Optimised Crop Rotation - SOLMACC

Summary

The SOLMACC project focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions by changing crop rotation systems. Farmers have introduced grain and forage legumes like soya, field beans, and lupines, which replace cereals in their rotations. They also cooperate with livestock farmers, exchanging forage legumes for farmyard manure. Key practices include using green manure to enhance soil quality, reduce weeds, and improve organic matter levels. As a result, plant protection issues have decreased, and soil health and crop quality have improved, with higher yields and better management practices. Farmers also monitor grassland quality for optimal feed for livestock.

Takeaways

• 😀 Crop rotation systems were changed by 12 SOLMACC demonstration farmers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).
• 🌱 Farmers incorporated grain and forage legumes, such as soya, field beans, winter peas, and lupines, into their crop rotations, replacing cereals.
• 🤝 Some farmers cooperated with livestock farmers to exchange forage legumes for farmyard manure, improving soil quality.
• 🌾 The rotation system was adjusted to include green manure every year, improving soil health and providing better soil coverage.
• 🔬 Tests were conducted on different mixtures of green manure, which showed better effectiveness in controlling weeds.
• 🧑‍🌾 Green manure was shredded and left to wither before being buried, improving organic matter content in the soil.
• 🌍 The practice of green manure, combined with compost application, led to a notable increase in soil organic matter to 6%.
• 📉 The crop rotation improvements resulted in higher quality and quantity of products, while reducing plant protection problems.
• 🌾 Green manure, especially sorghum, helped to suppress weed germination by shading the ground, leading to fewer weeds in subsequent crops.
• 🐄 Adjusting the grassland rotation (3 years) and breaking it with plowing or harrowing helped improve the quality of grass for livestock feed.
• 🐄 The quality of the grass improved, benefiting cows' health, as they enjoyed better feed and a calmer environment.

Q & A

How did the 12 SOLMACC demonstration farmers change their crop rotation systems?

The farmers changed their crop rotation systems by introducing or extending grain and forage legume cultivation, including soya, field beans, winter peas, and lupines. They substituted cereal crops with these legumes, which improved the soil and diversified their rotations.

What role did cooperation with livestock farmers play in the project?

Some farmers established cooperation with livestock farmers to cultivate forage legumes, which were exchanged for farmyard manure. This manure was then used to fertilize their fields, creating a beneficial cycle for both parties.

What is green manure, and how is it managed by the farmers?

Green manure refers to crops grown specifically to be incorporated into the soil to improve its quality. The farmers sow at least one green manure crop each year, shred it at flowering stage, and bury it using the machinery for seedbed preparation.

What are the benefits of using green manure in crop rotation?

Green manure improves soil organic matter and helps with weed control, particularly by shading the ground and preventing weed germination. This practice has led to increased organic substance in the soil, reaching 6% in a few years.

How did the crop rotation system help improve the quality and quantity of products?

The improved crop rotation, including the use of green manure, increased the quality and quantity of the crops. Additionally, it resulted in fewer plant protection problems, reducing the need for treatments.

What is the role of sorghum in the rotation system?

Sorghum is used in the rotation system to cover the ground with its shading, which prevents weed germination. This results in fewer weeds in the following crop rotation cycle.

What is the process of breaking the grassland for crop rotation?

The grassland is broken after three years using a plow or plate harrow. Afterward, barley and peas are sown to introduce nitrogen into the soil, and the grassland cycle is restarted for another three years.

How does the use of a plant cultivation program help the farmers manage their crops?

The farmers use a plant cultivation program to track and manage different grasslands on their farm. This helps ensure optimal harvesting times and improves overall farm management efficiency.

How has breaking the grassland after three years impacted the farm's productivity?

By breaking the grassland every three years, the farmers have improved the quality of the grass. This results in better nutritional content, such as energy and protein, for the livestock feed.

What benefits have the cows experienced as a result of the improved grassland management?

The cows benefit from better quality grass, which enhances their nutrition. Additionally, the cows seem calmer, lying down to ruminate and enjoying the improved environment, which leads to a more comfortable and productive livestock system.