April 2024 – BGI, Chesham Demonstrator Hub Update
BGI Site Plan
The BGI Demonstrator Hub in Chesham has been busy in April as Spring growth takes hold. Gapping up and preparing for the summer have been the main tasks.
Crop Diaries
Click on the titles below to find out how each of the crops are progressing.
Alder
- The SRF alder has some leaves now coming out.
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- Alder
Black Locust
- The SRF black locust ‘Turbo’ area is looking good after replanting on 15th March.
- The SRF black locust ‘Turbo Obelisk’ plot is also looking good after replanting on 15th March.
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- Black Locust
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- Black locust plot cleared
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- Black locust plot cleared ready for replanting
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- Black Locust shooting
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- Black Locust shooting
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- Black Locust trees shooting
Eucalyptus
- The SRF Eucalyptus is showing new growth.
- Frost damaged trees seem to be recovering.
- Stakes have been ordered and will be used once they have arrived on site.
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- Eucalyptus nitens looking great
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- E Nitens
Poplar
- The SRF poplar has small leaves appearing.
- The SRC poplar area was treated with glyphosate last month. Leaves are now appearing.
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- Poplar – Showing water on plot
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- Poplar in leaf
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- Poplar plot shooting
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- Poplar shooting
Miscanthus
- The 0.5 ha Miscanthus giganteus is shooting up again and is about 4-6 inches high now.
- The 0.5 ha Miscanthus Athena™ plot had Glyphosate applied to the area in preparation for planting on 2/5/24. The damaged Miscanthus areas were rolled after being flailed.
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- Miscanthus shooting up after flailing mid March
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- Miscanthus shooting up after flailing mid March
Willow
- The 0.5 ha SRC willow is in leaf and growing tall – 6ft. There is waterlogging in some areas, young leaves were out on most saplings mid to late March.
Sida
- Inter-rows in the sida plot have been Glyphosate treated with the Herbidome.
- We have noticed the sida yellowing, (possibly due to lack of nitrogen).
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- Yellowing sida
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- Sida at BGI. April 2024
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- Sida at BGI. April 2024
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- Sida at BGI. April 2024
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- Sida coming up
Reed Canary Grass
- Gapping up was completed at the end of March Easter weekend in the reed canary grass plot.
Switchgrass
- The switchgrass plot area has been ploughed ready for the start of the grasses trial. Some weeds have since emerged.
Plans and Actions
- We are awaiting willow and Eucalyptus for gapping up.
- Solar powered electric fencing is in place. Badgers have tunnelled under the deer proof fence and rabbits have gained entry to the site and are grazing on some of the tree varieties.
- A Biomass Connect demo day is to be hosted at the BGI Demonstrator Hub on September 12th. The title is ‘Biomass for the Future’ and it will focus on commercial opportunities for farmers and landowners.
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- Solar electric fencing erected, AB8 Nectar Stewardship mix coming up
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- Solar electric panel soaking up some sunshine finally
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- Solar Electric Fencing
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- Roe deer other side of deer fence
Gallery
