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Small steps to creating more resilient and profitable farming – South East Farmer – Ed Brown

Ed Brown, who heads up Hutchinsons new Agroecology service, summarises what underpins the practice ...

Agroecology is a term that has come into regular use over the past couple of years and is often associated with radical changes to standard arable farm practices. Ed points out, though, that this is a misconception as it really doesn’t require a big sea change or leap into the unknown, something that he believes it is important to recognise.

Many agroecological principles such as reducing cultivations, using cover crops and reintroducing livestock are in fact already being carried out on many farms across the UK.

Agroecology is all about farming in partnership with nature; working with rather than pushing against it. The arguments for this approach are compelling and a more environmentally focussed path is undoubtedly the way farming is heading. It also has political support which will create opportunities for growers to access new markets and income streams.

Every farm is different, with its own set of challenges – so it’s always worth trialling new ideas and techniques to determine what works for that given farm. Keep an open mind.

Everything starts with the soil; if soils are healthy, they are more resilient, which in turn results in healthier crops that are able to reach their full potential even under more challenging weather conditions-the bottom line being improved profitability year in and year out. Many practices that build and maintain the natural fertility of soils are already being carried out on many farms.

Recognising industry demand for advice and support in making changes, and maximising opportunities from an agroecological approach, Hutchinsons has been developing and trialling different approaches and technologies across its Helix farms, as well as investing in training specialists across the business that can deliver these objectives across UK farms.

Steps to adopting an Agroecological approach

  • Minimise disturbance by reducing or eliminating tillage wherever possible and by minimal and targeted use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
  • Never leave soil bare; return crop residues to the surface to armour the soil and utilise catch and cover crops effectively.
  • Maintain living roots throughout the year; roots help stabilise, structure and aerate the soil while providing drainage channels, and also feed soil organisms with carbon rich exudates.
  • Maximise the diversity of rotations and avoid monocultures. Use intercropping, companion cropping and variety blends; integrating multispecies catch and cover crops is an important aspect of this.
  • Hutchinsons has constructed a range of catch and cover crop mixes to suit all situations, diverse mixes which use reliable and high performing species, and our agronomists are well versed in how these are best used to deliver key objectives for particular situations.
  • Well managed grazing of livestock of forage and cover crops can also further enhance soil health.
  • Enhance biodiversity and protect natural resources.
  • Managing carbon and agroecology work hand in hand-the fundamental principles of agroecology help reduce CO, emissions and enhance carbon sequestration.
  • Aim for integrated crop management; agroecology uses all available cultural control methods and aims to maximise plant health using forecasting and decision-making tools that allow for appropriate and targeted applications when necessary.
  • Enhance crop nutrition; a healthy plant needs a balanced and adequate level of 16 elements. Soil testing and getting to know what is happening to these elements throughout the year is key. An ideal time to do this is early autumn.
  • Use technology to help plan, map and understand the impact that any agroecological practices can have.

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