Soil

How farmers clear their fields of cover crops is being investigated by a final year Harper Adams University student.

No-till growers produce a tonne of wheat for £23/tonne less than the average UK farm, according to the latest analysis of benchmarking data by Land Family Business.

With a greater focus on soil health, carbon and cost putting pressure on plough-based systems, Alice Dyer hears the experiences of three farmers who have made changes to their cultivations.

A map depicting soil fertility every 30 metres across Africa could boost the livelihoods and human health across 54 nations, international scientists have said.

With many cover crops growing well this autumn thanks to good September moisture, management over winter will be important to ensure soils are in the best state for spring crops.

Suffolk farmer, Tom Jewers is to host one of three new demonstration farms announced by agronomy business, Hutchinsons as part of its Helix farm-based research project.

The UK’s farmland is abundant with insects; some are pests, but many will help to protect and promote crops. Alice Dyer finds out how growers can encourage more natural predators into their fields.

Bayer is piloting a programme that pays farmers to adopt more climate-friendly practices that sequester carbon.

Farmers in the Severn Trent region have until September 15 to sign up for the Farm to Tap scheme, which pays out up to £5/hectare for protecting water quality

The last season has really highlighted where soil health can be improved, particularly when coping with both too much and too little water. Soil expert Dick Neale offered his top tips on soil management ahead of the drill.