Potential for higher organic yields

Better distribution of resources via biogas plants

Clover grass is mainly grown as fodder for ruminants in crop rotations where there is already a relatively good nitrogen supply. Manure redistribution is difficult to solve across the country. Gasification of clover grass in biogas plants, on the other hand, would be a way to improve the distribution of organic nitrogen resources if we can develop cooperation models that give all parties an advantage by entering into an agreement.

Intercropping before winter cereals

Winter cereals are another area where organic farmers are not realising the full potential. According to Sven Hermansen, the challenge here is to get the winter cereals well into the winter and well out again without driving heavy slurry lorries in the early spring.

- "We are currently investigating how much nitrogen short-growing intercrops can deliver before the winter seed is sown," says Sven Hermansen.

- Preliminary results from organic trials show that there is a significant positive effect of combining intercrops with a slightly later application of moderate amounts of slurry nitrogen.

Variety and species mixtures

Variety mixing in forage crops is known and recognised as a method that produces robust crops.

In spring barley, variety trials show year after year that the yields of the recommended variety mixtures are always in the top quarter, but never at the top, where the newest varieties are. Speciality crops such as malting and bread grains are grown in pure stands.
Species mixtures are best known from cattle feed, with barley-pea as the dominant crop. The advantage of this crop is its feed quality and ability to adapt to the varying nitrogen content of the soil, which is important in an organic cattle rotation. Spring wheat-lupine mixtures, broad bean-spring triticale and the like have loyal followers all around.
Things get a little wilder with polycultures, where 5, 10 or more species that can be expected to be harvested to maturity are mixed. The mixtures contain crucifers, legumes, cereals and basket flowers, and then you see what emerges at maturity. This is optimal diversity, and from the trials that have been done, a good feed product comes out of it. Often one or a few species will dominate, depending on the field, weather and other conditions.

Breeding for organic farming

The varieties used for organic production are predominantly developed for conventional production where soluble nutrients and pesticides are available. Although breeders focus on health and resistance, it is estimated that variety development for organic conditions could contribute to higher yields in several crops.

Recommendations

- Make next year's plans during the growing season where you can see your challenges and successes
- Make the best use of available nitrogen - and sell the rest
- Grow clover grass for biogas when possible

Read more about it

Read Sven Hermansen's in-depth analysis of yields and potentials in organic crop production on pages 23-24 in Robust organic crop production (Økologisk Landsforening) (The analysis is in Danish)

In the Fertihood project, advisors, researchers and companies, together with the Innovation Centre for Organic Farming, have located areas where it is possible to optimise production and increase yields.