Project Aims
The project aims to develop a new method of growing arable crops which is environmentally sound, climate positive and capable of increasing farm productivity. The innovative solution that the Frasers of Denby Hall Farm, near Huddersfield, have identified for further testing is a ‘Living Mulch System’ capable of achieving organic, no-till production.
The ‘Living Mulch System’ is whereby a perennial legume understorey is established as a living ground cover under an arable crop and kept in situ for multiple years without the need for re-seeding. Cash crops are directly drilled into that understorey each year. Success will allow regenerative farmers to reduce fertiliser and herbicide use, lengthen their rotation due to the weed suppressive effects of the understorey, and enhance soil health, carbon sequestration, and water infiltration due to a constant living root, and enhanced soil structure due to a reduced requirement for tillage.
