Farm TrailsTeacher's NotesAbout Organic Farming
Eastbrook FarmMore about the farmArrange a visit

1

Clover leys

   Dairy cows
2

Dairy cows

   Cereal crops
3

Cereal crops

   Vegetables
4

Vegetables

   Pigs
5

Pigs

   Dry valley
6

The dry valley

  
Pigs The dry valley Vegetables Cereal crops Dairy cows Clover leys Clover leys - photo copyright: Helen Browning Organics, www.helenbrowningorganics.co.uk

Clover leys

Clover is one of the most important plants on an organic farm. It is a 'legume' which means that it takes nitrogen from the air and adds it to the soil through special nodules on its roots. This nitrogen helps provide the fertility for future crops to grow.

  • Organic farmers grow clover instead of artificial chemical fertilisers

  • Clover and grass will usually be grown for two or three years to build up enough fertility for a cereal crop.

Next »
» DID YOU KNOW?

Factory produced nitrogen is applied as a fertiliser by non-organic farmers, but this can cause environmental damage.

The manufacturing process not only uses a lot of oil, but artificial nitrogen is also easily washed away, causing pollution in rivers and streams.

Photo copyright: Helen Browning Organics, www.helenbrowningorganics.co.uk
© Soil Association 2000-2004