October 2023 – Hub Site Update
Crop observation made by hub site staff during October.
Demo plot SRF
- Alder Is growing ok.
Black locust ‘Turbo’ is doing fine but there are gaps due to hare grazing before the fence was put up. - Black Locust ‘Turbo Obelisk’ has suffered from early grazing.
SRF Alder at Cockle Park Farm, October 2023
SRF Poplar
- Poplar plants are growing fine.
- 12 plants look to have died.
- Low level weeds are present in the plot
- Some leaves are getting damaged by tree guards.
Evidence of leaf damage by tree guard in SRF Poplar.
SRF Eucalyptus
- Plants are growing fine; however, 23 plants seem to have died.
- There are some low-level weeds to control next growing season.
SRC Poplar
- Establishment is good.
- Rust is appearing on some plants.
- Low level weeds have been found but no need to control until next growing season.
Rust observed on SRC Poplar leaf.
SRC Willow
- Lots of gaps due to problems with the planter used.
- Overall poorer growth across the site.
Miscanthus Giganteus
- Growing well.
- There is one area which needs to be replanted next season.
- Low level of weeds, no need to control it until next season.
Miscanthus Giganteus
Miscanthus Athena
- Poor establishment.
- Plant count has been made as shown below.
- Q 1= 17 Plants 17 x 400= 6800 plants/ ha
- Q 2= 17 Plants, 6800 plants/ha
- Q 3= 20 Plants, 8000 plants/ha
Quadrats used to make an establishment count in the 0.5 ha Miscanthus Athena.
Grasses Demo plot
- Reed Canary Grass was not planted this autumn and conditions are now unlikely to be dry enough.
- The site is weed-free and sat in furrows.
General
- The aisles between crops have been sown with grass and clover mix.
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