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Lifting the sward on a Cornish farm for the past decade has had numerous benefits, including preventing run-off after heavy rainfall, reducing the winter housing period, and aiding in carbon sequestration in the soil.

Located in the Tamar valley, Trepoyle Farm faces challenges with deep drainage installed decades ago and fields with wet spots and streams. Bill Harper, who farms with his wife Suzanne, describes the farm’s soil as a mix of clays, making it necessary to use sward lifting techniques, especially on difficult pastureland.

Sward lifting has been particularly effective on alluvial flood plains and gently sloping lands with heavy loam over a shillet sub-base. Bill invested in an Opico sward lifter a decade ago and has been using it to improve the soil and drainage on the farm.

One of the main goals of sward lifting at Trepoyle is to hold water in the soil after heavy rainfall, preventing it from running off into the River Tamar. By allowing water to dissipate slowly through the soil, the sward lifter helps in achieving this goal.

The ideal time for sward lifting at Trepoyle is from August to October, with different fields being lifted every two to three years. This practice not only prevents run-off but also helps in preparing the land for grazing, which in turn reduces the winter housing period for cattle.

Regular grass measurements are taken on the farm, with a combination of nitrogen application and fermented dung leading to high grass production. The Harpers have seen an increase in soil organic carbon levels, attributed to the sward lifting and the grass mixes grown on the farm.

Overall, sward lifting has had a positive impact on Trepoyle Farm, improving soil structure, drainage, and carbon sequestration. The technique has become an essential part of the farm’s management practices, contributing to sustainable agriculture in the Tamar valley.

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