Ty Coch Project update - July 2024

A 5 acre field has been selected and has been subdivided into 5 plots (along with a control area).

Ryegrass is a popular choice due to its rapid establishment and minimal competitive
impact on maize. Mixtures of Westerwolds ryegrass and Italian ryegrass are commonly
used options. A critical selection factor is ensuring the cover crop variety complements the maize. The cover crop shouldn’t compete excessively with maize for light or initiate head
development before harvest.

On 17 July, the various plots were undersown. By this time the Maize had reached its 6 - 8 leaf growth stage, which would also be around one week after final herbicide application; the maize was well-established to handle competition from the cover crop, therefore ready to plant.

All crops were drilled directly between the Maize rows using a Weaving Magnum Seeder.

Details of the different treatment plots is as follows:

1. 50 % Westerwolds
50 % Italian Ryegrass (Tetraploid)

C. Control

2. 85% Spring Oats
15% Red Clover
Pack 20Kg Sow @ 15 Kg/Ha

3. 50% Strong Creeping Red Fescue
50% Italian Ryegrass (Diploid)
Pack 1 Acre Sow @ 12.5 – 14 Kg/Ha

4. 10% Gorilla Forage Rape
45% Italian Ryegrass (Diploid)
45% Italian Ryegrass (Tetraploid)
Pack 20Kg Sow @ 12.5 – 14 Kg/Ha

5. 90% Spring Oats
10% Forage Rape
Pack 20Kg Sow @ 15 Kg/Ha

 

Weed Management
 

The general principle is to undertake maize weed control as if the cover crop is not present. Early treatment of small weeds will allow reduced chemical rates, lower herbicide costs and less risk of undersown crops being impacted. Weed management will be decided upon on establishment.

Next Steps:

We will monitor establishment success of the undersowing on a monthly basis by undertaking field observation which will look at ground coverage following germination and
prior to grazing, we will take further soil analysis to determine the N- min test and VESS
assessments for each plot in December.

Cover Cropping

In addition to this, during early autumn, and following the harvest of a winter cereal, a cover crop will be established.  

The following mixes will be used for the project and will be planted within one field in one acre plots.
1.    
80% Winter Oats
20% Winter Vetch

2. 
85% Red Vetch
15% Berseem Clover

3. 
10% Balansa Clover
20% Tillage Radish
27.5% Winter Oats
27.5% Winter Vetch
5% Phacelia
10% White Mustard

4. 
17.5% Winter Vetch
7.5% Berseem Clover
70% Winter Oats
5% White Mustard

5. 
15% Linseed
15% Buckwheat
5% Phacelia
15% Tillage Radish
15% Fodder Radish
10% Brown Mustard
15% Vetch
10% Crimson Clover

The selection of cover crop species has been guided by the desired outcomes. 

Key benefits include:

  • Nitrogen fixation: Leguminous cover crops like clover contribute atmospheric nitrogen to the soil, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilisers.
  • Soil organic matter enhancement: Buckwheat, ryegrass, and other fast-growing species improve soil organic matter content, leading to better soil structure and water infiltration.
  • Weed suppression: Mustard species can effectively suppress weed growth through their allelopathic properties, reducing herbicide use.
  • Nutrient uptake: Deep-rooted cover crops like radish can draw up nutrients from lower soil profiles and bring them closer to the surface for subsequent cash crops, improving nutrient use efficiency.