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19/07/2009
Weed free cover without chemicals
Bright Seeds has announced the results of trials it has been conducting on "Energy Mustard".
The variety has biofumigation properties plus the ability to suppress weeds.
Perfect as a crop to use when preparing land for gamecover, these latest trial results are good news for gamekeepers and shoot managers up and down the country as not only does it grow fast - creating good pheasant and partridge cover - it also controls weeds, improves soil structure, water holding capacity and minimises erosion.
David Bright, Managing Director of Bright Seeds explained: "Although best known as a late cover crop option, this specially bred variety of mustard has much higher levels of glucosinolates in the stem, which is a key ingredient for bio-fumigation. When these plants are chopped, ploughed and power harrowed and the glucosinolates react with other chemicals within the plant, the gases that are produced act as fumigants to control soil pests and diseases and reduce weed burden - a perfect combination for game cover!"
Introducing "Energy Mustard" also reduces the need for costly and environmentally-damaging chemicals. Resilient to the vagaries of the UK climate, "Energy Mustard" can cope with both drought and cold.
Extensive field trials took place at Bright Seeds own site in Wiltshire with excellent results; the trial plot was ploughed and power harrowed, with one half seeded by broadcasting the mixture of biofumigation mustard at 6kg per acre. After approximately 10 weeks of growth when the mixture had flowered, the area was topped and thoroughly mulched to break up the plant fibres. Immediately after topping, both areas were ploughed and power harrowed once again.
The results were outstanding with a 40% reduction in weed growth on the treated plot.
David concluded: "We are delighted with the results of these latest trials; and with July and August the perfect months to broadcast, gamekeepers and shoot managers can still benefit from this versatile and attractive crop."