Hillsborough, NI (AFBI)
A glacial depositional landscape with drumlins with an east/south east aspect. The soil is clay loam overlying Silurian shale and greywacke covered with grass and MS sword. The plans below show which crops are being trialled at this hub site and the updates further down the page keep you up to date with their progress and performance.
Crops planted during 2023 include: SRC willow, Miscanthus giganteus, Miscanthus Athena™, SRC poplar, SRF poplar, SRF Eucalyptus, SRF alder, black locust Turbo, black locust Turbo Obelisk and hemp. Reed canary grass, switchgrass, Silphium, Sida and a Miscanthuis variety trial were planted during 2024.
| Address | AFBI Hillsborough, Large Park, Hillsborough, NI, BT26 6DR. |
| Latitude, longitude | 54.45193, -6.07249 |
| Grid ref | J 24344 57594 (of field) |
| What 3 words ref for entrance | ///chairing.revise.headliner |
Site Plans
Characteristics
| Mean Annual Precipitation (mm) | From 1991 – 2020. Mean = 918 |
| Mean Annual Temperature (°C) | 9.28 °C |
| Altitude | ~120 m |
| Exposure | Average wind direction 200.784 angular degrees, average windspeed 13.44 km/h range = (81.488 – 0). |
| Topography | Glacial depositional landscape with drumlins. |
| Aspect | East / Southeast. |
| Soil type | The soil is a clay loam (42% sand, 24% silt and 34% clay), Cambisol (WRB), overlying Silurian shale and greywacke (Christie, 1987). |
| Previous vegetation coverage | Mainly all grass and MS sword. |
| Other relevant site info |
Project plans/actions
| Which biomass crops |
Planted (as of October 2024)
Variety trials planted:
|
| Planting goals/aim | Planting commenced spring 2023 |
| Agronomic dates (planting, harvesting schedule) |
Planting spring Harvesting
Some of the energy crops will have small amounts harvested for small scale lab-based AD trials. |
| Management methodology (spray off, nutrient additions, ploughing, site prep, others) |
Leaving land as heavily grazed grassland over winter (due to regulations in NI we cannot leave land furrowed). Stale seed beds will then be created ~6 weeks before planting. This will include spraying (glyphosate 360g/l product at 4-5 l/ha), then ploughing followed by rotavating. Seed bed will be left and then sprayed (360g/l at 2 l/ha) once weeds are in 3-4 leaf stage and rotavated once more as close to planting as possible. Once planting has been undertaken the plots will be monitored closely for weeds. And pre-em measures can be undertaken. Following the guidance of the experts, SRF plots can be mulched at the base (bio mulch mat), tree protectors and spot sprayed if necessary. SRC willow and poplar – post emergence sprays if necessary. Pre-em spraying of glyphosate can be utilised for the seeded and rhizomatous crops if necessary. Also, post emergence spraying with authorised products for each individual crop and mechanical weed removal/ inter-row cultivation. https://secure.pesticides.gov.uk/offlabels/search.asp |
| Machinery to be used |
General Info
| Field management history | The field has been previously permanent pastural grassland. |
| Other site detail of note |
Updates
Presentation: Chris Johnston, Willow to remove phosphates from agricultural run off.
24/03/2025
In this presentation given at a session on Biomass and Energy Crops at LCA 2025, Chris Johnston of AFBI spoke about the scope for willow to remove phosphates from agricultural run off.
Demonstrator Hub Updates – February 2025
12/03/2025
As winter transitions into spring, activity across the Biomass Connect demonstrator hubs has been steadily progressing. Despite challenging weather conditions—marked by cold temperatures, frosts, and heavy rainfall—our teams have been actively managing crop health, conducting harvests, and preparing for the upcoming growing season.
Demonstrator Hub Updates – January 2025
12/02/2025
The past few months have presented a mix of challenges and progress across the Biomass Connect Demonstrator Hubs. Harsh winter conditions, including prolonged periods of frost, heavy rainfall, and multiple storms—most notably Storm Éowyn—have tested the resilience of crops.
A biomass crops road trip with Professor Tim Volk
10/12/2024
"This firmed up Tim’s view that the Biomass Connect hub sites are “world class” and “world leading”. I think we all had a smile on our faces when he said that."
Demonstrator Hub Updates – November 2024
05/12/2024
The Biomass Connect Demonstrator Hubs across the UK have shown varying progress as winter approaches, reflecting both the resilience of certain crops and regional differences in weather conditions. Across the sites, senescence is a dominant theme, with many perennial crops entering dormancy while some continue to show growth in favourable conditions.
Presentation: Jeanette Whitaker, Harnessing Innovation – the Future of Biomass.
03/12/2024
In this presentation given at the Biomass Connect Showcase on 7th November 2024, Jeanette Whitaker (UKCEH) provides an overview of Biomass Connect and the various Biomass Feedstock Innovation projects, showing how their innovations are helping to shape the future of the biomass sector in the UK.
Hillsborough Demonstrator Hub Update – October 2024
27/11/2024
At the Hillsborough Demonstrator Hub, crops are progressing through seasonal transitions. SRF species like alder and black locust are well into senescence, with Eucalyptus growth steady and above guards after replanting. Miscanthus giganteus and Athena both demonstrate strong growth, with Athena showing slightly more lodging. SRC willow has largely senesced, displaying visible allelopathy effects reducing weed growth beneath the canopy, while clover thrives at plot edges. Maintenance activities included autumn phenotyping, mowing, and targeted herbicide applications to manage weeds in select plots. Some species like Sida and Reed Canary Grass show slower growth, with Switchgrass plots requiring further evaluation.
Hillsborough Demonstrator Hub Update – September 2024
15/10/2024
Overall, crops are growing well, with ongoing management efforts addressing specific challenges like weeds and pest control.
SRC Willow for Riparian Protection to Reduce Nutrient Run-off
01/10/2024
Introduction to the AFBI Project using willow strips as biofilters to improve water quality.
Hillsborough Demonstrator Hub Update – July 2024
27/08/2024
The crops at the Hillsborough Demonstrator Hub are showing varied progress. Many species, such as SRF Alder, Poplar, and Miscanthus varieties, are demonstrating healthy growth with minimal pest and disease issues. However, some areas are facing challenges, including potential fungal infections in some SRC Willow varieties and high weed pressure in the Sida plot.
Case Study: Biofiltration blocks of Short Rotation Coppice willow used for riparian protection to reduce nutrient run-off into the water environment.
21/08/2024
This case study explores the use of blocks of willow as riparian protection in order to reduce nutrient run-off into the water environment.
Demonstrator Hub Update – AFBI, Hillsborough – June 2024
10/07/2024
The site at AFBI has been looking great during June as it has been prepped for the Biomass Connect Demo Day. The cold wet Spring continues, but most crops are growing well. Two varieties of Hemp have been planted this month.
Growing Resilience: Harnessing Biomass Crops for Climate-Proof Farming
03/07/2024
As part of a two day “Farming for the Future” event held by the wider Afbi livestock teams. During both days of the event, the Biomass Connect team provided an opportunity for around 40 livestock farming visitors to explore and understand different biomass crop options
First Demonstrator Hub Soil Data Published
27/06/2024
The first soil dataset from across the eight Biomass Connect Demonstrator Hub sites has now been published. This dataset contains the baseline measurements of key soil properties, including carbon, bulk density and pH, which are critical to assess the impacts of biomass crops on soils through future repeat sampling.
Demonstrator Hub Update – AFBI, Hillsborough – May 2024
20/06/2024
As the weather improves and the days lengthen growth is speeding up. This includes the weeds and grass, so management of these has been the main emphasis this month. The 2024 Miscanthus variety trail and the Sida plots have been planted up this month too.
Demonstrator Hub Update – AFBI, Hillsborough – April 2024
30/05/2024
April has been a busy month of mowing, spraying and growing at the AFBI Demonstrator hub with all crops growing well but the poplars are lagging behind a little.
Demonstrator Hub Update – AFBI, Hillsborough – February 2024
20/03/2024
Generally across the AFBI site things have been looking healthy whilst dormant over the winter. Some things are showing really good growth and now that Spring is approaching there are signs of life everywhere.
The site is still very wet, and the land cannot be accessed by machinery until a significant drying period.
Biomass Connect Hub Site Updates – November 2023
07/12/2023
With Winter on its way, growth has all but stopped at the hub sites. So, rather than have an individual update for each Hub Site we have a quick round-up below along with some photos. Starting in the North and working our way south.
Hub Site Update – AFBI Hillsborough – October 2023
10/11/2023
September 2023 - Hub Site Updates
Plot Observations
Alder
The SRF Alder is looking well. There have been a couple of casualties but on the whole it is looking good. Inter-row mowing has been carried out to control the grass.
Hub Site Update – AFBI Hillsborough – September 2023
20/10/2023
September 2023 - Hub Site Updates
Plot Observations
Alder
The SRF Alder is looking well. There have been a couple of casualties but on the whole it is looking good. Inter-row mowing has been carried out to control the grass.
AFBI Demo Event Video
05/10/2023
A lively and well-attended demo event at the Biomass Connect Agri-food and Biosciences Institute Hub Site in Hillsborough, Northern Ireland.
AFBI Hillsborough Demo Event Report
05/10/2023
Approximately 40 attendees participated in the Biomass Connect Demonstration Day at our Hillsborough Hub Site in Northern Ireland, hosted by the Agri-food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) These represented a diverse group of commercial growers, advisors, and biomass material processors from both the northern and southern regions of the island.
Hub Site Update – AFBI Hillsborough – August 2023
28/09/2023
August 2023 – Hub Site Updates All plots have been mowed apart from the miscanthus. Wet conditions have not affected access to site. Weed Control Miscanthus (all plots) had a […]
Hub Site Update – AFBI Hillsborough – July 2023
26/08/2023
July 2023 – Hub Site Updates The big breakthrough for the AFBI site in Northern Ireland was finally getting all the phytosanitary certification approved so that the Eucalyptus plug plants […]
Hub Site Update – AFBI Hillsborough – June 2023
16/08/2023
May & June 2023 – Hub Site Updates 7th – 9th May, Willow variety trial planted Still awaiting word from RRes Harpenden regarding delivery of Eucalyptus plugs and the Sida […]
Hub Site Update – AFBI Hillsborough – May 2023
14/07/2023
April and May 2023 – Hub Site Updates Eucalyptus has yet to be delivered / planted due to complications with importing tree species across borders. The Alder had been sourced […]
Willow Planting at AFBI Hub Site
07/06/2023
Willow Planting at the Biomass Connect AFBI Hub Site in Northern Ireland
Hub Site Update – AFBI Hillsborough – March 2023
04/05/2023
March 2023 – Overview of progress to date Remedial ground-work The grassland site was in good condition ahead of taking management control. Grazing of the grassland continued until glyphosate was […]
Hub Site Update – AFBI Hillsborough – February 2023
26/04/2023
February 2023 We have sprayed the grass with glyphosate, where there was multispecies sward, we’ve sprayed with Glyphosate and Doxstar. We are looking to plough and cultivate next week to […]
Hub Site Update – AFBI Hillsborough – January 2023
01/03/2023
January 2023 Risk Assessments for grazing, browsing and crop damage threats were undertaken. Planning to spray Near and Far White Hill with glyphosate in 2 weeks time to kill the […]
Hub Site Update – AFBI Hillsborough
05/01/2023
December 2022 The land area has been fenced (stock proof) and is secure from outside influence. The site has been sprayed for docks and clover (Doxstar Pro). The site is […]
54.4518165
-6.07485
A F B I, Large Park, Hillsborough, UK