Climate and Soil Data at the Biomass Connect Demonstrator Hubs
July 24, 2024
As with all crops, the success, failure and overall yield of biomass crops is dependent on the weather. That’s why we have weather stations and soil dataloggers recording climate and soil data at each of our demonstrator hubs
Miscanthus Bedding Success at IBERS, Aberystwyth
July 23, 2024
Over the past few months, as part of a small-scale study, a commercially planted Miscanthus crop at IBERS Aberystwyth, was cut, baled, stored, and used for livestock bedding.
Biomass Connect demonstration event: Multifunctional landscapes, biomass crops, and end-uses
July 16, 2024
Biomass Connect with Newcastle University hosted a demonstration event at the Cockle Park Farm Demonstrator Hub, Newcastle University. The event included a combination of talks, a field tour to the Biomass Connect demonstration hub, and roundtable discussions.
Biomass Connect at Groundswell
July 16, 2024
As part of the ongoing campaign to raise awareness of the Biomass Feedstock Innovation (BFI) programme and provide opportunities to help develop the biomass sector, we organised a large marquee at Groundswell to bring the Biomass Connect Knowledge Exchange hub team together with five projects from the BFI programme.
Bird Surveys on Biomass Plantations – June 2024
July 16, 2024
Part of our ongoing series looking at birds in and around willow and Miscanthus crops in Devon and Somerset. The films feature ornithologist and wildlife detective Ed Drewitt (along with BC team member Kevin Lindegaard of Crops for Energy).
British Society of Soil Science visit the Biomass Connect IBERS Demonstration Hub
July 05, 2024
The Welsh regional group of the BSSS (British Society of Soil Science) held their annual event at IBERS on Thursday 27th June, which included a visit to the Biomass Connect demonstrator hub site, with some interesting discussions around biomass crops and their uses.
Growing Resilience: Harnessing Biomass Crops for Climate-Proof Farming
July 03, 2024
As part of a two day “Farming for the Future” event held by the wider Afbi livestock teams. During both days of the event, the Biomass Connect team provided an opportunity for around 40 livestock farming visitors to explore and understand different biomass crop options
First Demonstrator Hub Soil Data Published
June 27, 2024
The first soil dataset from across the eight Biomass Connect Demonstrator Hub sites has now been published. This dataset contains the baseline measurements of key soil properties, including carbon, bulk density and pH, which are critical to assess the impacts of biomass crops on soils through future repeat sampling.
Industrial crops for sustainable energy and materials on show at the RWAS Grass and Muck event
June 11, 2024
The Sustainable Grass and Muck event held on Thursday, 30th May 2024, at Aberystwyth University Farm, Trawsgoed, was a significant gathering for sharing knowledge on sustainable agricultural practices in the face of changing climatic conditions. The event, one of the largest of its kind in the UK, drew visitors from across the country.
Latest News
Climate and Soil Data at the Biomass Connect Demonstrator Hubs
July 24, 2024
As with all crops, the success, failure and overall yield of biomass crops is dependent on the weather. That’s why we have weather stations and soil dataloggers recording climate and soil data at each of our demonstrator hubs
Miscanthus Bedding Success at IBERS, Aberystwyth
July 23, 2024
Over the past few months, as part of a small-scale study, a commercially planted Miscanthus crop at IBERS Aberystwyth, was cut, baled, stored, and used for livestock bedding.
Demonstrator Hub Updates – June 2024
July 18, 2024
The month of June has been another busy one at the Biomass Connect Demonstrator Hubs. Things have dried out so catching up with weeding, mowing and spraying has been possible at all sites. Sida, reed canary grass and switchgrass have been planted/sown in the perennial grasses demo plots. An SRF Italian poplar trial has been planted at the site in Ayrshire.
Demonstrator Hub Update – SRUC Boghall – June 2024
July 18, 2024
Most crops are growing well at the Boghall Demonstrator Hub. Some plots have a weed burden. Inter-row mowing and spraying is planned for July.
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