April 2024 – SRUC Auchincruive Demonstrator Hub Update
Ayr Site Plan
Gapping up and replanting have been the main activities at the SRUC Auchincruive Demonstrator Hub in Ayrshire this April. The plots are looking good.
Crop Diaries
Click on the titles below to find out how each of the crops are progressing.
Alder
- The SRF Alder was gapped up on 01/02/2024.
- Interrow spraying (Herbidome) was completed on 24/04/2024.
- Leaves are developing well.
- The gapped up trees are still small, but growing well
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- Alder at SRUC Ayrshire, April 2024
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- Alder at SRUC Ayrshire, April 2024
Black Locust
- The SRF black locust ‘Turbo’ was gapped up on 17/04/2024 and interrow spraying (Herbidome) was carried out on 24/04/2024. Most trees have green buds.
- The SRF black locust ‘Turbo Obelisk’ was dug up on 18/03/2024 and sprayed on 22/03/2024 (Glyphosate 4 l/ha). It was replanted on 17/04/2024.
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- Buds appearing on Black locust ‘Turbo’
Eucalyptus
- There is some evidence of insect damage on the SRF Eucalyptus, but we didn’t see the actual pests.
- Fence post installation has been started.
- Inter-row spraying (Herbidome) was carried out on 24/04/2024.
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- Eucalyptus
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- Eucalyptus
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- Eucalyptus
Poplar
- The SRF poplar was gapped up on 17/03/2024. Inter-row spraying (Herbidome) was carried out on 24/04/2024. Most trees now have leaves (reddish colour). The gapped up trees have buds.
- The SRC poplar was gapped up on 17/04/2024. It is not as far on as the SRF poplar, but most trees have little buds.
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- SRC Poplar
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- SRC Poplar
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- SRF Poplar at SRUC Ayrshire, April 2024
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- SRF Poplar
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- SRF Poplar
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- SRF Poplar. April 2024, SRUC Ayrshire Demonstrator Hub
Miscanthus
- The 0.5 ha Miscanthus giganteus was sprayed and topped at the end of February. There are now lots of green shoots visible. We think there’s some rabbit/hare nibbles, but not extensive and we couldn’t see any burrows or droppings. It was sprayed again on 08/04/2024 with Glyphosate 4 l/ha.
- The 0.5 ha Miscanthus Athena plot is scheduled for planting in May.
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- Miscanthus grazing damage
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- Miscanthus x giganteus
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- Miscanthus rabbit damage?
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- Miscanthus MxG (gap)
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- Miscanthus x giganteus
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- Miscanthus x giganteus
Willow
- The 0.5 ha SRC willow is looking very green and lush (but the leaves are still in buds)
- There has been some damage to one or two of the outside plants – possibly from the tractor?
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- SRC Willow, SRUC Ayrshire, April 2024
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- SRC Willow at SRUC Ayrshire, April 2024
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- SRC Willow at SRUC Ayrshire, April 2024
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- SRC Willow at SRUC Ayrshire, April 2024
Reed Canary Grass
- The reed canary grass plot was sprayed on 08/04/2024 (Glyphosate 4 l/ha).
Switchgrass
- The switchgrass plot was sprayed on 08/04/2024 (Glyphosate 4 l/ha).
Gallery
