Farm TrailsTeacher's NotesAbout Organic Farming
Elm FarmMore about the farmArrange a visit
Old hedge lines
1

Old hedge lines

   Track verges
2

Track verges

   Old oaks
3

Old oaks

   Old meadow
4

Old meadow

   Old clay pits
5

Old clay pits

   Laying Hens
6

Hedgerow restoration

   Cerals
7

Cereal crops

  Woodland edge
8

Woodland edge

   Farm buildings
9

Farm buildings

  
Elm farm map Old hedge lines Track verges Old Oaks Old meadow Old clay pits Hedgerow restoration Cereal crops Woodland edge Farm buildings Cereal Crops

Cereal crops

The farm grows cereals such as wheat and triticale in rotation with grass and clover. Five to seven years of clover adds nitrogen from the air into the soil through special nodules on its roots. This will then provide the nutrients for a good crop of wheat the following year.

  • Mixed organic farming, which includes cereals and livestock, offers a variety of wildlife habitats. By planting some cereals in the autumn and others in the spring, farmers can encourage food and nesting opportunities for farmland birds.

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» DID YOU KNOW?

Organic cereal growing avoids the use of chemical pesticides which means that wild plants and insects are not killed off. These in turn provide food for the rest of the food chain so even cropped fields are good for wildlife on organic farms.
© Soil Association 2000-2004