Phil Greenway, our crop consultant, gives his perspective on what’s been a successful planting year, despite the weather challenges.
We are pleased to report that this year’s Miscanthus planting has gone well. Our efforts spanned across the UK, reaching from Edinburgh to South Devon, Mid-Wales to East Anglia, and many sites in between, including Essex, Kent, and Newcastle.
Despite initial delays due to rain, we managed to plant the rhizomes in good conditions, with ample soil moisture and subsequent rainfall. This has resulted in excellent emergence.
Key Points:
- Geographic Spread: Successful planting from Edinburgh to South Devon, Mid-Wales to East Anglia, and several other locations.
- Weather Challenges: Initial rain delays were managed effectively, ensuring rhizomes were planted in optimal conditions.
- Rhizome Quality: All rhizomes were kept in cold storage at 2 degrees below to maintain quality and prevent premature sprouting.
- Field Preparation: Ensuring proper field preparation was crucial. This included correct cultivation to access soil moisture, decompaction, weed removal, and ensuring soils were friable to a depth of 6 inches. Our planters focused solely on planting, not cultivation, so this is important.
We are encouraged by the results so far and remain committed to maintaining high standards in our planting processes. Thank you to everyone involved for your hard work and dedication.