NIAB
Relatively even, slightly southerly site with loam freely draining to limestone and current vegetation of wheat stubble. Planting of various species for trial and demonstration including Miscanthus; Willow; Eucalyptus; Poplar; and Perennial Grasses took place in Spring 2023. Updates on the performance of the biomass crops at this hub site can be found below.
Address |
NIAB, The Hangar, Headley Hall, Spen Common Lane, Tadcaster, LS24 9NT. |
Latitude, longitude |
53.874439 , -1.3218659 |
Grid ref |
SE446422 |
What 3 words ref for entrance |
///mile.inquest.unclaimed |
Characteristics
Mean Annual Precipitation (mm) |
646.9 mm |
Mean Annual Temperature (°C) |
5.1 (min) – 13.7 (max) |
Altitude |
49 m |
Exposure |
Full, open. |
Topography |
Relatively even. |
Aspect |
Slight southerly. |
Soil type |
Loam freely draining to limestone. |
Current vegetation coverage |
Wheat stubble. |
Other relevant site info |
Project plans/actions
Which biomass crops |
Planted (as of August 2023)
To be planted:
Variety trials planted (as of August 2023):
Variety trials to be planted:
|
Planting goals/aim | Evaluate the performance of the biomass crops, including feedstock performance, agronomy, plant establishment and growth, disease and pest incidence, and economic costs. |
Agronomic dates (planting, harvesting schedule) | Planting in spring 2023, harvesting of Miscanthus in winter 2023 and winter 2024. |
Management methodology (spray off, nutrient additions, ploughing, site prep, others) |
Wheat cover crop established (direct drilled) autumn 2022. Will be sprayed off and nutrients applied as per any soil test results. Prep pre biomass planting – plough, cultivate, plant Post biomass planting – grass margins between plots. |
Machinery to be used | Relevant kit for above operations! |
Project plans/actions
Which biomass crops | Miscanthus; Willow; Eucalyptus; Poplar; Grasses. |
Planting goals/aim | Various species for trial and demonstration. |
Agronomic dates (planting, harvesting schedule) | Starting spring 2023. |
Management methodology (spray off, nutrient additions, ploughing, site prep, others) |
Primary cultivation = plough. Secondary cultivation = power harrow. Autumn/winter 22/23 = winter wheat cover crop on selected plots. |
Machinery to be used | TBD |
General Info
Field management history |
Conventional arable with late harvested root crops in rotation. |
Other site detail of note |
Updates
Primary ground prep and cover crop establishment underway October 2022 to prepare site for initial planting in spring 2023.