Browsing by Author "Storr, Tom"
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Item Open Access Cover crop survey responses(Cranfield University, 2018-11-14 15:50) Storr, Tom; Hannam, Jacqueline; Simmons, RobertAnonymised responses from the cover crop surveyItem Open Access Cover crops for timely nitrogen mineralisation and soil moisture management(Cranfield University, 2019-05-07 11:45) Storr, Tom; Hannam, Jacqueline; Simmons, RobertThis fileset contains the following information from research field trials: 2017 - soil moisture - maize yield 2018 - soil moisture - cover crop above-ground biomass - soil available nitrogen - cover crop tissue analysis (Carbon and nitrogen) - maize yieldItem Open Access Do cover crops give short term benefits for soil health?(Association of Applied Biologists, 2018-12-31) Storr, Tom; Simmons, Robert W.; Hannam, Jacqueline A.Cover crop use in the UK is increasing with establishment often before spring cereal crops. Therefore trials were implemented to assess two different cover crop mixtures for i) their ability to remediate soil compaction, ii) aid water management and iii) increase earthworm numbers. Two cover crop mixtures; frost sensitive (black oats, oil radish and mustard) and winter hardy (forage rye, oil radish and berseem clover) were compared to control plots. This replicated trial was based at G’s Growers on an organo-mineral soil with a cover crop sown between wheat harvested in August 2016 and maize sown in May 2017. The results suggest that in the short term there are small differences in soil physical characteristics. Notably at a depth of 10–20 cm there is a reduction in soil strength as measured by the penetrologger and shear vane following the frost sensitive cover crop mix. Juvenile earthworm population was significantly greater in the control treatment compared to the frost sensitive cover crop treatment. In May 2017 maize was established across all plots.Item Open Access The effect of cover crops on soil quality indicators in a cereal and salad rotation.(2019-01) Storr, Tom; Hannam, Jacqueline A.; Simmons, Robert W.Cover crop (CC)s influence soil function and thus affect crop yield and ecosystem services provided by soil. CCs are a relatively new soil management practice in U.K. agriculture, but are gaining in popularity amongst farmers. However, research on the effect of CCs on soil function in the short term and how to manage CCs effectively in the U.K. is limited. Therefore, field trials investigated the effect of CCs on physical (visual evaluation of soil structure, penetration resistance, bulk density, soil shear strength and soil moisture), chemical (total organic carbon and soil available nitrogen) and biological (earthworm abundance, microbial biomass and diversity) soil quality indicators, as well as crop yield. CCs were established between wheat and forage maize. A companion crop established with the maize remained overwinter after maize harvest until lettuce establishment the following spring. CCs placed between wheat and maize only affected available soil nitrogen with limited significant effects on other soil quality indicators. The addition of a companion crop significantly improved earthworm abundance, microbial community diversity and biomarkers associated with fungi. The companion crop significantly reduced bulk density and soil shear strength at 0.05 and 0.15m, respectively as well as penetrative resistance at 0-0.03m depth. Thus, continued plant presence, achieved through the establishment of cover and companion crops in the rotation allows for the accumulation of positive effects on soil quality and function in a short period of time (20months). Additionally, a survey distributed to U.K. farmers (n = 117) provided an understanding of the use, management and challenges associated with CCs. Respondents reported that the Basic Payment Scheme supporting CC use is not suitable and could be more flexible. Additionally, it took >3 years to realise benefits to soil structure. The knowledge gained from the survey can be used to inform future research and policy so that CCs can be implemented effectively to benefit the ecosystem services provided to the farmer and wider community.Item Open Access Soil water and available nitrogen during cover crop growth(Association of Applied Biologists, 2018-12-31) Storr, Tom; Simmons, Robert W.; Hannam, Jacqueline A.A field trial in Ely, Cambridgeshire was set up to investigate the soil moisture and nitrogen dynamics of a frost sensitive cover crop compared to a control of an over winter stubble. Cover crops were established in late summer following wheat harvest and a summer tillage operation. Soil and aboveground biomass sampling commenced in September 2017 was continued at 2–3 week intervals until May 2018. The results highlight the fast growth of cover crops which rapidly reduced the total oxides of nitrogen present in the soil by late autumn. During winter a gradual increase in total oxides of nitrogen is measured as the cover crop residue is mineralized. The use of the frost sensitive cover crop permitted ease of management and termination, though it is not completely reliable and termination times can vary from year to year.Item Open Access A UK survey of the use and management of cover crops(Wiley, 2019-02-06) Storr, Tom; Simmons, Robert W.; Hannam, Jacqueline A.There is a growing trend in the use of cover crops in the United Kingdom, and whilst research shows there are many soil and environmental benefits, little is known about the farmer's perspective of cover cropping. A survey was designed and distributed to ask farmers about their use and management of cover crops. The online survey received 117 usable responses between January and March 2017, following distribution through social media in the United Kingdom. The survey highlighted that 66% of respondents used cover crops following harvest in 2016. Respondents observed benefits to soil structure, soil erosion control and water infiltration in addition to reductions in the use of chemical fertilisers, herbicide and fuel use. Of those not using cover crops, 90% would consider their use in the future if additional information on their use and benefits were known in a UK context. Changes to the 2016 Basic Payment Scheme guidelines for cover crops would have been welcomed by 71% of respondents using cover crops.Item Open Access The use of cover crops in the UK: a survey(Association of Applied Biologists, 2018-12-31) Storr, Tom; Simmons, Robert W.; Hannam, Jacqueline A.A sustainable soil management survey targeting UK arable farmers was distributed via online platforms throughout the winter of 2016–2017. The main focus of the survey was the use and management of cover crops along with tillage practice and aspects of soil health. Following harvest in 2016 two-thirds of participants used a cover crop, with 56% of those using a cover crop having 3 years or less experience. There is evidence that the species selected as a cover crop is linked to soil type whilst the benefits to soil structure is related to the extent of farmer experience. Of the participants using cover crops 81% used herbicide to terminate the cover crop. Participants provided suggestions for improvements to ecological focus area rules (based on the 2016 Basic Payment Scheme) for cover and catch crops with 70% of participants suggesting they are not suitable.