A conscientious approach to crop and soil health management has resulted in a triple award win for Somerset farmer, Mark Doble.

Mark, who farms more than 160ha at Hurcott Farm near Ilminster, was awarded the Gold Best Plot Yield, Gold Best % of Potential Yield - Plots, and Highest Yield in the south west region in the ADAS Yield Enhancement Network (YEN).

Head of crop performance at ADAS, Professor Roger Sylvester-Bradley, said: “The best YEN yields have been almost double the national average. The challenge now is to pinpoint how such farms sustain these high yields.

“Our data shows that this has little to do with high use of fertilisers and chemicals, and much more to do with inspired soil and crop husbandry, plus attention to detail.”

Read more: South West Farmer Awards 2020 are open now

Agronomist Tom Pope's recommendations included a tailored nutrition programme based on the results of leaf tissue analysis and soil sampling, ensuring the crop received exactly what it needed at the exactly the right time.

Tom said: “As well as conducting a Solvita soil health test, we took leaf tissue samples every fortnight to build a picture of what the crop was needing throughout the growth cycle.

“Because Mark is on-board with the importance of soil health, his conscientious approach to crop management has led to a series of impressive yields, as well as repeatedly winning YEN awards.

“This consistency is what sets him apart and makes the farm such an excellent host for both Agrovista, and BASF trials and open days.”

A grower meeting on March 3 at Frogmary Green Farm in South Petherton will share the results and give insight into how Mark achieved the winning yields. To attend, please contact Tom Pope: tom.pope@agrovista.co.uk

Mark's results were: Best Plot Yield, Gold – 15.9t/ha, Best % of Potential Yield – plots – 82% of potential 19.4t/ha yield and Highest yield in south west region – 14.3t/ha.