Living Mulch Farming System

The project explores Living Mulches, a promising arable farming system in which a legume understorey is sown under an arable crop and kept in situ for multiple years. The impacts of mulch species on crop performance, weeds and soil will be assessed.

Whilst this method of growing has been trialled on a small scale, the system has not been sufficiently developed, and issues with understorey establishment and competition with cash crops are impeding its widespread adoption. The project will explore the effectiveness of different understorey species in terms of crop performance, weed competitiveness and environmental impacts.

Project Leaders and Partners

ORC (project leader)

Project Aims

The project aims to develop a new method of growing arable crops which is environmentally sound, climate positive and capable of increasing farm productivity. The innovative solution that the Frasers of Denby Hall Farm, near Huddersfield, have identified for further testing is a ‘Living Mulch System’ capable of achieving organic, no-till production.

The ‘Living Mulch System’ is whereby a perennial legume understorey is established as a living ground cover under an arable crop and kept in situ for multiple years without the need for re-seeding. Cash crops are directly drilled into that understorey each year. Success will allow regenerative farmers to reduce fertiliser and herbicide use, lengthen their rotation due to the weed suppressive effects of the understorey, and enhance soil health, carbon sequestration, and water infiltration due to a constant living root, and enhanced soil structure due to a reduced requirement for tillage.

Current progress highlights

Project Update May 2025

We have been observing the trial establishment and planning field assessments for the coming spring/summer season. We are also working with Agricology and have conducted an interview for a farmer profile on their website, as well as filming an update on trial establishment – coming soon.