Fertiliser use is a hot topic at the moment, especially the impact of overuse on the environment. It’s also significant because of high costs, supply issues, and the use of key resources like natural gas. It’s crucial then that new research shows there can be a better way. We want to have a closer look here, so read on to explore one of the biggest potential breakthroughs for farming.

Traditional methods

Did you know that traditionally many farmers would sow different types of crops together? It’s a practice known by many names, including intercropping, polyculture, and mixed sowing. It offers a number of benefits, such as improving soil health and even the yields. Several countries still do it, including Ethiopia.

While there are positives to growing multiple plant species in the same fields, the majority of farming today is actually monocropping. It has some benefits of its own, including efficiency and the chance to streamline everything using industrial machinery. However, it can result in a big reliance on fertilisers and risks soil degradation.

New research

Researchers, including from the LegacyNet project, have been exploring the advantages of mixing plant species. Specifically, they’ve been looking at how to effectively plant a combination of grasses, herbs, and legumes. According to their study, published in the Science journal, mixed planting can increase the yields and reduce the need for fertiliser.

The research involved experiments at 26 different sites around the world. This gave the opportunity to test in different climates and conditions. Crucially, the finding was that, comparing a monocrop of grass to a mix of six species (two grasses, two legumes, and two herbs), yields could increase by 11% and use 50% less nitrogen. Plus, there was an 18% increase in yield in comparison to the popular practice of sowing 70% grass and 30% legume together.

How does mixing species help here?

There are a few key factors to promote the use of a six species mix for grassland. Firstly, including legumes gets more nitrogen into the soil naturally because they absorb it from the atmosphere. As a result, it becomes available for the grasses and herbs to use. That increases the yield and reduces the need for nitrogen fertiliser.

The inclusion of herb species is noteworthy because they have deeper root systems. They reach further down into the soil to increase water uptake. This provides a massive benefit in areas suffering from droughts.

Critically, the study also found that mixing crops could help farmers improve climate resilience. There were even more benefits in areas with higher temperatures. As a result, the practice could help farmers retain high yields without needing to use more fertilisers.

Speak to us if you want to order fertiliser

The new research could have a massive impact on farming practices around the world. It is significant because being able to reduce the need for fertilisers helps the environment and the cost of farming. It would be beneficial to numerous stakeholders.

If you need to order fertiliser and want to work with a supplier with generations of experience, JS Hubbuck Ltd is a great choice. We’re a proud family business based in Northern England. You can contact us to learn more about different products and to arrange delivery.