Companion cropping trial
May 29, 2024
Members of the Biomass Connect team have been in the field hand-sowing seeds as part of a small trial to explore the potential of using companion crops within willow SRC to aid growth, suppress weeds and benefit biodiversity, led by Dr Rebecca Rowe of UKCEH.
Bird Surveys on Biomass Plantations – March 2024
May 22, 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).
Connect Issue #6
May 21, 2024
Issue #6 of the Connect Newsletter is now available. The Connect Newsletters contain updates on project activities, details of the latest events, and news from across the wider biomass industry.
Innovations in biomass, biodiversity, carbon capture and soil health at the Headley Hall NIAB demonstration day
May 21, 2024
This demonstration day provided valuable insights into advancements and practical applications in biomass crops, carbon capture, and sustainable farming practices, highlighting the benefits of a collaborative approach to future projects.
Thrushes Nesting in Pollarded Poplar Trees at the BGI Demonstrator Hub
May 01, 2024
While performing a routine morning fence inspection an unexpected sight caught my attention – a bird gliding low towards the pollarded poplar trees...
Miscanthus variety trial planting at IBERS Demonstrator Hub
April 26, 2024
In addition to these, 5 of the Biomass Connect Demonstrator Hubs also have a Miscanthus variety trial which itself has two plots, a 2023 planting and a 2024 planting. The 2024 plots are currently being planted now, so here are some photos of the IBERS team in action planting out the variety trials into the 2024 plot.
IBERS Demonstrator Hub Miscanthus Harvest 2024
April 25, 2024
A selection of photos from the recent Miscanthus harvest at the IBERS Demonstrator Hub.The Miscanthus x giganteus was cut in the middle of March and then baled earlier this week using a round-chopper baler.
Low Carbon Agriculture Event Showcases Biomass Innovations
March 12, 2024
The recent Low Carbon Agriculture Event held at Stoneleigh, was a busy and fruitful two days for enthusiasts and practitioners in biomass production. Attendees found the Biomass Connect stand to be a hub of technical knowledge, courtesy of the dedicated Biomass Connect knowledge exchange team.
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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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