Practical experiences implementing living mulches in arable and horticultural farming systems

Highlights from Green Acres Farm

• Higher earthworm and soil microbial activity in LM but fewer carabid beetles.

Highlights from Fring Farm

• Good results from smaller-leaved Rivendale white clover.
• Clear benefits from undersown clover in following crops. Soil biology benefits under LM.
• LM establish better in wetter summers.
• Grazing LM before drilling the crop works well. Later sowing, once the clover has stopped growing (10C soil temperature) is advised.
• Soil in better condition going into winter in LM fields

Highlights from Bucksum

• David drills LM in 4 lines either side of the veg that they are going to sow or plant. White clove ‘Aber Ace’ forms a low mat and is easier to manage than other white clovers or trefoil.
• Shallow-rooted crops (celeriac, leeks and celery) don’t work so well, whereas brassicas, squash, sweetcorn, carrots and parsnips have all been successful.
• LM makes the beds more stable and it is less messy and easier to walk around.
• Timing, and spacing is important to match the LM with the crop. “With carrots, we lead with the clover. When it comes up, I use a garden flame weeder with guards between the clover rows, and then go back in and sow the carrots. That worked very well.”

To find out more, watch the video!