September 2024 – Hillsborough Demonstrator Hub Update
Hillsborough Site Plan
At the Hillsborough Biomass Connect trial site during September, crops showed varied progress. SRF Alder, Black Locust, and Poplar saw significant growth, though some trees exhibited rust and insect damage, particularly from sawfly larvae and potential glyphosate exposure. SRF Poplar and SRC Poplar continue to thrive, with the latter showing thicker trunks. Miscanthus plots reached about 3 meters in height with minimal weed interference, while the SRC Willow is entering senescence. Overall, crops are growing well, with ongoing management efforts addressing specific challenges like weeds and pest control.
Crop Diaries
Click on the titles below to find out how each of the crops are progressing.
Alder
- The SRF alder was been mown again on 23rd Sept 2024.
- There has been considerable further green growth and stem growth.
- The grass was mown and maintained between rows of trees.
- Sawfly larvae seem to be affecting certain trees as it seems clear there is more than one variety planted. Some show extensive leaf predation (Sawfly Larvae).
- Some of the un-predated trees show low level rust.
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- Predated leaves
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- Sawfly
Black Locust
- The SRF black locust ‘Turbo’ shows significant new growth but some apparent tip dye-off.
- Further images have been taken of lead stems showing death.
- Regrowth is happening from lower nodes, possibly fugitive glyphosate damage. (RRes Harpenden has been exploring this as a possibility and discussion is ongoing).
- Grass has been mown.
- A small number of trees have died
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- A few dead trees at Hillsborough, Sept. 2024
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- Tip Death on black locust at Hillsborough, Sept. 2024
Eucalyptus
- The grass has been continually mown in the SRF Eucalyptus plot.
- The trees look good.
- The grass has grown back into the spot-sprayed areas, but we are cautious about spraying again due to the loss of trees last time.
- No more spot spraying is planned as the trees are well up and away and grass/weeds are not interfering.
- Some trees may need heavier stakes (just short bamboos now)
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- Eucalyptus at Hillsborough, Sept. 2024. Some may need heavier duty stakes
Poplar
- Both the SRF poplar and SRC poplar plots have seen the trees growing well over the past month.
- There is no sign of rust or much insect damage bar a little bit of ghosting on the SRF Poplar.. There is some slight spray damage from farm spraying grass next to the plots. The grass has been mown. We are wondering if we should we clip off the unsightly “danglers” – (B. Flannery of RRes Harpenden advised ‘Yes’ to this.)
- The SRC poplar is growing well and putting on biomass. There is no sign of rust or insect damage and the trees are at least 4 m tall, some maybe 5 m. They look better than the SRF poplar and have thicker trunks too. The grass has been mown.
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- Lateral Danglers
Miscanthus
- The Miscanthus giganteus is about 3 m tall now. No management has been necessary this month. Weeds are minimal apart from around the edges. The canopy has closed well.
- The Miscanthus Athena™ is also about 3 m tall now. No management has been necessary this month. Weeds are minimal apart from around the edges. The canopy has closed well.
- The 2023 Miscanthus variety trial plot is looking good.
- The 2024 Miscanthus variety trial plot is looking good. The Illinois variety was planted on 15th August.
Willow
- Weeds are minimal in the SRC willow plot. All varieties (bar Endurance) are starting to enter senescence, leaf fall. There is some aphid presence. The tops of Inger are well recovered and healthy. The grass has not been mown through the plot as it is not needed now due to canopy closure. The grass has been mown around the plot.
- The willow variety trial is looking good. The grass has been mown and the larger weeds pulled.
Sida
- Weed pressure is still high in the sida plot and it needs further weeding and clipping around plants.
- Quite a few plants are missing.
- Leaves are starting to drop.
- The plot has been mown between the rows and hand-weeded at the top of the plot.
Reed Canary Grass
- The reed canary grass plot has been mown back to stop the weeds from going to seed.
Switchgrass
- The switchgrass plot has been mown back to stop the weeds from going to seed.
Hemp
- This is the time to harvest hemp for optimal fibre quality. (Note the hemp is not a Biomass Connect crop)
- Male flowers are starting to appear.
- No management has been necessary
Gallery
