Livestock farmers in Devon are trialling a new 16 species fodder crop.

The farmers will compare their usual winter forage of a single species brassica mono-culture with a diverse, 16 species fodder crop mix - including clovers, hairy vetch, ryegrass, spring oats, kale and linseed.

The aim is to reduce soil erosion and create habitats for nature during winter grazing, while also providing a nutritional crop that maintains animal health and performance.

Triallist George Greed farms a 230 hectare organic farm in Devon with 280 cows on mix of aluvial soil with some deep loamy areas.

He said: “I passionately believe I have a responsibility, as a farmer and custodian of this land, to do what I can to support biodiversity. From providing shelter and food for wildlife and pollen for bees to providing a more diverse source of winter bird food, I am interested to find out what benefits diverse fodder can provide."

Many beef farmers plant a single brassica forage crop, such as kale or fodder beet, for their cattle to graze over the winter to reduce feed costs and the indoor time for the herd.

Inspired by success of the practice in New Zealand, this field lab will test whether the higher biomass of a diverse crop can boost farm resilience by protecting the soil structure. It is hoped benefits will include reduced erosion and run off, and higher worm counts, infiltration rates, and water holding capacity.

Another of the participants is Chris Berry, who farms close to Exeter. He farms a 180 hectare conventional farm with sandy loam, free draining soil. The farm supports 900 breeding ewes and ewe lambs alongside a 65 head suckler beef enterprise.

He said: “There is quite a bit of unknown within this trial, but I think we all agree there is massive potential. As a curious farmer who out-winters most of our livestock, I am always looking to improve or seek out better alternatives to achieve the best all round sustainable outcome for the soil and livestock health."

The Innovative Farmer's field lab’s findings could be particularly significant as the government moves to its new farm payment system, as keeping soils covered over winter is set to be rewarded in the new Sustainable Farming Incentives (SFI’s).

Sarah Whaley, from Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) South West, who are a research partner on the trial, said: “Plants work better in a community, and diversity supports the beneficial symbiotic relationships both above and below ground.

"While conventional farming practices have relied on mono-cropping as a rule, there is much research around improved responses in soil health, animal performance and wider environmental benefits from bringing in diversity.

"Whilst winter brassicas are valuable to farmers, this field lab aims to investigate if there is an alternative way that offers a multitude of benefits over forage value alone.”

She added that getting the mix of crop right is key and it won’t be a 'one-size-fits-all solution' as the successes will need to be weighed against soil types and different climates.