Organic Research Centre

Sageguard is a toolbox of recommendations regarding sustainability indicators (especially for social, economic and animal welfare) and practical decision-making tools for sheep and goat farmers. It was an output of the Innovation for Sustainable Sheep and Goat Production in Europe (iSAGE) project.

Final report for a project based on the premise that ancient or heritage wheats may be more suitable for organic and low-input production and better adapted to marginal environments than 'modern' high-yielding varieties.

A DiverIMPACTS practice abstract exploring the practicalities of applying the technique of biofumigation to help with pest and weed control.

Recording of a workshop hosted by the Organic Research Centre online that set out to explore how agroforestry could contribute towards the conservation and restoration of biodiversity, and the policy options that could support the realisation of these benefits.

Some basic guidance produced as part of the LIVESEED project on how farmers can set up a simplified cultivar trial to identify potato cultivars which are resistant to late blight.

Organic Research Centre Research Digest focusing on ways of increasing the sustainability of organic low-input dairy systems and benefits that can be attained.

A policy brief summarising results and recommendations from a review undertaken as part of the Defra-funded Agroforestry ELM Test project.

Abstract created as part of the LIVESEED project outlining points useful for farmers who may be interested in developing a genetically diverse crop, based on the experience of the ORC Wakelyns Population.

Footage of a discussion held as part of a 3-day intercropping conference that was a collaboration between DIVERSify and ReMIX projects and the Association of Applied Biologists.

In this podcast, recorded as part of NOCC online in partnership with OF&G, ideas around land sharing and sparing are explored.

Recording of a virtual field day held on August 11th 2020 in collaboration between Agricology and James Hutton Institute and the SEAMS and DIVERSify projects, bringing together insights from farmer experience and scientific research into the role of crop mixtures to address different agronomic issues.

Intercropping offers the potential for more efficient resource utilisation, reducing pest and disease pressure and better competition with weeds. This is a recording of an event co-ordinated by Agricology, Innovative Farmers and the ORC that was held as a virtual alternative to a field lab meeting.

A publication explaining the on-farm research carried out at Wakelyns and led by the late plant pathologist Prof. Martin Wolfe, putting into action his theories of agrobiodiversity being the answer to achieving sustainable and resilient agriculture.

A comprehensive guide to the use of undersown leys in arable cropping systems and the potential benefits.

A case study focusing on Douglas Christie, a farmer in Scotland, who has been experimenting with direct drilling and growing cover and companion crops in his quest to reduce inputs and improve soil health and biodiversity.

A video produced for the AFINET project exploring some of the practical considerations for agroforestry systems and potential benefits.

Video footage recorded when the UK AFINET agroforestry network group met at the Dartington Estate in Devon to discuss agroforestry implementation.

Trees and hedgerows can improve livestock welfare by providing shelter and scratching posts.

Herbal leys with a diverse range of species can help resolve soil fertility problems, making forage legume mixtures hard to resist.

Using green waste compost to help manage reductions in soil organic matter in arable soils; reducing fertiliser use, improving soil health, and reducing landfill

Integrating leys in arable rotations can provide multiple benefits including weed management, soil health and pollinator habitat provision.

Arable and livestock farmers can collaborate to share knowledge, land and other resources for mutual benefit and enhancement of ecosystem services and landscape.

Practical recommendations for exploring the viability of combining grain peas with barley on your farm.  

Part one of two detailed informal articles looking at the practicalities of applying a no-till system in an organic horticultural operation and how it relates to soil health.

ORC Bulletin article reporting on farmers that have been combining diverse leys with livestock and some of the pros and cons of this practice revealed as part of the DiverIMPACTS project.

Everything you may need to know about commercial potato production to help you achieve a high quality product. Includes useful information to help you manage potato blight.

An AGFORWARD leaflet that focuses on managing the tree understorey in a horticultural agroforestry system, for increased food production and biodiversity.

An essential guide for organic farmers outlining ways to prevent creeping thistle from taking hold and the most effective control measures.

Agricology's response to the Defra consulation paper 'Health and Harmony: The Future of Food and Farming in a Green Brexit' 

A useful video with a detailed description of how to take a soil sample and interpret it using the spade test.

Useful publications from a project that focused on ways of improving sustainability and production in organic greenhouse horticulture.

Guidance from the OK-Net Arable project on managing perennial weeds through using suitable machinery and techniques, focusing on stubble cultivation.

Guidance from the OK-Net Arable project to help you manage perennial weeds effectively through crop rotations.

How to design an effective field trial - the basics you need to know to help you optimise yields and try out novel farming techniques.

The potential benefits of growing diverse pasture swards and mob grazing for cattle within low-input and organic dairy systems.

The development and attributes of the ORC Wakelyns Population; a diverse wheat population suited to low-input and organic farming.

The multiple benefits of combining trees and shrubs with livestock in low-input and organic dairy farms. 

A comprehensive review to help you unpick the various tools available to help you assess and reduce your farm carbon footprint and improve sustainability.

A video from the TILMAN-ORG project providing useful insights from farmers who have have adopted reduced tillage on their farms.

Details on alsike and crimson clover that will help assess suitability for inclusion in fertility-building mixes, as defined in Legume LINK.

A series of technical notes on low-input/organic dairying systems, helping to provide solutions to key problems at farm-level.

How can pig producers meet the challenge of 100% organic feed? New resource looks at the potential of alternative feed sources.

How can poultry producers meet the challenge of 100% organic feed? New resource looks at the potential of alternative feed sources.

Coppicing hedges for woodfuel sustainably; creating renewable low cost energy whilst supporting wildlife and improving the health of hedges.

An article outlining properties of two species that could be considered for fertility-building mixes, trialed in the Legume LINK project.

An article outlining properties of three species that could be considered for fertility-building mixes, trialed in the Legume LINK project.

Video footage of a member of the TILMAN-ORG project outlining some of the problems and potential solutions associated with reduced tillage.