Protecting soils and drinking water sources – project findings shared with farmers
Following Dŵr Cymru’s Drinking Water Catchment Team’s support of a maize undersowing trial run by the Wye and Usk Foundation, its results have been shared with farmers and growers along the Rivers Wye and Usk.
This work is part of our WaterSource Programme which involves co-designing solutions with land managers which will deliver multiple benefits for people, water and the environment.
The information sharing event, sponsored by Dŵr Cymru was held on Estavarney Farm in Usk. This farm had used the undersowing technique on their maize crop last summer. The visiting farmers were able to see first-hand the benefits of this practice on the soil, look at the equipment used and find out more about the additional benefits that arise from undersowing.
Dan Humphreys, from Dŵr Cymru’s Drinking Water Catchment Team, said: “We were pleased to support the scheme and this on farm event in the Usk catchment. As part of our WaterSource approach we are keen to support farmers to take measures like this which deliver win-win solutions, benefiting farm business and safeguarding our drinking water sources. The event was a well-attended by a range of farmers being able to see first-hand the benefits of this technique and able to discuss with farmers that had trialled it.
Catchment Coordinator Dan Humphreys speaks to farmers and stakeholders about why funding the event was important and the potential benefits of maize undersowing for the farmer and for us as a company when treating water from a river system.
What is maize undersowing?
Maize is usually planted between April and June, and harvest generally starts from mid-September to November. This timetable leaves bare soil in the fields over winter which can wash away over the wetter months, entering our streams and rivers. This may lead to water quality issues such as elevated nutrient levels and sediment.
Undersowing is the practice of drilling grass seed in between a crop of maize, usually in July. This means that when the maize is harvested there is already a cover crop forming to protect the soil.
How does this benefit the farmer?
Previous experiments with maize undersowing have shown that the practice improves soil health and structure, retains all the nutrients in the ground and provides forage for the livestock. It can enhance soil structure by activating root mass, improves soil fertility and builds organic matter.
Farmers got to see the drill used for the undersowing
How did the scheme work?
Working in partnership with Wye & Usk Foundation, Dŵr Cymru offered a financial contribution to those that participated. Once the farmers had drilled the maize crop, they arranged for grass seed to be planted about six weeks later. In this particular round, a total of 108 acres of maize was undersown.
This is the third time Dŵr Cymru has supported the scheme and it has formed a key element of our commitment to working with farmers on supporting and encouraging land management practices which benefit agriculture and drinking water sources.
Welsh Government also recognise the benefits of this practise and have added it as an option to their Growing for the Environment scheme which is available across Wales.
Field Options sharing the soil analysis with farmers