Event Date : September 25, 2014
This field lab will build on the cultural methods already used by organic farmers and look for new and novel control mechanisms such as biological controls and the use of allelopathy. The objective of this research is to identify more reliable methods of creeping thistle control which will enable farmers to consistently grow quality arable crops without the use of herbicides. Thank you to Keith Banham at Sandringham Estate for participating in this field lab.
Provisional trials suggested include:
10.00am Arrival and refreshments
10.30am Introduction to the field lab and the day – Liz Bowles (Soil Association)
Physiology of creeping thistles – Lynn Tatnell (ADAS Cambridge)
Summary of current understanding of creeping thistle control – Nick Fradgley (ORC)
Practical aspects of creeping thistle control- Stephen Briggs (Abacus Associates)
11.45pm Farm walk to view the potential trial sites: Drones have been used to document the extent of thistles across the trial site.
1.15pm Lunch
2pm Consideration of priorities for research and trial design and agreement on next steps
3pm Close
To book your FREE place; go to http://bit.ly/1n3El36
Download flyer here
