Bremenda Isaf Project Update July 2024
- The soil analysis for the site shows a very high phosphorus level. A site visit, analysis and report from experienced organic grower and advisor, Iain Tolhurst, warned that this may affect crop growth, particularly veg.
- With further advice from Western Seeds, the selected heritage wheat variety April Bearded, used in low-input and low fertility systems, was not recommended. Therefore, for security, Mulika wheat, a modern variety more tolerant of high phosphorus has been included in the trial. The pH of the field also needs some adjustment, so the grower at Bremenda Isaf is using pelleted lime to raise the level from 5.6 to 6.5.
- Due to the weather delays and info on soil fertility, the drilling dates were pushed back and the initial size of the plots have been scaled back to four 60x5m plots. These will be cultivated with a pedestrian tractor.
- As of June, the four plots have been drilled and include:
- Carlin peas alone
- April Bearded alone
- Mulika alone
- Mulika and Daytona peas intercropped.
- In addition to the Farming Connect Our Farms Network trial, the farm has joined the Innovative Farmers Field Lab 'Leguminose'. This will provide additional support and peer to peer learning opportunities.
