ADAS

ADAS

Member
Grassland Exhibitor
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Welcome to ADAS


ADAS is the UK’s largest independent provider of agricultural and environmental consultancy advice and research. We have teams based across the country to offer local, tailored and science-based farming advice.
Visit our website - https://www.adas.uk/


Live Chat
Three of our leading consultants are on hand 20th of May for a live chat to answer questions on everything grassland related!

2pm - 4pm: Charles Bentley, Senior Consultant
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Charles is a specialist in slurry & manure storage handling and spreading, and designs silage clamps, farm tracks, buildings and stores. Charles can advise on all aspects of farm infrastructure and building design, including reducing ammonia emissions from agricultural activity.

As silage season is now upon us, Charles has put together some helpful guidance on planning field silage heaps. Have a read on the ADAS website

If you're a Farming Forum member, ask Charles a question
Email Charles a question

Available to chat later today
2pm - 4pm: Charles Bentley, Senior Consultant

Our grassland farming networks
Want to network and learn new ideas to improve your yields? Join other farmers and researchers through one of our grassland farming networks.

Grass Yield Enhancement Network
The Grass Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) is an independent network, open to anyone who wants to enhance their grass and forage yields. Learn more in our video


If you would like to get involved, please visit the Grass YEN webpage.

The Grass and Herbal Leys Farm Network
The Grass & Herbal Leys Farm Network was set up in 2018 to investigate the long-term impacts of leys in the rotation. There are now over 200 members of the network including farmers, researchers and other industry representatives

The network has identified a need for more information on the benefits of temporary leys on soil quality, weed control and practical information on rotation management. Around 90% of farmers in the network said improvements in soil quality were an important factor in their use of grass/herbal leys and half said the leys helped them control black-grass. Over the next few years, network members will work together to address these knowledge gaps.

The network is free to join and is open to any interested individuals or organisations. For more information about the network and how to join, please visit the ADAS website.

Our key grassland services
Soil Consultancy

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We provide science-based research and strategic consultancy from a team of professionally qualified soil scientists (British Society of Soil Science Chartered Scientists and FACTS Qualified Advisers), with a wealth of practical experience to deliver cost-effective management solutions.

Our key soil services include (but are not limited to!):
To see our full list of services, go to https://www.adas.uk/Service/Soils

Understanding the importance of organic matter
Organic material is an excellent source of nutrients to save you money on your fertiliser bills. See our latest research on the effect of organic materials on soil quality and have a read of our tips to maximise the value of organic material.

Farm Business Advice
Our business management service provides tailored expert advice, helping clients turn challenges into opportunities for growth and development. If you need some independent financial advice, budgetary support, or help putting together a business plan, contact us at https://www.adas.uk/services/Farm-Business-Consultancy

Customer Testimonial
"Really happy with our updated business plans. So pleased we chose ADAS agricultural consultants to help put a more professional plan together this time around.” - New Macdonalds Farm, Bath.
View testimonial on Instagram

Grassland and Forage advice
From weed management to grassland habitat conservation, we have got you covered! Our agronomy experts can advise on the full grass lifecycle from seed selection right through to forage preservation. Learn more at https://www.adas.uk/Service/grassland-and-forage

Check us out on social
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ADAS

Member
Grassland Exhibitor
Join our grassland farming networks

Join other farmers and researchers to get the most out of your yields and become more sustainable.

Grass YEN

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The Grass Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) is an independent network, open to anyone who wants to enhance their grass yields. Learn more in our video!


If you’d like to get involved, please visit our Grass YEN webpage.
 

Brid @ ADAS

Member
Grassland Exhibitor
Good morning! Welcome to the Virtual Grassland and Muck event.

Don't forget to join John Williams, Principal Soils Scientist with ADAS at 10 this morning to discuss maximising the value and minimising the risk of organic material.

No need to pre-register, just drop in here
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Brid @ ADAS

Member
Grassland Exhibitor
Organic material is an excellent source of plant nutrients and organic matter that will save you money on your fertiliser bills. Our soils team have put together 4 steps for you to maximise the value. Have a read below
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Brid @ ADAS

Member
Grassland Exhibitor
Don't worry if you missed John's presentation this morning on organic materials, the recording is available here
 
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Brid @ ADAS

Member
Grassland Exhibitor
Organic matter is the fuel that drives soil biological activity controlling soil structure, water holding capacity and crop available nutrient supply. Organic materials are valuable sources of organic matter but they vary in the amounts and quality of organic matter they supply.
Below we describe the results from a 3 year study delivered by ADAS, SRUC and Earthcare Technical which investigated the effect of repeated applications of organic materials on soil quality. This research was funded by Wrap, Zero Waste Scotland, Wrap Cymru and Defra.
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Brid @ ADAS

Member
Grassland Exhibitor
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aul Newell-Price, ADAS Soil Scientist is now available for a chat!

Paul is a Chartered Scientist and Past Chair of the British Society of Soil Science (BSSS) Professional Practice Committee with over 25 years of experience providing soil and nutrient management advice to farmers in the UK and overseas.

Paul is free from 12pm to 2pm Wednesday 20th May to answer any questions you have about soil and fertiliser management
If you're a Farming Forum member, ask Paul a question
Follow Paul on Twitter
Email Paul at [email protected]




 

Brid @ ADAS

Member
Grassland Exhibitor
Have you concerns about soil structural problems or want tips on avoidance and alleviation? Pau
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l Newell-Price gives us the rundown here of his presentation "Managing Soil Structure to optimise grass production"

Causes of soil structure problems
Causes of soil structure problems tend to be:
•Management pressures
•Extension of grazing periods at both the start and end of the growing season
•Increased vehicle size

High risk times for soil compaction in grasslands are typically when grazing is extended into late autumn and winter months and when heavy machinery travels across ‘wet’ soils.
 

Paul @ ADAS

Member
Grassland Exhibitor
Severe compaction in grassland soils can cause:
  • 10-20% reduction in grass growth
  • Restricted drainage
  • Poor rooting
  • Reduced nutrient uptake
  • Increased weed burden
  • Fewer working days
  • Increased risk of runoff, soil erosion and nutrient loss
...and could cost your business up to £250/ha/year (estimate)

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Paul @ ADAS

Member
Grassland Exhibitor
Here are the options if you do find clear signs of severe compaction in a grassland soil, AND you don't think your soils will restructure 'naturally' without a bit of help:
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Paul @ ADAS

Member
Grassland Exhibitor
If you're concerned about how well your land is draining (perhaps the drains are working, but there are clear signs of compaction in the topsoil leading to water 'ponding' at the surface), mechanical loosening can have dramatic effects on water infiltration that can last for 2 to 3 years. However, it's best to avoid compaction in the first place if possible.
This was the effect of mechanical loosening on water infiltration rates at 3 medium soil grassland sites in England and Wales.
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Paul @ ADAS

Member
Grassland Exhibitor
Introducing deep rooting herbs and legumes can also help improve soil structure and may help with compaction avoidance, biodiversity and pollination (and productivity in low input systems), but we didn't see dramatic changes in water infiltration rates from introducing herbs and legumes.
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Paul @ ADAS

Member
Grassland Exhibitor
The key points to remember are:
  • Prevention is better than cure – try to avoid compaction in the first place
  • If you suspect that soils are compacted get a spade out and have a look using the “Healthy Grassland Soils“ guide
  • Only intervene mechanically when there are clear signs of compaction and the moisture content is suitable
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Brid @ ADAS

Member
Grassland Exhibitor
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Charles Bentley, Senior Consultant is now available for a chat until 4 o clock! Charles is a specialist in slurry & manure storage handling and spreading, and designs silage clamps, farm tracks, buildings and stores.

Charles can advise on all aspects of farm infrastructure and building design, including reducing ammonia emissions from agricultural activity.
If you're a Farming Forum member, ask Charles a question or
email Charles a question
 

SFI - What % were you taking out of production?

  • 0 %

    Votes: 77 43.0%
  • Up to 25%

    Votes: 62 34.6%
  • 25-50%

    Votes: 30 16.8%
  • 50-75%

    Votes: 3 1.7%
  • 75-100%

    Votes: 3 1.7%
  • 100% I’ve had enough of farming!

    Votes: 4 2.2%

Red Tractor drops launch of green farming scheme amid anger from farmers

  • 1,286
  • 1
As reported in Independent


quote: “Red Tractor has confirmed it is dropping plans to launch its green farming assurance standard in April“

read the TFF thread here: https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/gfc-was-to-go-ahead-now-not-going-ahead.405234/
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