe at the expense of not only the countryside but also of its people. If we are to halt the advance of global warmingthen it is incumbent on every state to try somehow within the bounds of good husbandry and good environmentalpractice to produce sufficient food for its population. To consider the alternative of importing food as a meansof protecting the countryside will add further strains on an already susceptible planet and will use up its naturalresources far more rapidly; such remedies will just compound the problem. The forecast for world populationincrease will give rise to even further pressure on food production so we must proceed into the future with ameasured step, one which will secure the countryside for future generations and one which will support its people.The current Third Edition Entry Level Stewardship Environmentalplan for England which came into effect in February 2010 has madea number of changes from the original scheme. These are : a newUplands ELS Strand, 2 options under Boundary features, 3 optionsunder Trees and woodland, 2 options under Buffer strips, 3 optionsfor Arable land and 5 options under Protection of soil and water.In addition to this there are 2 amendments to the options for theencouragement of crop types; these apply to 2 options in the oldscheme which have been upgraded for the improvement of a foodsource for wild birds and a clarification of what can and cannot beused under these headings.Higher Level Stewardship has seen fewer amendments and it is justthe addition Management of high environmental ditches SectionHB14 which has now been included. Much if not all of HLS isprescriptive and the Natural England advisors detail the requirementsfor the protection or propagation of endangered species.Organic ELS has similar new options as are agreed for the standardELS scheme. The only differences are 2 new options under Arableand rotational land and 4 Options under Protection of soil andwater. Similarly the old options for wild bird mixtures and nectarflower in grass land are amended.To comply with the legislation within the schemes we have amendeda number of our standard mixtures. The various scenarios in whichthey may be used and the mixture compositions for each selectedcategory can be seen on pages 25 - 27.

Environmental Stewardship Selector25Entry Level Stewardship table with options that are also availableunder Higher Level Stewardship SchemeMixture OptionsStraight OptionsELS & HLS Description Buffer Strip Mixtures Nectar Rich Mixtures Wild Bird Seed Mixtures Not Winter Hardy Winter HardyELSCodeCFEELSOptionHLSCodeDescriptionELS & HLSPoints/haBGM 1 withCocksfootBGM 2 noCocksfootBGM 3 withCocksfoot & CloverBGM 4 withWildflowersBGM 1 RCBGM 2 RCSRG SpeciesRich GrassSRG with 15%WildflowersButterfly &Bumblebee MixtureWF1Pollen & Nectarwith GrassNectar RichBronzeNectar RichGoldDecoy MixturePartridge MixtureWBS 1WBS 2WBS 3Northern WBS 1WBA 1PhaceliaMustardFodder RadishVetchForage RyeBarleyItalian Catch CropSpring OilseedRapeOptions for trees and woodlandEC24 HC24 Hedgerow tree buffer strips on cultivated land 400 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Options for buffer stripsEE1 HE1 2m Buffer strips on cultivated land 300 ✓ ✓ ✓EE2 HE2 4m Buffer strips on cultivated land 400 ✓ ✓ ✓EE3 HE3 6m Buffer strips on cultivated land 400 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓EE8 HE8 Buffering in-field ponds in arable land 400 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓EE9 HE9 6m buffer strips on intensive grassland next to a watercourse 400 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓HE10 Floristically enhanced grass buffer strips (non-rotational) 485 ✓ ✓Options for arable landEF1 HF1 Management of field corners 400 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓EF2 HF2 Wild bird seed mixture 450 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓EF4 HF4 Nectar flower mixture 450 ✓ ✓EF7 HF7 Beetle banks 580 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓EF22 Extended overwintered stubble 410 ✓ ✓ ✓Options to encourage a range of crop typesEG1 HG1 Undersown spring cereals 200 Grass and legume mixtureOptions to protect soil and waterEJ2 HJ2 Management of maize crops to reduce soil erosion 18 ✓EJ9 HJ9 12m buffer strips for watercourses on culitvated land 400 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓EJ10 HJ10 Enhanced management of maize crops to reduce soil erosion & run off 94 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓EJ13 HJ13 Winter cover crops 65 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Compatible with current CFE SchemesDISCLAIMER Any Information provided in this table is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If you would like any further advice please contact your local Natural England Advisor

Bird Photos by Tim Marlow27Wild Bird Seed MixturesOrganic MixturesRSPB - Steps to support your farmland birds.WBS 11 year Spring SownAttracts Tree Sparrows50% Spring Triticale30% Spring Barley9% Linseed (chinook treated)4% White Millet3% Quinoa3% Red Millet1% Fodder Radish100%Sowing Rate 40kg/haPack size 20kgWBS 22 Year Spring SownAttracts Grey Partridge50% Spring Triticale30% Spring Barley8% Kale4% Quinoa4% Fodder Radish4% White Millet100%Sowing Rate 40kg/haPack Size 20kgWBS 31 Year Spring SownAttracts Finches & Buntings55% Spring Triticale25% Spring Barley5% White Millet5% Red Millet5% Mustard5% Fodder Radish100%Sowing Rate 40kg/haPack size 20kgOrganic Wild Bird Seed Mixture65% Organic Triticale15% Spring Barley8% Kale4% Quinoa4% Fodder Radish4% White Millet100%Sowing Rate 40kg/haPack size 20kgNEWRECIPEIf you want to see genuine wildlife benefits from youragri-environment scheme, as well as the income, then theFarmland Bird Package is the best model to follow on yourarable land. Healthy farmland bird populations could beachieved by managing as little as 3-4% of arable farmlandfor them by creating high quality habitats. The three essential requirementsyou can provide are a wealth of seeds, insects and safe nesting habitat.A potential new option to benefit farmland birds on farms dominated byimproved grassland is to allow ryegrass to set seed in the summer. Thisoption should be available in schemes in England in the future, and iscurrently being trialled in Wales and Northern Ireland.For advice and information contact your local RSPB advisor and signup to the RSPB farming e-newsletter at www.rspb.org.uk/farming ore-mail farmadvice@rspb.org.uk with your specific requirements.WBA 11 Year Autumn Sown40% Winter Triticale30% Winter Barley20% Winter Vetch10% Winter Oil Seed Rape100%Sowing Rate 40kg/haPack Size 20kg OilseedstreatedNorthern WBS1 (1 year)40% Spring Triticale30% Spring Barley15% Linseed(chinook treated)4% Mustard4% Spring Oilseed Rape3% Quinoa3% Phacilia1% Fodder Radish100%Sowing Rate 40kg/haPack size 20kg OilseedstreatedPartridge Mixture50% Triticale30% Spring Barley15% Linseed(chinook treated)4% Gold of Pleasure1% Kale (untreated)100%Sowing rate 25kg/acrePack size 25kgDecoy Mixture25% Linseed(chinook treated)25% Buckwheat18.75% Red Millet18.75% White Millet6.25% Fodder Radish6.25% Mustard100%Sowing rate 8kg/acrePack size 8kgOrganic Nectar Flower Mixture30% Organic Early English Winter Vetch25% Organic Lucerne20% Sainfoin10% Organic Red Clover7.5% Birds Foot Trefoil7.5% Alsike100%Sowing Rate – 10kg/haPack Size 10kgNEWRECIPE

28Make the Most of Environmental StewardshipNatural England is here toconserve and enhance thenatural environment, for itsintrinsic value, the wellbeingand enjoyment of people andthe economic prosperity thatit brings.Environmental Stewardship has aproven track record of helping farmers delivera range of environmental benefits on theirland. Scheme options that require seed mixesinclude pollen and nectar strips and wildflowermixtures to encourage pollinating insects andother beneficial wildlife, grassland mixes tohelp conserve soil and water and forage mixesfor farmland birds. Other options can protectthe historic environment of your farm, helprestore traditional meadows and pastures andhelp adapt and mitigate the effects of climatechange.Why your farm is importantfor farmland birds and wildlifeFarmers and the farming community play avital role in reversing the fortunes of farmlandbirds and wildlife across England. The landmanagement skills and knowledge that farmersuse to run their farm businesses are crucial tothis. Farmland birds and wildlife need yourcontinued help and expertise.The birds on your farm are a good indicatorof the overall health of biodiversity, as they sithigh up the food chain. If bird populations aredoing well then it indicates that the plants andinsects on which they feed are thriving too.Research and past experience of schemesshows that farmland bird populations canrespond positively and quickly when thesesimple measures are put in place across thefarmed landscape. These measures can workalongside existing farm practices and fit withinthe needs of your farming business.Making a differenceThrough the use of EnvironmentalStewardship, or voluntary options of theCampaign for the Farmed Environment (CFE),a number of simple management measures canbe put in place that will make a huge differenceto farmland birds and wildlife.For instance, by adopting the Farmland BirdPackage you will provide the three main thingsneeded by farmland birds to survive and thrive:winter bird seed, nesting habitat, and springchick feed source.If you provide the following three things per100 hectares of arable farmland, then farmlandbirds will thrive on your farm:1. Nesting Habitat. For example, 20Skylark plots per 100 hectares of arableland would halt the decline of Skylarks, andlapwings would benefit greatly from a 1 hectarefallow plot.2. Winter Seed Food. For example,overwintering of stubbles, or using wild birdseed mixtures in cases where farming policyis unable to allow for this, would provide foodduring the winter and early spring.3. Summer Insect Food. For example,using nectar-rich flower mixtures to provideinsect-rich habitats across the farm, vital tomany birds during the breeding season.The benefits of EnvironmentalStewardshipRegular farm income:Financial incentives are available throughEntry Level Stewardship (ELS) to provide a 6monthly income for environmentally friendlyland management that supports farmland birdsand wildlife.Realise the wildlife potential of lessproductive areas:Make awkward corners, small fields and wetareas of farms work better by entering theminto ELS options. The least productive areas ofa farm are often (with the correct management)the best for birds and wildlife.Contribute to climate change mitigationThose options which involve creating grassbuffers and field corners in arable fields willlead to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.This is due to reduced nutrient inputs andincreased temporary carbon storage within thecreated grassland.Need further helpand information?To arrange a farm visitfrom an adviser or bookon to a farm event in yourregion, please contact:Natural EnglandTel: 0300 060 1695Email: farmevents@naturalengland.org.ukwww.naturalengland.org.uk/farmeventsFor further information on EnvironmentalStewardship and to apply for any of theschemes:Tel: 0300 060 0011www.naturalengland.org.uk/esCampaign for theFarmed EnvironmentTel: 024 7685 8892Email: cfeonline@nfu.org.ukwww.cfeonline.org.ukOur Stewardship mixtures are plantedat Hailes Farm Gloucestershire to beused for training days

“We have used the Pollen and Nectar mixfor 3 years now as part of HLS and foundit surprisingly easy to establish. Themanagement is very simple on-going, butit is essential to top in the first year.It contains a good variety of speciesproviding a variety of nectar-rich flowersand the crops are alive with insectsthrough the season.”JPF Clay Farms, Herefordshire November 201129Higher Level StewardshipHigher Level Stewardship (HLS) will be combined withEntry Level Stewardship (ELS) or Organic Entry LevelStewardship (OELS) options and aims to deliver significantenvironmental benefits in high priority situations andareas. HLS is discretionary and concentrates on the morecomplex types of management, where land managersneed advice and support and where agreements need tobe tailored to local circumstances.The five primary aims of Higher Level Stewardship are:• Wildlife conservation• Maintenance and enhancement of landscape qualityand character• Natural resource protection• Protection of the historic environment• Promotion of public access and understanding ofthe countrysideThere are two secondary objectives where spin off benefitsare sought from management designed to achieve the fiveprimary aims. These are:• Flood management• Conservation of genetic resourcesThe majority of sections which will involve the use of sown seed will be advised by the Natural England project officers, who willdesign mixtures to promote the particular environmental object which has been identified as being in need of protection, or ofimprovement or replacement, so as to redress the balance within the environment.The options which come into this will be found in the sections that follow.HE, HF & HG Options for arable land which includeFloristically enhanced margins, Enhanced wild bird plots,low input scenarios, Brassica over wintered stubbles andoptions for the re-creation of a more varied arable mosaic.HJ Options for Soil and water protection, which includesreversion mixtures for erosion prevention and this can becoupled to a low fertiliser input version. The prevention ofsoil erosion is a major part of the Environmental concept;this prevents the blocking of water channels and in highfertiliser input situations helps to reduce the leaching ofnitrates into major water courses.HK Options are broken down into three basic sections,Species Rich and Semi Natural Grasslands, Themanagement of Wet Grasslands and the Management ofGrassland for target species.HK6, HK7 & HK8 Options cover the maintenance,restoration and creation of species rich semi-naturalgrassland. The creation of such habitats is usuallyprescriptive and it is always worth asking if there areoptions within the plant species required because ofseasonal problems with native production.HK9, HK10, HK11, HK12, HK13 & HK14 are optionsfor wet grassland beneficial to wading birds and wildfowl.Once again the maintenance, restoration and creation ofthese habitats are covered by the above options.HK15, HK16, HK17 are options for the management ofgrassland for target species. This covers the maintenanceof existing grasslands, the restoration of grasslands andthe creation of new grassland for specific target species.HK18 provides a haymaking supplement which if to bebeneficial to stock may have to be created and this maylead to an opportunity to use a more traditional mixture,based on the less aggressive grass species such as fescue,meadow grasses, timothy and some older native species.HE11 option for target species on intensive grassland isused to provide additional wildlife habitat by managingbuffer strips in intensive grass leys. Management involvesusing a specified seed mixture of wildflowers and grassesand is tailored to each site based on the species targeted.The HLS Scheme is in the main prescriptive as we havementioned before, especially where the need for newestablished grass or legumes is concerned. Many of thespecies of plants used in the ELS scheme will also be usedin the higher scheme. For this reason we have for your helpand guidance included wherever possible dual referenceswithin our tables as we feel this will help simplify some ofthe possible options.

30Stewardship Schemes For ScotlandScotland Rural DevelopmentProgrammeRural Development Contracts (RDC) - Land Manager Options (LMO)The SRDP is the Scottish Government’s umbrellaprogramme providing grant funding for the rural areas. Itis a £1.6 billion programme of economic, environmentaland social measures designed to develop rural Scotlandover the period 2007 – 2013. The programme bringstogether a wide range of formerly separate supportschemes including those covering the farming, forestryand primary processing sectors, rural enterprises andbusiness development, diversification and rural tourism.The main emphasis of the SRDP is on:• Improving business viability and competitiveness• Enhanced landscape and biodiversity• Improved water quality• Adaptations to mitigate climate change• Supporting thriving rural communitiesThese funding measures will be delivered throughthe following schemes and initiatives:• Rural Development Contracts (RDC)- Land Managers Options (RDC-LMO)- Rural Priorities (RDC-RP)• Various other grants covering Crofting, FoodProcessing and Co-operation, Forestry, Skilldevelopment, the LEADER initiative and LessFavoured AreasThis is a non-competitive scheme open to land managersin Scotland who are registered with the IntegratedAdministration and Control Scheme (IACS) and have abusiness reference number. There is no approval process,but each participant will have a maximum annualallowance based on the area of land they manage. TheLMO scheme replaces the Land Managers Contract MenuScheme which was introduced in 2005. There are 22options available with this scheme, 2 of which are relevantto this seed catalogue.Wild Bird Seed Mix / Unharvested CropOption 9 5 YearThis option provides support for the practice of leavingareas unharvested over the winter after spring sowing amixture of seed bearing crops. These areas provide bothcover and feeding areas for wild birds. Either-1. Spring sow a mixture of annual crops, including atleast one cereal, which will provide seed for the targetedspecies and do not plough down until after 15 March thefollowing year.Mixture Option:Northern WBS 1Sowing Rate 40kg/haOR2. Spring sow a mixture of at least two crops, one ofwhich must seed in the first year and one in the second, e.g.Kale. Plough in after 15 March following last seeding year.Mixture Option:Northern WBS 2Sowing Rate 40kg/haManagement of Grass Margins and Beetlebanks inArable Fields Option 14 5 YearThis option will encourage the creation of grass strips inand around arable fields to benefit biodiversity and waterquality. Grass strips can serve a dual purpose of reducingsoil erosion and supporting wildlife. Insects overwinteron grass strips and they can provide food and cover forbirds and small mammals.Sow a suitable mixture of grass seed with at least onenectar producing species. Strips should be between 1.5m– 6.0m in width.Mixture Option:BGM 1RC - with Red Clover and CocksfootSowing Rate 20kg/haORMixture Option:BGM 2RC - with Red Clover, but No CocksfootSowing Rate 20kg/haORMixture Option:BGM 3 - with White Clover and Birdsfoot TrefoilSowing rate 20kg/ha

31Rural Development Contracts (RDC) – Rural Priorities (RP)Scottish Mixtures 2012Northern Wild Bird MixturesWild Bird Seed Mix/ Unharvested CropAxis 2 Option 2 5 YearThis option provides support for the practice of leavingareas unharvested over the winter after spring sowing amixture of seed bearing crops. These areas provide bothcover and feeding areas for wild birds. Either:1. Spring sow a mixture of annual crops, including at leastone cereal, which will provide seed for the targeted species anddo not plough down until after 15 March the following year.Mixture Option: Northern WBS 1 Sowing Rate 40kg/ha2. Spring sow a mixture of at least two crops, one of whichmust seed in the first year and one in the second, e.g. Kale.Plough in after 15 March following last seeding year.Mixture Option: Northern WBS 2 Sowing Rate 40kg/haThis option in the RP section is exactly the same as in the LMO section.Grass Margins and BeetlebanksAxis 2 Option 35 5 YearYou must establish a grass margin strip (between 1.5mand 6m in width) by sowing a suitable mix of grass seed,including at least one species of a nectar-rich plant such asred clover.Mixture Option: BGM1 RC, BGM2 RC or BGM 3Sowing Rate 20kg/haCreation and Management of Species-Rich GrasslandAxis 2 Option 16 5 YearThe aim of this option is to convert arable ground tospecies- rich grassland. This option has been split for 2012.Option A for wildlifeThe wildlife option requires at least 15% mixed native wildflowers with 85% non aggressive fine leaved grassesMixture Option: Option A use mixture SRG + WFSowing Rate: 20 kg/haMixture Option: Option B for Bees, Moths, Butterfliesand other Invertebrates.Arable Reversion to GrasslandAxis 2 Option 40 5 YearThe grassland must be established by sowing a suitable mixof grass seed, which should include one or more speciesof nectar- feeding plants, such as red clover, into a sterileseed bed. A normal medium to long term grass ley mixturewould be suitable, provided that it has a component ofseeds of flowering plants. Examples of nectar plants are redclover, knapweed, oxeye daisy, yarrow and common vetch.Mixture Option: BGM1 RC or BGM 2 RC or anystandard mix + 5% Red CloverSpecies-Rich Grassand Wildflower MixturesMinimum 15% Wildflower inclusionSpecies-Rich Wild Flowers(SRGWF)15% Ox-eye Daisy15% Black Medick10% Ribwort Plantain10% Black Knapweed10% Yellow Rattle10% Meadow Buttercup10% Self Heal5% Yarrow5% Common Sorrel5% Red Campion5% White Campion100%Species-Rich Grass (SRG)20% SSMG20% Red Fescue20% Meadow Fescue20% Common Bentgrass10% Sheeps Fescue10% Hard Fescue100%Grass Margin/ BeetlebankMixturesBGM 1 RC Red Cloverand Cocksfoot20% Hard Fescue20% Creeping Red Fescue20% Timothy20% Tall Fescue15% Cocksfoot5% Red Clover100%Sow at 20 kg/haBGM 2 RC Red CloverNo Cocksfoot20% Hard Fescue20% Creeping Red Fescue20% Timothy20% Chewings Fescue15% Sheeps Fescue5% Red Clover100%Sow at 20 kg/haThese WBS mixtures are recommended for those parts ofthe country where more frost hardy species are requiredand species such as millet are less likely to survive.Northern WBS1 (1 year)40% Spring Triticale30% Spring Barley15% Linseed (Chinook)3% Quinoa4% Mustard4% Spring Oilseed Rape3% Phacelia1% Fodder Radish100%Sowing Rate 40kg/haPack size 20kg Oilseeds treatedNorthern WBS 2 (2 year)40% Spring Triticale30% Spring Barley10% Kale10% Quinoa5% Red Clover5% Sweet Clover100%Sowing Rate 40kg/haPack size 20kgNorthern WBS 2- Non cerealThis small seed mixturewithout cereals has beenformulated for those whohave access to home growncereals and therefore onlyrequire the small seedelement of WBS2.33% Kale33% Quinoa17% Red Clover17% Yellow BlossomClover100%Sowing Rate 5kg/acPack size 5kgSee pages 26 & 27 forother mixtures BGM3,WBS1, WBS2 andWBS3 as per England

32Glastir Welsh Environmental SchemeGlastir is the new All-Wales Agri-Environment Scheme being introducedby the Welsh Assembly Government. Itis a 5 year whole farm sustainable landmanagement scheme available to farmersand land managers across Wales. From2012, Glastir will replace the four existingagri-environment schemes, Tir Gofal,Tir Cynnal, Tir Mynydd and the OrganicFarming Schemes.Glastir will ensure that future environmental challenges can be met by:• combating climate change• improving water management• maintaining and enhancing biodiversityIt is designed to deliver measurable outcomes at both a farm and landscape level in a cost effective way.Glastir consists of three elements:• All-Wales Element (AWE) - a whole farm land management scheme which is open toapplication from all farmers and land managers throughout Wales. It is designed to providesupport for the delivery of environmental benefits that meet today’s challenges and priorities.Successful applicants will make a commitment to deliver environmental goods for five yearsunder a legally binding contract.• Targeted Element (TE) – a part farm scheme intended to deliver significant improvements tothe environmental status of a range of habitats, species, soils and water that might also requirechanges to current agricultural practices. In order to achieve these specific improvements andoutcomes, financial support from the Welsh Government will be targeted at locations whereaction will lead to the required result.• Common Land Element (CLE) - designed to provide support for the delivery of environmentalbenefits on common land.There is also an additional funding source for an Agricultural Carbon Reduction and Efficiency Scheme (ACRES)available to farmers who have a contract under the All-Wales Element.Option 32 Plant unsprayed root cropson improved grass and arable land• White Turnips - see Stubble Turnip varietiesand Green Globe Turnips on page 35• Soft yellow turnips• Hardy yellow turnips• Swedes - see page 38• Fodder beet - see page 37Option 33 Establish a wildlife covercrop on improved grass and arable landFor mixture options see WBS 1, WBS 2 andWBS 3 on page 27, Partridge Mix page 22These mixtures are designed to provideboth nesting sites and a food source foroverwintering birds such as Tree Sparrows,Finches, Buntings, Skylark, Grey Partridge,Yellow Hammer and Barn Owls.

Forage Root Crops Selector33Forage root crops provide an extremelycost effective way of supplementinglivestock rations during times whenfodder may be scarce, during dry spellsin summer and the cold winter months.They will supply substantial quantitiesof palatable material at relatively lowproduction costs, balancing the amountof bought-in feed required.ICONkeyLIFTINGCATTLEGRAZINGSHEEPGRAZINGStock should be introduced gradually overa two week period and an area of grasslandshould be available for animals to returnto; water, hay or straw should also be madeavailable.CropPageNo.Forage Rape 34Stubble Turnips 35PackSize5kg &25kg5kg &25kgSuggested GuideAverage Sowing RateAverage Average to Seedbedkg per Acre Sowing Date Utilisation Drill Row Fertiliser (kg) haGuide Period Depth WidthBroadcast Direct Drill cm cm N P K4 2.53 2May - end ofSeptemberApril - midSeptemberMain Crop Turnip 35 1kg 2 1 - 1.5 May - JulyJuly to December 1 - 2 n/a 20 40 40June to December 1 - 2 n/a 75 40 40October toFebruary1 - 2 n/a 40 80 100Kale 36 1kg 3 1 - 2 April -July September to March 1 - 2 50 100 50 120Fodder Beet 37Swede 381 acre(50,000seeds)500g& 1kg-2Precision drill50,000 seed/acrePrecision drill 150-350g/acre grade HDirect drill 1Rapid Root Mixture 39 5kg 2.5 2.5Winter Graze Mixture 39 5kg 2.5 2.5March - May October to March 2.5 - 3 50 - 60 110 50 50April - June August to March 1 - 2Mid April - midSeptemberMid July - midSeptember45 - 70graded40 natural40 80 100July to December 1 - 2 n/a 60 50 50Post Christmasgrazing1 - 2 n/a 60 50 50Disclaimer These tables are given in good faith and intended for general guidance only. Weather, local conditions and crop rotations must always be taken into account.

34Forage RapeForage Rape has the advantage ofbeing a very fast growing crop, suitablefor grazing by sheep or cattle. An idealcatch crop for boosting midsummerforage production for livestock farmerswhen planted in the spring, it is suitablefor fattening lambs in the autumn/winter.Forage Rape extends the grazing seasonin the autumn and is superb for flushingewes.Forage Rape can be mixed with StubbleTurnips and Kale to combine the benefitsof these crops (see page 39).Stock should be introduced gradually overa two week period and an area of grasslandshould be available for animals to returnto; water, hay or straw should also be madeavailable.EmeraldA rapidly establishing, medium-to-tall, palatable varietywith above average dry matter yields and good generaldisease resistance.Pack Size 5kg & 25kg untreatedCruiser treatment available (limited)Akela OrganicForage RapeWidely grown in Europe, Akela is a leafy, palatable plantwith high protein content, high dry matter yield and goodwinter hardiness. It is another very late flowering varietywhich performs well whether sown for summer, autumnor winter use.Pack Size 25kg untreated organic seedForage Rape Yield and Feed QualityAverage dry matter yield 3.5 tonnes/haAverage fresh yields 24 - 35 tonnes/haDry matter 12 - 14%Crude protein19 - 20% (mainly leaves)Digestibility value 65DMetabolisable energy10 - 11 MJ/kg DMSpartaForage Rapewith good clubroot toleranceAnother new introduction to our portfolio, Sparta is ahigh yielding, late flowering rape with the huge advantageof having clubroot tolerance, enabling it be sown whereclubroot is a problem and there are no alternative sowingsites. Its late flowering habit allows for sowing flexibilityoffering an extension to the feeding period. As with otherforage rapes, it matures ten to twelve weeks after sowing.Pack size 5kg and 25kg untreatedGreenlandForage Rapewith good aphid toleranceGreenland is a versatile, high yielding rape of mediumheight, suitable for all stock types. Very late flowering, it isa leafy, palatable plant with aphid tolerance, maturing tento twelve weeks after sowing. Spring sown, it will providesummer/autumn grazing with the scope for regrowth forwinter; sown from late summer/autumn it will provide lateautumn/winter grazing. This flexibility of sowing timesmeans that the crop can be more effectively managed withusage taking place when feeding value is at its highest.Pack size 5kg and 25kg untreatedZoom BrassicaMixtureA blend of Winfred Hybrid Brassica and ForageRape. This is a very vigorous and quick growingmixture which is ideal for replacing failed crops orpatching spring sown crops. High seedling vigourgives a reliable establishment of a high leaf to stemratio crop with carefully selected varieties that havegood disease and bolting resistance.Pack size 5kg.Cruiser Flea Beetle Treatment

Turnips35Stubble turnips are a fast growingcatch crop, popular with livestock farmers.They may be sown after first cut silage forsummer grazing or after winter cerealsfor autumn usage. When planting a largeacreage it is advisable to stagger sowingdates, increasing the seed rate in dryconditions. If using for dairy cow grazingit is important to take into considerationthe distance between the field and themilking parlour. Strip grazing is advisableif possible to limit wastage.There are two types of stubble turnip:bulbing (see Barkant and Vollenda) andnon bulbing (see Tyfon)Stubble Turnip Yield and Feed QualityAverage dry matter yield 3.5 - 4 tonnes/haAverage fresh yields 38 – 40 tonnes/haDry matter 8 - 9%Crude protein17 - 18% (mainly leaves)Digestibility value 68 - 70%Metabolisable energy11MJ/kg DMBulbing types Non Bulbing types Main Crop TurnipBarkantA winter hardy, highly digestible variety with high drymatter. This is a proven and reliable stubble turnip.Pack sizes 5kg & 25kg untreatedVollenda (Tetraploid)A large leafed, highly digestible variety with goodearly vigour and good disease resistance. It retains itspalatability throughout the season, and is noted for itsyield, speed of growth and bolting resistance.Pack sizes 5kg & 25kg untreatedTyfonA leafy, fast growing cross between Chinese Cabbage andStubble Turnip, producing 50 plus tonnes per hectare. Itexhibits high frost resistance and can be utilised withineight to ten weeks after sowing. There is potential forregrowth.Pack size 5kg seed treatment ThiramVariety Barkant Vollenda(T) TyfonRelative Yield of Dry Matter 104 102 102Dry Matter Content (%) 9.5 9.7 8.9Root Size (9=large 1=small) 4 5 2Root Anchorage (9=good 1=poor) 5 4 6Bolting Resistance (early sown) (9=good 1=poor) 6 9 3Winter Hardiness (9=good 1=poor) 7 7 5Club Root (9=good 1=poor) 7 8 5Powdery Mildew Resistance (9=good 1=poor) 5 5 3Source: NIABLater maturing than Stubble Turnipswith a higher dry matter and betterwinter hardiness. They have a growingperiod of 12 - 15 weeks.Green GlobeGreen Globe turnips produce soft easily eaten roots thatare well anchored into the ground, suitable for grazing byall types of stock. They will provide a very high fresh yieldfrom large bulbs and are utilised between October andFebruary, preferably strip grazed to reduce waste.Pack sizeSowSowing rate1kgLate May to JulyDrill 1-1.5kg/acre Broadcast 2kg/acre

36Kale“Another year on and I am once again delightedwith my fantastic crop of Grüner kale. Last yearI increased the acreage from 36 to 40, planting inMay into freshly ploughed light, sandy soil. Thekale is strip-grazed from the end of October untilMarch by the dry cows and heifers, supplementedwith haylage but no concentrates. I shall definitelybe growing this fantastic kale again next year!”Mr Chris Goodfellow, Chelford, Cheshire October 2011Kale is a brassica traditionally grownfor grazing by cattle in the autumn andwinter. It can also be cut and fed to stock‘in house’ or as an alternative can beensiled as big bale kaleage. Kale is veryuseful as it can extend the grazing season.It is advisable to alternate sowing datesto ensure it does not over-mature. It isvery adaptable and can grow on most sitesthroughout the UK. Kale can also be usedas game cover (See page 14).Pack size: 1 kgSeed treatment untreated or Cruiser Flea BeetleTreatment available2011Product ofthe Year★ Outstanding ★Kale Yield and Feed QualityAverage dry matter yield 8 - 10 tonnes/haAverage fresh yields 60 – 65 tonnes/haDry matter 14 - 16%Crude protein16 - 17% fresh,19 - 25% ensiledDigestibility value 68DMetabolisable energyGrüner AngeliterGrünerAngeliterA very high yielding variety with good winter hardinessand excellent feeding quality with fresh yields 15%higher than Caledonian Kale and 10% higher thanBittern in German trials. Grüner Angeliter has beenthe mainstay forage variety of Kale in New Zealand formany years and since its recent introduction to the UKhas become equally popular over here.Outstanding FORAGE Product of the YeaR Everyone’s talking about it!10 - 11 MJ/kg DMVarietyMaris Kestrel(Control)GrunerAngeliterThousand HeadThousand Head is a slender stemmed variety bearingleafy foliage with very high D value and dry mattercontent. It has excellent winter hardiness providing foragefor feeding after Christmas.SovereignSovereign is a medium-tall forage kale with excellentyield potential and is the leading variety in New Zealand.Being late flowering and with a good leaf-to stem ratio,the variety has the potential to maintain good qualityproduction over a longer usage period. Sovereign does notproduce the large thick stems common to giant kales evenat lower plant densities, therefore increasing palatability.Thousand HeadEVALUATINGFOR2013KeeperDry Matter Yield 100 111 90 80Height cm 65 80 78 60Dry Matter yield is a percentage of Maris Kestrel • Source: 2010 DLF Trifolium Ltd trial at Hailes Farm, Gloucestershire.

Fodder Beet37Fodder Beet is grown as a main root crop, which requiressimilar husbandry to sugar beet. It can produce substantial yieldsof high quality fodder and is an excellent supplement to grasssilage. The roots are very palatable to stock and have superb feedquality. Specialist harvesting equipment is required to lift theroots and storage is required unless they are strip grazed in situ.Medium dry matter varieties tend to have a higher percentage ofroot above ground and can be lifted with a top lifter and thereforehave a relatively low dirt tare. These highly palatable roots can befed whole to stock. High dry matter varieties tend to sit further inthe ground and require a sugar beet harvester to lift them. Due tothe higher dirt tare and hardness of the root, these varieties mayneed to be chopped and washed before feeding. After wilting, thetops may be fed to stock and can contribute a further yield of 3-4tonnes of proteinrichdry matter per Fodder Beet Yield and Feed Qualityhectare.Average dry matter yield 13 - 15 tonnes/haPack size -50,000 seeds per acreSeed Treatment -Mesurol, Force Magna,Gaucho and limiteduntreated seed availableAverage fresh yields 80 - 90 tonnes/haDry matter 12 - 19%Crude protein 12 - 13%Digestibility value78DMetabolisable energy12.5 - 13.5MJ/kg DMAlpesThe ultimate fodder beetvariety from the world leadingDLF Trifolium plant breedingprogramme. It has exceptionalall round characteristics andis notably the highest yielding,cleanest fodder beet available, thusensuring less waste and more profit.Alpes benefits from large top sizeand has 33% of its yellow root aboveground which allows for easy lifting.Good resistance to bolting.MagnumMagnum has a consistent rootsize and reliable high dry matteryields. It is a very palatable varietytherefore increasing appetite anddry matter intake in all stock.Higher dry matter fodder beet hasbeen shown to increase milk yieldand daily live weight gain. Dueto its high dry matter content itis more frost resistant than othervarieties with a high proportionof clean, white root in the ground.KyrosA very consistent, high yieldingvariety producing a clean, highlypalatable and easily digestibleyellow root at harvest. Kyros willprovide a high energy feed whole orchopped.Variety Alpes Magnum Kyros TroyaClean dry matter yield (100=15.2t/ha) 107 107 99 103As field fresh yield (100=100.4t/ha) 105 96 100 100Dry matter content (%) 17.3 19.3 16.8 17.5Establishment (9=good 1=poor) 6.9 7.4 7 6.9Bolting (%) 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.6Top size (9=large 1=small) 7.1 6.5 7.2 6.0% of Root in ground 67 78 67 62Cleanliness (9=best 1=worst) 7 6.4 6.7 6.6Rust (9=best 1=worst) 6 4 4 6Ramularia (9=best 1=worst) n/a 7 4 5Root Colour Yellow White Yellow YellowTroYAHigh yields of medium dry mattercontent. Very good establishmentand bolting resistance with 62%of its yellow root in the ground,ensuring clean, easy lifting.SpecialistFodder BeetsNew types of fodder beet arebeing bred and evaluatedby DLF Trifolium Ltd forhigh dry matter contentstock feed and for biogasproduction. Some of thesenew varieties will haveRhizomania tolerance, sowill be suitable for growingin the east of the countrywhere sugar beet is animportant crop, as well asin the west and other areas.Source: NIAB

38SwedeCREATE sauce pan iconSwedes are a full season root crop which are mainly fed in situ;but can also be lifted and stored in a clamp. They do best in areasof high rainfall, so are generally grown in the more northerly andwestern areas of the UK. Swedes also need good soil conditionsand good drainage as they are sensitive to poor drainage; they dobest in soils with a ph of approximately 6.5. Varieties are generallyclassed as fodder or culinary types; however there are some dualpurpose types.All natural seed is packed in 1 kg packsThiram and Sepiret treatedAll graded seed is packed in 0.5 kg packsCruiser Flea Beetle treatedSwede Yield and Feed QualityAverage dry matter yield 7 - 10 tonnes/haAverage fresh yields 70 - 80 tonnes/haDry matter 9 - 13%Crude protein 10 - 11%Digestibility value82DMetabolisable energy 12.8 - 13.1 MJ/kg DMICON keyculinaryconsumptionAirlieAirlie is a low to medium dry mattervariety with a very high fresh yieldand good disease resistance. It is adual purpose variety suitable forfodder and culinary use with purpleskin and creamy white flesh. Airlie isan early to intermediate use variety.MarianMarian is a medium dry mattervariety with moderate resistanceto Club Root. It is a dual purposevariety suitable for fodder andculinary use with yellow colouredflesh and purple skin.Ruta OtofteRuta Otofte is a medium dry mattervariety with good Mildew resistance.It is a dual purpose variety suitablefor fodder and culinary use withpurple skin and cream colouredflesh. Ruta Otofte is a popular varietywith sheep farmers.KenmoreKenmore is an early maturingvariety with medium dry matter,best suited as stock feed not culinaryuse. It has good winter hardinesswhich means it has a very wideutilisation window. Kenmore hasbronze skin with white flesh.Variety Airlie Marian Ruta Otofte KenmoreForage ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Culinary ✓ ✓ ✓Root shape (9=globe 1=tankard) 5 4 5 ✓Skin colour Light purple Purple Dark purple BronzeFlesh colour Creamy white Yellow Cream WhiteSeed Rate Calculator Guide - No. of Seeds X 1000SpacingsRow Width18” 20” 22” 24” 26” 28”Spacings 2” 174 157 143 131 121 112Spacings 3” 116 105 95 87 80 75Spacings 4” 87 78 71 65 60 56Spacings 5” 70 63 57 52 48 45Spacings 6” 58 52 48 44 40 37(For seed size grade H (1.75 - 2.00mm) 1000 seed weight grade H approx 3.2g)

Root Mixtures & Arable Silage39Root MixturesThe following two catch crop mixturescombine the benefits of StubbleTurnips and Forage Rape, excellent forfattening lambs during autumn andwinter and providing winter keep forall stock. These mixtures have been ingreat demand over recent years andthe results from stock utilisation havebeen excellent.Packed in 5kg packs untreatedSow 2.5kg/acreStock should be introduced graduallyover a two week period and an area ofgrassland should be available for animalsto return to; water, hay or straw shouldalso be made available.Rapid Root (pre December use)The Forage Rape element of this mixture ensures quickestablishment and high protein yields, whilst the StubbleTurnips provide energy and stockholding capacity. Themixture is ideal for fattening stock and will providegrazing from July through to December. Sow mid April- mid September60% Forage Rape35% Stubble Turnip5% Kale100%Winter Graze (post Christmas use)A mixture of palatable, proven varieties ideal forsowing after winter cereals. The mixture is suitable forpost Christmas grazing as it exhibits very good winterhardiness, which is improved by the addition of the Kale.Sow mid July - mid September60% Barkant Stubble Turnip35% Forage Rape5% Kale100%Arable Silage Mixtures offer an alternative or additional feed to grass ormaize silage and are particularly suitable for farmers wishing to increase their levels ofhome produced protein and reduce their reliance on purchased feed and fertiliser. Theyproduce a cost-effective, high quality forage of consistent quality and palatability, withhigh yields of dry matter even in dry seasons and cold weather. They can be self-fedfrom the silage-face or as bales and their early harvest allows for earlier drilling of otherautumn combinable crops or reseeding of grass.ConventionalMixturesArable Silage Pea & Barley No165% Spring Peas35% Spring BarleyArable Silage No240% Spring Peas30% Spring Barley30% Spring OatsArable Silage No335% Spring Barley30% Spring Oats25% Spring Peas10% Spring VetchesOrganic Mixtures65% Organic Pea & Barley No1 (Limited)30% Organic Spring Peas35% Organic Spring Barley35% Spring Peas65% Organic Arable Silage No235% Spring Peas30% Organic Spring Barley30% Organic Spring Oats5% Organic Spring Peas65% Organic Arable Silage No335% Organic Spring Barley30% Organic Spring Oats25% Spring Peas10% Spring VetchesAll mixtures are available packed in 250kg or 500kg bags and are untreated.The suggested sowing rate for all mixtures is 60 - 90kgs per acre. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Green Manuring Selector40Green ManuringGreen Manuring can bring manyadvantages to the farmer by adding organic matter to thesoil, increasing biological activity, improving soil structure,reducing erosion, increasing the supply of nutrientsavailable to plants (particularly by adding nitrogen to thesystem by fixation), reducing leaching, weed suppressionand so on. There are some disadvantages and whilst theseare few they should also be noted - lost opportunities forcash cropping, exacerbated pest and disease problems(green bridge effect), and the potential for green manuresto become weeds in their own right. These problems canbe overcome with thought and measured usage, and thebenefits to future crops cannot be dismissed lightly.Green manures not only improve soil status, compositionand nutrient balance but provide a basis for a moreenvironmentally friendly approach to modern farming.We need to focus our minds on the twin problems of highartificial fertiliser prices and the soil’s need for basic nutrientswith these being available in a more sustainable form.A wide range of plants species can be used as greenmanures. Different crops bring different benefits and thefinal choice is influenced by many considerations. If themost is to be made of green manuring, it is important thatthey are carefully integrated into the crop rotation andproper attention paid to their husbandry.Green manures can be categorised as spring sown forsummer usage and autumn sown for over-winter usage,intercropping and longer term fertility improvement.Nitrogen (N) in legumes comes from uptake of soil Nand the fixation of N from the atmosphere. The amountof N fixed by different legumes is determined by theinherent capacity of the crop/rhizobium symbiosis to fixN, modified by the crop’s growing conditions (e.g. soil,climate, disease), crop management and length of time forwhich the crop is grown. Consequently, the influence ofall these factors means that a wide range of values havebeen reported by different researchers. The presence ofsoil mineral N is generally thought to reduce fixationcapacity. Factors that will increase the soil mineral Npool include manure application, cutting and mulching,and grazing. Fixation tends to decrease with legume age,mainly because the amount of soil N tends to increase.Where growth of legumes is affected by nutrientdeficiency (or acidity) the potential for soil N build up isreduced. Phosphorus, Sulphur and some trace elements(e.g. molybdenum) are particularly important. Wherethere are large off-takes of soil nutrients as in silage cropsboth P and K supplies need to be adequate for satisfactorylegume growth. These should be replaced as they areessential to the legume to enable it to maximise the fixingof nitrogen.CropLonger Term CropsPageNo.PackSizeAverage Sowing Ratekg per AcreBroadcastLucerne 41 25kg 8 - 10White Clover 41 1kg & 25kg 2 - 3Red Clover 41 1kg & 25kg 5 - 6Direct DrillSowingDate GuideSpring - EarlyAutumnSpring - EarlyAutumnSpring - EarlyAutumnIncorporationPeriodAutumn - SpringAutumn - SpringAutumn - SpringYellow Blossom Clover 41 1kg 2.5 Spring Summer - AutumnAgricultural Chicory 41 1kg & 25kg 3Spring Sowing & Summer IncorporationWhite Mustard 42 5kg & 25kg 5 - 7 2.5 - 5Spring - EarlyAutumnSpring - EarlyAutumnAutumn - Spring8wks after sowingBrown Mustard 42 5kg 2 - 3 Spring - Autumn Autumn - SpringPhacelia 42 1kg & 5kg 2 - 3 2 April - Sept10 - 12wksafter sowingBuckwheat 42 5kg 20 April - May Summer - AutumnCrimson Clover 42 1kg & 25kg 4 - 5 Spring Summer - AutumnAlsike Clover 42 25kg 25 Spring AutumnBlack Medick /Yellow Trefoil 42 1kg & 25kg 4 - 5Spring - EarlyAutumnAutumn - SpringBorage 42 5kg 5+ 5 April - June AutumnAutumn Sowing & Spring IncorporationForage Rye 43 25kg 50 -75 Autumn SpringItalian Ryegrass 43 25kg 15 Autumn SpringCocksfoot 43 20kg 2 - 3 Spring / Autumn AutumnForage Rape 43 5kg & 25kg 2.5 - 3 Spring / Autumn Autumn - SpringVetches 43 25kg 15 - 25 Spring / Autumn Autumn - SpringDisclaimerThese tables are given in good faith and intended for general guidance only. Weather, local conditions and crop rotationsmust always be taken into account.

Green Manuring Crops41LongER Term CROPSGrass and clover leys for long termfertility building must by their natureform part of the rotation. The increasedduration of the sward ensures that thegrass elements provide a very strongroot system valuable for soil aeration,whilst the legumes with their deeperroot system will improve water filtrationthrough the soil structure whilst alsoproviding increased soil nitrogen.Other crops include:LucernEA longer term perennial clover which fixes large quantitiesof nitrogen. The plant has a very long tap root and is ideallysuited to light and chalky soils as well as dry climates.Lucerne is not one of the most competitive legumes andin its early stages of development competition should bekept to a minimum. All Lucerne organic and conventionalseed should be inoculated.Pack size 25kg pre-inoculated(Organic seed available)White CloverCan be used very much in the same way as Red Cloverbut being shallow rooted makes little growth in dryconditions. Continued defoliation stimulates root growthand nitrogen fixation. The species is defined by leaf sizefrom small to large, with the smaller types being moresuited to grazing and the large ones more suited tocutting. As with all leguminous crops a careful watchmust be made on the rotation as continued cropping canlead to disease problems which are difficult to eradicate.Pack size 1kg & 25kg untreated(Organic seed available)Agricultural ChicoryHas a very deep tap root and when used in conjunctionwith grasses and clovers will provide an extra dimensionto the quality of soil improvement. Not only will the cloverspecies add to the soil reserves of nitrogen but the hugeroot development of grass species such as Cocksfoot will,with the penetrating root system of the Chicory, providefor improvements in soil drainage, water retention withinthe upper strata and improvement of the soil’s capabilityto provide a better tilth, coupled with improved humusand fibre content.Pack size 1kg & 25kg untreatedYellow Blossom CloverA biennial crop that will provide a full two yearsproduction when spring sown, thus enabling the plant toestablish and fix atmospheric nitrogen in the first year. Itcan then be cut and mulched on to the surface of the soilprior to seed-set, avoiding damage to the plants’ crowns.Leave to degrade over the winter and the following springit will provide a huge mass of material which can beincorporated into the soil before the stems become woody.Yellow Blossom Clover is drought resistant, toleratespoor soil conditions, is a very good fixer of nitrogen anddevelops a long tap root which penetrates the sub-soil, soimproving soil structure.Pack size 1kg untreatedRed CloverA shorter term alternative to white clover, red clover isan aggressive plant which provides a large mass of greenvegetation plus fixing large amounts of atmosphericnitrogen. The plant has a large tap root which penetratesdeeply into the ground, thus improving soil structure.Pack size 1kg & 25kg untreated(Organic seed available)Incorporation ofGreen ManureWith all green manuring crops it is importantto make sure that the plant is incorporatedwhen it is in its most succulent state; in thisway the amount of carbon within the plantstructure is very low. Decomposition needssoil nitrogen to break down carbon, thewoodier the plant the greater the carboncontent and hence greater quantities of soilnitrogen are required to break it down. Itshould also be borne in mind that the maincrop should not be sown too soon afterthe green manure has been turned under,since the initial stage of decompositionis very unfavourable for germination andthe growth of young plants. Therefore, theincorporation and subsequent decay of thegreen manure or cover crop should occur atthe time it will best serve as fertiliser for thecrop it is to benefit.

42Green Manuring Cropsfor Spring Sowing and Summer IncorporationSpring sown, summer crops areusually annual crops that as a ruledo not tolerate frost. They are quickgrowing and will suppress weeds bylight deprivation as well as providingorganic material to improve soilstructure and organic status. As theyare usually fleshy crops and do notcontain high proportions of carbonwhen incorporated into the soil, theydo not substantially reduce stocks ofsoil nitrogen to break down the plantstructure.Alsike CloverOf Scandinavian origin and better adapted than Red orWhite Clover to wet acid soils and cooler conditions,although lower yielding of biomass. Growth habit issimilar to Red Clover.MustardMustard comes in two forms, White (Sinapis alba)and Brown (Brassica juncea). Both are quick growingand therefore useful for short term scenarios. Both typesproduce large quantities of biomass and are excellentscavengers of nitrogen. They both possess biofumigationproperties (but brown mustard more so) and can thereforehelp to reduce wireworm populations. Unlike whitemustard, brown mustard is winter hardy and is especiallyuseful as over-wintering green cover after maize, potatoesand sugar beet, reducing soil erosion, fertiliser leaching andwater run-off.White Sowing rate 5kg/acre Pack size 5kg and 25kg untreated(Organic white available in 25kg packs)Brown Sowing rate 2-3kg/acre Pack size 5kg untreatedCrimson CloverBrightly coloured crimson flowers which attract largenumbers of beneficial insects. Excellent weed suppression.Fixes good quantities of nitrogen. Lower yields of biomassthan Red Clover but has much shorter growing period.Crimson Clover adapts to soils of low fertility, but doeshave a lime requirement. Biomass degrades very quicklyin the soil.Phacelia - Bee HappyA prolific seeder, very fast to establish and a good weedsuppressant. It produces a mass of flowers providing agood source of nectar for beneficial insects but It needs tobe cut and incorporated into the soil before setting seed orthe stems will become woody and slow to decompose. Agood Nitrogen scavenger but it can be slow to release anyN to the following crops.Pack size 1kg & 5kg untreatedBuckwheatA very quick growing, fast maturing annual with excellentweed suppression. Somewhat shallow rooted but has thecapability of scavenging phosphorus from the soil andholding this for later incorporation. The plant will re-grow ifcut after the onset of flowering so is excellent for mulching.The plant will tolerate infertile soil but performs badly onheavy, wet, or compacted soils. Frost tolerance is poor.Pack size 5kg untreatedBlack Medick/Yellow TrefoilA biennial/annual legume that can give good yields evenon thin calcareous soils. It may be grazed by sheep butits main use is as a green manure under-sown in cereals.Because of its low growth habit it may be useful invegetable intercropping systems.Pack size 1kg & 25kg untreatedBORAGEBorage, also known as Starflower, is an annual herb, growingto a height of 2-3 feet with bright blue flowers; there is alsoa white flowered variation. The crop was traditionallygrown for culinary and medicinal uses, although the cropis commercially grown today for its oil content.The crop, because of its large leaves and succulent growth,can be used as a green manure crop if sown in the spring,the leaves providing an abundant source of easily digestiblematerial which will readily break down when incorporatedinto the soil without reducing the mineral N content withinthe soil structure.Sowing rate 5kg/acrePack size 5kg untreatedPack size 25kg untreatedPack size 1kg & 25kg untreated

43AUTUMN SOWING & SPRING INCORPORATIONAutumn sown crops which go throughthe winter will scavenge nitrogen fromsoils thus preventing “leaching” andcan be incorporated in the followingspring, or can provide a source offorage, prior to incorporation. Theyalso help to control erosion especiallyon late harvested maize stubbles.Certain species can be utilised toprovide a nitrogen fixer which is thenreadily available to a spring sown crop.Italian RyegrassVetchesA nitrogen producer for the winter months. Winter Vetchis very valuable as autumn cover because its large seedsenable it to be established later than most other legumesand thus can be fitted in after the harvest of many summersown crops. Where vetches grow well they will providelarge amounts of nitrogen which is available to thefollowing crop. Always ensure that winter hardy varietiesare sown such as Early English Winter Vetch.Pack size 25kg untreated (limited)Organic seed available in 25kg packsItalian RyegrassUsed very much in the same way as forage rye but canbe used for spring or autumn sowing. Spring sowing forautumn incorporation provides a high yield of biomassand good root structure for soil health improvement.Autumn sown Italian Ryegrass has one drawback in thatthe plant will vernalise in periods of cold weather and thiswill lead to seed head production so the grass must be cutprior to seed shedding or it will come up as seedlings inthe following crops.Pack size 25kg untreatedCocksfootWhen used as an under-sown species at very low seedrates into winter wheat, it acts as an excellent soil improveron soils prone to summer drought. Over a number ofyears it will provide a beneficial source of high fibrous rootdevelopment which will help improve soil structure andcomposition. Sown at 0.5kgs per acre it will not present aproblem in the growing cereal crop as the species throwsvery few heads in its first year of production.Pack size 15-20kg untreatedForage RapeRape is fast growing and winter hardy, making it a goodalternative to mustard if the crop is required to remain inthe ground over winter. Decomposition can, particularlywith the high glucosinolate varieties, release chemicalsinto the soil which produces a bio-fumigation effect ifincorporated within 24 hours of cutting. This can bebeneficial in reducing soil-borne pathogens, pests andweeds.Pack size 5kg & 25kg untreatedCruiser treatment available (limited)Organic seed available in 25kg packsForage RyeForage winter rye is used for scavenging nitrogen andpreventing leaching throughout the winter months. Itproduces abundant growth which can be cut and mulchedinto the soil providing an excellent means by which toimprove soil structure and organic content.Pack size 25kg untreatedInter-row CroppingSpecies such as Yellow Trefoil, Cocksfoot, CrimsonClover and White Clover can be spring sown either intoestablished winter crops or as a companion to a springsown crop. They act as weed suppressants and in the caseof the legumes provide some fixed nitrogen plus biomassfor incorporation after harvest. We have started lookingat other forms of legume for inter-row cropping and willevaluate these over the next few years for their suitabilityunder UK conditions.Inter-row crops sown in the spring can help suppressweeds and provide a valuable source of nutrient for themain crop and will also provide excellent green cover afterthe main crop is harvested. It is important to use legumeswhich will not cause problems with the harvesting of themain crop.