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PRESS RELEASE

The utilisation of green manures to aid nitrogen management


Date Published:  07/19/2007

16 August 2007
A range of talks on strategies for using green manures and a chance to view trial plots.
Green manures, also referred to as fertility building crops, may broadly be defined as crops grown for the benefit of the soil and therefore subsequent cropping. Whilst the principles of green manures have been used in traditional farming for thousands of years, they are probably still under-utilised in organic production. With the changing emphasis to limit environmental impacts (stimulated by new legislation) conventional growers are also looking to consider green manures as a viable alternative to modern day fertilisers.

Of course, the use of green manures has wider potential benefits ranging from improving soil organic matter, reducing erosion, increasing biological activity, improving soil structure, suppressing weeds – and much more!
HDC project FV 299 aims to use practical science to improve our current knowledge by quantifying the benefits that green manures can bring. Of interest to all field vegetable growers, both organic and conventional, this afternoon event will show to growers the progress and findings to date. The project leaders and researchers will be on hand to demonstrate progress and answer queries from industry.
Copies of the 36 page review of green manures in farming systems will be available to all delegates on the day.


Programme
14.30pm Refreshments and registration

15.00 The principles of green manures and aims of HDC Project FV 299. Peter Knight, VCS

15.10 Nitrogen in farming systems – the principle benefits of green manure use. Francis Rayns, HDRA

15.30 Green manuring strategies; demonstration plots of a range of species. Anton Rosenfeld, HDRA

15.45 Tour of Elveden trial plots and description of preliminary results from all four sites. There will be opportunities to ask questions and make comments whilst viewing the various green manure swards

17.00 Depart

Venue: Elveden Estates, nr Thetford, Norfolk
Date: 16 August 2007
Time: 2.30 pm
Cost: Free
Contact Ross Newham
HDC, Bradbourne House, East Malling, Kent, ME19 6DZ F: 01732 848498 by 10 August 2007. For further details please contact HDC, T: 01732 848383.


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