Douglas has been keeping busy taking down an old shed and topping field margins. His crops have grown well this season, with harvest still a few weeks away. This is the latest update on what has been happening at Moss-side of Esslie from 21st July 2021.

Reduced Nitrogen

Douglas has reduced his nitrogen application on two tramlines of winter wheat. His usual application rate is 200kg/ha of nitrogen, however, on these two tramlines he reduced the application to 175kg/ha (140units/ac). Although there is little visible difference between the two application rates, Douglas is waiting to see if the reduced fertiliser has affected his yield.

Winter Wheat at Moss-side of Esslie, top photo has had 25kg/ha of Nitrogen less than the bottom photo.

Establishment comparison

Douglas tried using a demo Weaving drill in the autumn of 2020 to compare against his own Claydon drill. Douglas thinks the Weaving established area looks thinner than the Claydon section and hasn’t looked as strong throughout the season. Once again, the proof will be found at harvest time when the yields will be compared.

Winter wheat established with the Claydon

Winter wheat established with the Weaving

Harvest dates

Douglas has noticed that surrounding fields sown on the same date as his own crops are more advanced, with harvest only just around the corner. However, his own crops are still largely green and are some way off being ready for the combine. This may be due to an increased root structure in his own soils which are providing nutrients and water, allowing the crop to continue to grow. However, it may be due to a slower start to the season often found in reduced tillage systems, or due to variety.

Douglas' spring barley (near), with a neighbours more advanced spring barley in the distance. Sown on the same day.

Find out more about what the other Soil Regenerative Agriculture Farmers are up to.