3 different methods on Cheshire Farms Inter rowing v’s after harvest establishment
Andrew Winward, Stapleford Hall
Italian rye slot drilled after maize harvest 5th October rate of 32kg/ha
Contractor cost £42 ha
Good establishment but dependant on good weather conditions post harvest
Evan Jones Crewe Hall
In association with Spunhill LG Over Maize mixture at 15 Kg/ha
50% Matrix Festulolium, 50% Hykor Festulolium
Drilled in 3 rows between the maize when maize is at 5 leaf stage and has received last dressing of herbicide. Narrow tyres used to minimise damage.
Contractor Cost £49/ha
Benefit – grass is already established once maize is harvested so it gets an earlier start
Option 3
Italian Ryegrass blend that was broadcast at 15Kg/ha.
Seed was broadcast using a fertiliser spinner late June
Benefit – you get more grass establishment nearer the maize stalks
Benefits of maize cover crops
Enhancing soil structure and organic matter
Reducing soil erosion – see rules below
Retaining soil nutrients Research shows 30-40 kgs of nitrogen being captured per hectare, with nitrogen prices as they are, you can save £25-£30 per hectare
Provision of winter/spring grazing opportunities – youngstock/heifers or a flying flock of sheep
Fields travel better
Less mud on roads
Potential payments of £124-£159/ha under Countryside Stewardship – note however depending on your option you have either a 15th September or 15th October establishment date for the cover crop – hence inter rowing is recommended.
We have rules around sustainable farming, including soil erosion, protecting water courses and encouraging green cover over winter. Under sowing would tick the box for a green crop growing that is holding soil together and adding organic matter back into the topsoil and retaining carbon.