This is a subscriber-only article
Sheila Alves is a researcher at Teagasc Oak Park, working on field bean trials. She aims to establish their potential in breaking disease cycles and providing high protein levels in feed rations.
The main break crops grown in Ireland are faba beans and oilseed rape. Both crops are well suited to the Irish climate and soils, with options for winter and spring sowing.
Open day
Appearing in a promotional video for this year’s Crops & Spreaders open day, which will take place at the Teagasc Crops Research Centre, Oak Park, Co Carlow, on 26 June, Alves states that “field beans are to be included in rotation to break the cycles of the major diseases and pests that affect wheat and barley production”.
“The beans promote soil characteristics like good structure and have high levels of plant protein. There are limited sources of information on bean agronomy, with research needed on seed rate, time of sowing, and variety performance.”
The event will provide an opportunity to view demonstrations from the Teagasc crops research programme at the Oak Park campus from 11am to 6pm on the day.
Staff will be on hand to engage with farmers and growers, providing an opportunity to discuss the present and future challenges of the tillage farming business.
The Irish Farmers Journal will focus on the importance of accurate fertiliser spreading to support sustainable productivity, with live fertiliser spreader demonstrations through the day.
Head of crop research in Teagasc, Oak Park, Dr Ewen Mullins said: “Our priority for the open day is to maximise engagement through research demonstration with the farmers and industry personnel in attendance.”
Over 30 stands will be on display, addressing subjects such as maximising grain numbers in oats, impact of loss of CTL in wheat, weed research workshop and much more.
This week’s paper includes a free 24-page free Crops & Spreaders supplement.
SHARING OPTIONS: