North Wyke Demonstrator Hub Update – September 2024

November 12, 2024

At the Biomass Connect hub site at North Wyke, the crops have shown varied progress through September. The ground softened in mid-September due to cool, damp weather, allowing most crops to continue growing.
Cockle Park Farm Demonstrator Hub Update – September 2024

November 12, 2024

Progress at the Biomass Connect Demonstrator Hub at Cockle Park Farm in Newcastle has shown mixed results in plant health across various species.
Headley Hall Demonstrator Hub Update – September 2024

October 17, 2024

There were a number of developments during September at Headley Hall. The SRF alder showed severe leaf damage due to beetle infestations, while SRF black locust ‘Turbo’ remained healthy despite some wind rocking as the weather worsened. SRF Eucalyptus require supports to help with tree lodging, though the trees remained largely healthy. The Poplar plots performed well, with good canopy and trunk growth and some trees showed early senescence. Miscanthus varieties experienced robust growth, and the SRC willow variety trials saw caterpillar damage in certain plots. Maintenance tasks, such as topping grass aisles and managing fencing, were also addressed to ensure continued progress.
Aberystwyth Demonstrator Hub Update – September 2024

October 16, 2024

The SRF and SRC plots, including Alder, Eucalyptus, and Poplar, showed varying growth patterns with some signs of senescence and pest activity, such as rust on Alder and aphids on Eucalyptus. While Miscanthus varieties demonstrated strong growth, broadleaf and grass weeds were controlled through mowing, and some Sida plants had begun flowering.
Chesham Demonstrator Hub Update – September 2024

October 16, 2024

At the Chesham Demonstrator hub, most crops are progressing well, with SRF Alder and Poplar both in full leaf and looking healthy. Some maintenance activities, such as staking and weed control, have been completed for SRF Eucalyptus and SRC Willow, which is growing tall and vigorous. However, some challenges have been observed, including patchy germination in Reed Canary Grass and a weedy Silphium plot. Ongoing efforts include herbicide applications, mowing, and regular monitoring to manage these issues effectively.
Hillsborough Demonstrator Hub Update – September 2024

October 15, 2024

Overall, crops are growing well, with ongoing management efforts addressing specific challenges like weeds and pest control.
Demonstrator Hub Updates – July 2024

August 28, 2024

Significant progress has been observed in the various biomass crops, but some of the newly sown varieties are have issues with emergence. We are still waiting to see how these fare. Overall, the hubs are seeing good crop development, with ongoing efforts to manage pests and weeds.
Boghall Demonstrator Hub Update – July 2024

August 28, 2024

At the Edinburgh Demonstrator Hub site, the biomass crops are progressing well overall, with many species like SRF Alder, Eucalyptus, and SRC Willow showing healthy growth and good canopy development. However, some issues such as rust on SRF Alder and SRC Willow, as well as weed pressures in Miscanthus and Sida plots, indicate a need for continued management efforts.
Ayrshire Demonstrator Hub Update – July 2024

August 28, 2024

At the Ayrshire Demonstrator Hub site, the biomass crops are generally progressing well, with species like SRF Alder, Poplar, and SRC Willow showing healthy growth and minimal pest or disease issues. However, some challenges such as rust on SRF Alder, insect damage, and weed presence, particularly in Miscanthus and Sida plots, require ongoing management to maintain crop health.
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