CSF challenge reveals yield result: Big yield variations have emerged in a Catchment Sensitive Farming exercise in Norfolk

摘要

As reported (Arable, 29 August), farmer groups from four Norfolk river catchments were last year challenged to reduce pollution from soil erosion and water run-off, while still producing top yielding crops. The variations in their plot yields at Easton College showed that the differences in soil structure achieved by their chosen establishment methods had a big impact on both grain output and soil erosion and water run-off. "The farmers did choose different varieties, so there was some muddying of the water," admits challenge co-ordinator Simon Draper.