March 2024 – SRUC Boghall Demonstrator Hub Update
Bog Hall Farm Site Plan
Gapping up and replanting have been the main activities at the SRUC Boghall Demonstrator Hub in Scotland this April. The plots are beginning to show some good signs of growth, but the weeds are growing in some too.
Crop Diaries
Click on the titles below to find out how each of the crops are progressing.
Alder
- The SRF Alder at SRUC Boghall is growing well, green leaves are visible
- Inter-row spraying (Herbidome) was carried out on 25th April 2024.
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- Alder plot, Boghall, April 2024
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- Alder
Black Locust
- Inter-row spraying (Herbidome) was carried out on 25th April in the SRF black locust ‘Turbo’ plot. All trees have green buds. There are a couple of OSR & thistle weeds.
- The SRF black locust ‘Turbo Obelisk’ was dug up on 18/03/2024 and sprayed on 09/04/2024 (Glyphosate 4 l/ha). It was replanted on 18/04/2024.
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- Black Locust Turbo plot, Boghall, April 2024
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- Black Locust Turbo, Boghall, April 2024
Eucalyptus
- Fence stakes were put in the SRF Eucalyptus plot on 9th April.
- Interrow spraying (Herbidome) was carried out on 25th April.
- Shepherds purse and clover weeds are present.
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- Eucalyptus at Boghall, April 2024
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- Eucalyptus at Boghall, April 2024
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- Eucalyptus at Boghall, April 2024
Poplar
- The SRF poplar was gapped up on 18/04/2024. Inter-row spraying (Herbidome) was carried out on 25/04/2024.
- The SRC poplar was gapped up on 18/04/2024. Inter-row spraying (Herbidome) was carried out on 25/04/2024. A couple of big docks and thistles have been hand rogued.
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- SRF Poplar, Boghall, April 2024
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- SRF Poplar, Boghall, April 2024
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- SRC Poplar, Boghall, April 2024
Miscanthus
- The 0.5 ha Miscanthus giganteus was sprayed and topped at the end of February. There are now lots of green shoots visible but they are not as big or green as at the Ayrshire hub.
- The 0.5 ha Miscanthus Athena plot is scheduled for planting in May. It was power harrowed on 26th April 2024.
- The 2023 Miscanthus variety trial was topped at around 20 cm on 27th Feb 2024. New shoots are now visible but it requires inter-row spraying ASAP.
- The 2024 Miscanthus variety trial was sprayed on 26th Feb 2024 (Glyphosate 4 l/ha). Planting is scheduled for 30th April 2024. It was power harrowed on 26th April in preparation for planting.
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- Miscanthus MxG
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- Miscanthus MxG shoots
Willow
- The 0.5 ha SRC willow is very green and leafy, some catkins are still present. The plot is weedy with OSR. Inter-row spraying (Herbidome) was carried out on 25th April 2024.
- The SRC willow variety trial was cut back on 25th-26th March 2024. It is now weedy with clover and shepherds purse so inter-row spraying will be undertaken as soon as possible. New shoots are visible.
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- SRC Willow, Boghall, April 2024
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- SRC Willow, Boghall, April 2024
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- SRC Willow
Sida
- The Sida finally has signs of life.
- The plot is very weedy with OSR. We will need to spot spray/hand rogue ASAP.
- There is still no life in the small rhizome area.
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- Sida
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- SRC Poplar, Boghall, April 2024
Reed Canary Grass
- Planting of the reed canary grass is scheduled for May
Switchgrass
Planting of the switchgrass is scheduled for May
Gallery
