Organic farm pauses operations to enhance soil fertility.
Hampshire organic farmer Tim May is making significant changes to his arable land management by dedicating three-quarters of his cropped land to new environmental schemes. This move aims to enhance soil fertility and allow Tim to achieve a better work-life balance. By transitioning just over 300ha of land to herbal leys and legume fallows under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) schemes, Tim will receive quarterly cash payments, reduce inputs, and have more time to spend with his family.
The three-year SFI schemes will provide the flexibility needed to focus on improving soil health, optimizing arable cropping practices, and ultimately enhancing the overall Sustainability of the farm. By allocating specific areas to herbal leys and legume fallows, Tim aims to benefit from the varied root structures and Nutrient Management strategies offered by these schemes. The transition to SFI is expected to be cost-effective, especially considering the existing seed reservoir in the ground from previous farming practices.
Tim’s journey towards more sustainable farming practices began in 2013, driven by a desire to add value to his farmland and address plateaued yields and rising Input Costs. Transitioning to organic production by introducing grassland and implementing organic rotations has significantly improved soil fertility and reduced Input Costs. Despite lower yields in organic wheat and oats, Tim has benefited from premium prices and improved soil organic matter levels.
In addition to transitioning to organic production, Tim also introduced dairy cattle to the farm through a share farming agreement in 2017. The dairy cows graze on herbal ley grassland, supporting soil fertility building and weed control for arable crops. While the switch to organic arable crop production presented challenges such as weed control and harvest timing, Tim has implemented innovative techniques to manage crops effectively.
Looking ahead, Tim is optimistic about improving yields on the smaller arable area by focusing on crop optimization and learning from on-farm trials. The potential for increased yields in organic oats and oilseed rape demonstrates the possibilities for enhanced productivity in the arable side of the farm. By embracing sustainable farming practices and prioritizing soil health, Tim is paving the way for a more resilient and balanced farming operation.
This update is based on insights shared during the recent AHDB Monitor Farm meeting at Kingsclere Estates, where Tim May’s organic farm became the first to join the program.
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Maria Sanchez completed her Bachelor’s degree in Plant Sciences from the University of California, Davis, in the USA. Her studies focused on plant genetics and biotechnology, with an emphasis on developing disease-resistant crop varieties. Maria has contributed to several research projects aimed at improving crop resilience to climate change and is now pursuing her Master’s degree in Plant Breeding.