SIP demonstrations at Morley

SIP demonstrations at Morley aim to improve the productivity of combinable cropping systems and reduce the consumption of high energy inputs. This includes:

•Evaluating the use of cover crops and less intensive cultivation methods

•Undertaking studies at a range of scales

•Assessing both physical and biological (including earthworms) soil properties, crop performance, system economics and potential environmental impacts

Replicated large plot experiments

With three large plots, using farm-scale equipment and techniques:

IFM system A: Deep (20cm) non-inversion cultivation with over-winter cover crops plus other modified management practices as necessary

IFM system B: Low intensity (<10 cm) soil disturbance with over-winter cover crops plus other modified management practices as necessary

Conventional (C): ‘Farm standard’ cultivation (typically plough-based) and management practices, with no cover crops

Split and whole field studies

This is a fully replicated design undertaken on large plots, using farm scale equipment and techniques.

Cover crops were sown in early September 2015, and areas include:

•Legumes e.g. clover and vetch

•Grasses e.g. black oats

•Brassicas e.g. radishes

•Other commercial mixes

Different cultivation techniques will be applied in selected areas. Over-winter and following crop field assessments have been taken.