Cover cropping ahead of spring drilling can help protect soils over-winter and return organic matter. Grazing cover crops by sheep may help to improve gross margins from cover cropping reducing feed costs, returning nitrogen in a readily available form and may reduce the reliance on glyphosate to terminate cover crops. However, if not managed correctly grazing can damage soil structure thereby increasing the risk of run-off and soil erosion.
Three farms will trial out grazing sheep with cover crops, all using the same cover crops. The will assess cover crop biomass, utilisation and yield and keep a record of management practices and livestock performance and health. At the 'hub' site (representing the most applicable soil type), researchers from ADAS will undertake additional soil assessments.
Other farmers will be supported to follow the methodology of the Field Lab, including providing them with the trial layout and procedures to complete their own assessments
