Resource: Applied research

Know your enemy – an integrated approach to slug control is more effective than using chemical slug pellets alone

This abstract explores how the organic practice of using grain legumes in crop rotations to help supply nitrogen can be applied on non-organic farms.

This abstract looks at how lucerne, sainfoin and chicory could be incorporated into your grazing leys and potentially supply high quality, drought tolerant feed for cattle and sheep.

This abstract explores how the organic practice of using diverse rotations to reduce pest and disease levels in following crops can be applied on non-organic farms.

This useful guide, published by ADAS, describes the processes leading to successful on-farm trialling while avoiding the possible pitfalls.

Part two of two detailed informal articles looking at the practicalities of applying a no-till system in an organic horticultural operation and how it relates to soil health. 

Part one of two detailed informal articles looking at the practicalities of applying a no-till system in an organic horticultural operation and how it relates to soil health.

Video footage filmed at the ORFC 2019 of Lydia Smith from NIAB explaining a project helping to explore soil quality through re-integration of leys and sheep into an arable system.

Leaflet summarising methods of prevention and control of charlock in organic systems.

A FiBL and ORC technical guide to dock control – designed to make you aware of preventative measures you can put in place and help you to manage infested farmland.

Which soil tests to do, when to do them, which fields and where on the fields to test to get a representative sample.

Use this soil test to learn how active microbes are in your soil. Monitoring respiration rates indicates the soil’s ability to support living roots and plant growth.

Read these books to get up to speed on soil health and how to build it for your land.

Everything you may need to know about commercial potato production to help you achieve a high quality product. Includes useful information to help you manage potato blight.

Find out how good your soil is at preventing precious nutrients from washing away with the rain and what you can do to reduce nutrient loss.

Know Your Soils #4: “If you want to capture carbon, you have to think like carbon!” hear from Napa RCD soil scientist & farmer Charles Schembre about ways to monitor and sequester carbon on farm.

Invaluable guidance for farmers from the AGFORWARD team on how to plan, create and manage an agroforestry system.

How much topsoil and nutrients do you lose with rainwater run-off? This resource explains a test you can do to understand how much is running off & whether it’s eroding topsoil and nutrients.

This detailed AHDB publication looks at how an arable business can work with livestock businesses to optimise both enterprises.

Learn how to identify different types of earthworms and therefore how you may be able to improve your soil management in this quiz brought to you as the second of a twelve part series called ‘Know your Soils from the Soilmentor team.

The first of a twelve part series called  ‘Know your Soils, where practical tips for monitoring soil health and simple tests you can do on your farm land will be shared in the form of videos and fact sheets.

A useful information sheet from AHDB summarising key methods for increasing your control of black-grass.

Beetle banks provide suitable overwintering habitat for predatory insects and spiders that significantly reduce crop pests. Find out how to create them here!

An essential guide for organic farmers outlining ways to prevent creeping thistle from taking hold and the most effective control measures.