Resource: Applied research

Coppicing hedges for woodfuel sustainably; creating renewable low cost energy whilst supporting wildlife and improving the health of hedges.

Results of a Centre for Ecology & Hydrology study that trialled five different methods of rejuvenating hedges, providing valuable insights.

Information on the importance of biodiversity of soil organisms, the services they provide and agricultural practices that promote them.

This BBSRC-funded video provides important messages to help us target pollinators that will benefit UK crops and help ensure food security.

A report highlighting the need for governmental action to protect pollinators and the importance of farming in pollinator-friendly ways.

Practical guidance to inform your use and management of compost, using it to its full potential to improve soil properties and crop yields.

All you need to know about organic arable crop rotations; why they are necessary, how to plan one, and some examples to get you started.

How to control arable pests and diseases organically; develop healthy soil and natural predator habitats for healthy, pest-free plants.

This Soil Association PDF provides an overview of what you may need to take into consideration when planning rotations for field crops.

Insect pollinators: their pollination techniques, foraging behaviour and relevance in relation to crops, flowering plants, and biodiversity.

This note is one of a series providing information on grassland restoration and re-creation.

This note provides information on how to establish and manage nectar flower mixtures to encourage pollinators.

Defra webpage with information about how to convert your farm to organic.

LEAF’s Integrated Farm Management approach; how you can use it to benefit your farm business.

An overview from the EISDA of Integrated Farm Management as an approach to sustainable agriculture.

An introduction to the Biodynamic approach to farming and gardening.

One of a series of Technical Information Notes providing information on arable reversion

Research evaluating how cover cropping systems can contribute to soil structural improvement, fertility enhancement and yield responses.

Video outlining the challenges of growing and managing sainfoin, ways it can benefit livestock and bees, and current interesting research.

A podcast focusing on the role of nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria rhizobia in improving legume crop yields and specific research into lucerne.

An article outlining properties of two species that could be considered for fertility-building mixes, trialed in the Legume LINK project.

This Cotswold Seeds / Garden Organic publication provides detailed, practical information to help you select and use green manure crops.

Outputs from an international project that looked at forage and grain legumes in cropping systems; management and environmental impacts.

The AgroDiversity toolbox wiki; an interactive website to help spread knowledge about legume and non-leguminous species and machinery and practices.