Try headland set-aside
Try headland set-aside
HEADLAND set-aside is an option worth considering this autumn, particularly for growers keen to enter land into the Countryside Stewardship Scheme next year, says ADAS.
Trials at its research farms show headland yields average 18% less than the main body of a field. Against boundaries to the north and east losses are greater still, explains Yorks-based consultant John Redgate.
Setting aside such headlands can boost average yields, as well as providing turning places around root crops and access for hedge and ditch maintenance.
Although the minimum width is 20m (66ft) it often makes sense to set-aside at least 25m (82ft), so 12 or 24m (40-80ft) sprayers can apply a total herbicide more accurately before the following crop.
Headland strips might also be a good option for growers planning to apply for arable field margins under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme.
Applications must be submitted by 31 May 1999, with acceptance confirmed in September. Establishing proposed CSS margins now allows the area to be treated with a total herbicide to eliminate perennial and grass weeds before sowing with a grass mixture or regeneration if an application is successful.
Field margins pay the equivalent of £583/ha/year (£234/acre/year) for 6m margins and £750/ha/year (£304/acre/year) for 2m margins. Rates are reconsidered every three years and may rise or fall.
"Such payments are attractive compared with markedly reduced cereal gross margins," says Mr Redgate. Margins must stay in CSS for 10 years. *
SPLITFIELDS
Putting in slightly more set-aside than the minimum is prudent to avoid hefty penalty charges should an error be made, particularly where fields are split between crop and set-aside. "Many MAFF farm inspection problems are associated with split fields," warns Mr Redgate.