Nitrogen plots

Sowing change through regenerative farming

Last year, an innovative partnership emerged between Kent Wildlife Trust, Bockhanger Farms Ltd and Reading University, fuelled by the Co-op Carbon Innovation Fund.

This dynamic collaboration has led to a two-year project aimed at revolutionising farming practices through regenerative techniques.

At its heart lies an on-farm trial, looking at nitrogen use efficiency in winter wheat. Through the addition of a homemade liquid compost extract, the aim is to see if the use of this compost extract can improve the microbial activity in the soil, helping develop healthy fungal networks and increase the crop’s nutrient absorption, reducing synthetic nitrogen dependence.

Nitrogen plots

With experience from regenerative farmer Andrew Howard at Bockhanger Farms and trial design knowledge from Reading University, Kent Wildlife Trust is exploring innovative techniques to support resilient, nature-friendly farming.

As the trial nears its halfway mark, there has been lots happening. Despite a wet winter and spring, the crop has flourished. Soil samples harvested since autumn are undergoing analysis to determine the biology and mineral nitrogen content. The Visual Evaluation of Soil Structure (VESS) method has unveiled fascinating insights into soil structure. All these methods are providing a better understanding of the soil health.

This project showcases our ambition to support wildlife across our landscape, right down to the soil beneath our feet.

Find out more about the project