Potato growers have the chance to visit a comprehensive and state-of-the-art trial site at an open day on AHDB Potatoes’ first-ever Strategic Potato Farm (SPot).
James Daw, based near Rugeley, in Staffordshire, will open his doors on 23 July. He has been working with AHDB Potatoes on 20 hectares of trials that cover soil management practices; crop nutrients; seed rates and varieties; the use of precision; practices to limit in-field greening; irrigation scheduling and managing crop variability and water run-off.
The aim of the SPot farm is to justify to the host business and to the wider potato industry the value from making change. The scheme sees each farm partner with a technically-advanced grower innovator for three years.
“The SPot farm takes research funded by AHDB levy payers into the commercial environment,” said AHDB Potatoes knowledge transfer executive, Hannah Goodwin.
“It’s a unique opportunity to come and speak to James and challenge experts from NIAB-CUF, Agrii and Soil Essentials who’ve all been involved with the study.”
The open day follows a preview tour of the farm by members of NFU’s Potato Forum. “There is a considerable amount of knowledge being developed at this site and visiting the open day 23 July is a must,” said Gloucestershire seed grower Graham Nichols. “I noted several areas where I could perhaps be making improvements on my own farm. I’ll certainly be back to see what the crop looks like later in the season.”
Seed rate principals and the yield impact of variable depth bed-forming, de-stoning, and bed-tilling practices were also popular. Grower Robin Cropper said: “The work on seed bed depths and the time and savings associated with that was really impressive.
“I’d encourage other growers to see this for themselves and challenge their on-farm practice.”
Norfolk agronomist, Andy Alexander, said he had been impressed by the use of tram line and bed profile management tools on sloped ground. The study is evaluating the Richard Lapage Wonder Wheel; the Briggs Tied Ridger; and The Aqua Agronomy Creyke tied tracker roller.
“Considerable run off was occurring following 25mm of irrigation in untreated areas,” said Alexander. “While in the trial area, run off was almost completely mitigated. Seeing these options in action really makes a difference.”
Anyone interested in attending should contact Miya Kotecha at AHDB Potatoes, or register online.
No comments yet