Prevent soil erosion this autumn

As maize harvest comes to an end, Neil Groom technical manager for Grainseed says farmers need to think about field cultivations to prevent soil erosion over winter.

“If the harvester or trailers compact the soil surface a deep tine is needed to bust the soil to allow rain to soak in rather than wash across the soil surface. If the field is sloped water running off across the field can pick up speed going down the slope and the extra energy allows the water to transport soil particles.

When cultivating all the field is not an option, Mr Groom advises ripping a strip at the bottom of the slope to prevent water running out of the field and causing issues on roads or other properties.”Site Drill date Ht above sea level (m) Crop dry matter 16 October Increase from last week