Bugeilus Fawr Project update - Final

Key Results:

  • Increased crop yield through optimized fertilisation and seeding techniques.
  • Reduced pesticide and fertiliser use by 25%, improving soil and environmental health and minimizing runoff.
  • Reduced labour by 20% through efficient seeding and drilling methods.

Background: Bugeulus Fawr, owned by Messrs Evans, focuses on enhancing productivity and sustainability across 30 acres of spring barley, 12 acres of winter barley, and a perennial ryegrass-red clover mix. The farm utilized conventional ploughing to reduce weed pressure during establishment for barley and direct drilling for the grass-clover mix, aiming to improve yield, reduce input costs, and enhance environmental sustainability. The project also focused on tailored fertilizer plans, weed management, and pest control to optimize crop health and yields.

Purpose of Work:

  • Improve winter and spring barley yields through optimised fertilisation and seeding.
  • Successfully establish a perennial ryegrass and red clover mix with minimal soil disturbance.
  • Enhance resource efficiency by implementing precise soil health practices, pest control, and targeted weed management.

What We Did:

  • Ploughed and used combination seeding for barley, integrating fertilizer application.
  • Soil samples were taken to create tailored fertilizer plans using the AHDB RB209 guidelines.
  • Direct-drilled the ryegrass-red clover mix, reducing soil disturbance and improving moisture retention.
  • Applied pre-seeding herbicides to control perennial weeds like dock and chickweed.
  • Used slug traps to monitor populations and applied insecticides when aphid thresholds for BYDV were exceeded.
  • Ensured all chemical applications were guided by BASIS and FACTS-qualified experts.

Outcomes:

  • Fertilizer and Pesticide Reduction: Reduced pesticide and fertilizer use by 25% compared to previous years with tailored applications.
  • Weed Control: Successfully reduced common dock, chickweed, and charlock pressure, improving crop establishment.
  • Slug Control: Timely use of slug traps and molluscicides prevented significant crop damage.
  • BYDV Risk Reduction: Aphid monitoring helped minimize BYDV risks in winter barley.
  • Labour Efficiency: Reduced labour hours by 20% through combination seeding and direct drilling methods.

How to Apply on Your Farm:

  • Conduct soil sampling to assess nutrient levels before planting.

     

  • Use the AHDB RB209 Fertilizer Recommendations to create crop-specific fertilizer plans.

  • Employ conventional ploughing and combination seeding for barley crops.

  • Direct drill perennial ryegrass and red clover mixes for better moisture retention and seedling establishment.

  • Use targeted herbicides and slug traps to manage weed and pest pressures effectively.