Technical Guides

Although many organic farmers rely on white and red clover to provide fertility, there are many more leguminous species available with interesting traits. In the third part of a series of articles on lesser-known legumes (first published in the Organic Grower) Dr. Thomas Döring and Louisa Winkler review two species; Black medic (Medicago lupilina) and lucerne (Medicago sativa), using information from the literature and the Legume LINK project, which was led by the Organic Research Centre from 2008 to 2012.

Conclusions from the Leg Link project Using legume-based mixtures to enhance the nitrogen use efficiency and economic viability of cropping systems. (LegLINK)

Alsike and crimson clovers

Using diverse legume mixtures can simultaneously fulfil several functions in the rotation, such as building soil fertility, enhancing weed control, and supporting biodiversity

Provides an introduction to Nutrient Budgeting to aid nutrient and crop planning on organic farms. It includes information on the principles of nutrient management and details of nutrient contents of crops, stock, manure and fertilizer for use in calculating nutrient budgets.

Published as part of the Defra funded P-Link project led by the Scottish Agricultural College.

Provides a summary of how soil analysis can be useful in the management of individual nutrients, provides information on sampling and different analytical techniques and considers the role of soil analysis in the context of other soil monitoring tools.