Description

Practice abstract

Åke and Isak Johansson run the farm Lilla Hult in southern Sweden. The farm has 300 cows and 260 ha arable land and 150 ha semi-natural grasslands including silvopastures. 

This area has recurrent droughts, especially in the beginning of summer. When establishing the ley in spring one has to presume that there will be no more rain for several weeks. 

When establishing ley in this area, it is crucial to retain soil moisture. On this farm, the goal is to have no more than half a day from tillage start on ploughed ground until sowing is finished. The solution is to complete a smaller area at the time and use machinery for quick jobs. Autumn ploughing is the best method. After harrowing twice, wheat is sown using a centrifugal fertiliser spreader. Then harrowing to 3 cm depth and roll in one pass. The ley is sown using a mounted small seeder on the roll. This allows a quick job, 6 hectares in four hours. The ley establishing normally starts in mid- or end of mars. The goal is to be finished by 10th of April. 

Åke’s drought strategy can work everywhere in this area where soil types are prone to drought. Maintaining moisture is crucial for good establishment of the small seedlings of grass and legume. Every effort to retain soil moisture is important. 

Context profil