Grassland
Integrated Pest Management Plans – Grassland
What is IPM? Integrated Pest Management is a holistic approach which incorporates cultural, physical, biological and chemical methods of control to manage insects, weeds and diseases. This approach promotes practices which are environmentally responsible and socially acceptable leading to more sustainable agricultural practices. An integrated approach to crop and grassland management enables production to be…
Managing Grassland Under Organic Systems
Managing land using organic principles requires a greater emphasis on working in harmony with natural processes. This guide discusses the 5 key areas of soil management, crop choice and rotation, crop and soil nutrient management, weed control and grassland management. The principles of organic farming place food quality, human health, environment, animal welfare and socio-economic…
The Farm Management Handbook
The Farm Management Handbook Your guide to Scottish agriculture The Farm Management Handbook is an essential tool for any progressive farm business, providing a comprehensive and up-to-date source of information for farmers, crofters, rural professionals, students and consultants. Subject matter covered includes: Crop Inputs Arable Potatoes Grassland Forage Crops Livestock Dairying Beef Cattle Sheep Red…
Maximising Clover in Grass Swards
Clover plays an integral part in forage systems, improving forage quality, soil health and reducing inorganic nitrogen requirements. As part of the grassland productivity series, this guide covers the key differences between red and white clover and the management considerations needed. Benefits of including clover in grass swards: Increased total dry matter yield Increased quality…
Using Precision Data on Grassland and Livestock Farms
With the rise in input costs and increasing pressure on the agricultural industry to reduce its carbon footprint, the data generated by precision technology is being used increasingly to help reduce inputs, increase efficiency, and make more informed management decisions. Historically precision technology and has been largely focused with arable cropping but the technology is…
How to Establish a Ryegrass Ley
Well managed grassland can deliver high quality feed at a low cost for livestock farms in Scotland. It forms the largest crop area in Scotland and can provide forage all year round regardless of where you are. There are many elements to good grassland management, this guide will concentrate on the considerations that go into…
Measuring Grass
This article is produced as a part of the FAS Crops & Soils Bulletin. Subscribe now to receive the full report in your inbox monthly. A small proportion of UK dairy farmers who graze cows will measure grass religiously in the growing season. Grass measuring is less common among sheep and beef producers. However, the…
Interpreting Grassland P & K Soil Analysis
This article is produced as a part of the FAS Crops & Soils Bulletin. Subscribe now to receive the full report in your inbox monthly. With many farmers having utilised the funding for soil analysis through Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF), now is the time to act on the recommendations and begin to rectify any…
Benefits of Multi-Species Grassland Leys for Arable Farming
This article is produced as a part of the FAS Crops & Soils Bulletin. Subscribe now to receive the full report in your inbox monthly. Multi-species grassland leys in crop rotations can improve soil quality and nutrient efficiency, particularly with legume inclusion, which enhances nitrogen availability and reduces the need for mineral fertilisers. The benefits…