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the increased presence of other insects such as Ladybird beetles and lacewings - especially important as they prey on pests which farmers and gardeners alike despise , such as aphids , scale insects , caterpillars , thrips , mealybugs , and mites .
Natural flood management ( NFM )
Growing willow crops can restore or mimic the natural functions of rivers , floodplains and the wider catchment area , in turn providing the benefits of natural flood management . There are four main points to NFM : slowing water , storing water , increasing soil infiltration and interception rainfall .
By slowing the flow of water , crops increase the resistance and thus reduces the risk of downstream flooding . Watkins explains , “[ Willow ’ s ] roots spread sideways rather than down , which provides a good matting , keeping the soil together
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and not causing any destruction to drains .” This provides excellent natural flood management as it slows water with hydronic roughness and increases soil infiltration to reduce ground saturation and surface runoff .
Improving soil quality
Locations with poor soil quality or other usage restrictions are typically well-suited for the growth of willow / poplar .
From growing willow on wetlands in Cumbria to the exceptional harvests found on suitable arable land , one can safely say that Neil Watkins has seen it all : “ After guiding hundreds of farms into successful growing of energy crops , I have a practical hands-on approach combined with expert knowledge of SRC willow wood crops and SRF .”
Our calculations done in consultation with agricultural experts indicate that well-managed willow plantations can give
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a good and sustainable return . Willow gives a high yield , has a high energy value , and improves soil for subsequent crops if the farmer later chooses to grow something else . |
End markets and employment opportunities
Overall , short rotation plantations are an increasingly economical form of use for agricultural land .
We can help identify new sustainable and revenue-generating markets for farmers across energy crops and associated processes , providing and highlighting end markets for growers to secure income . In this case , it could be commercial heat and power , seasonal domestic fuel or major power generation as well as new developing markets .
Our Expertise
Energy Crops Consultancy , provides an independent service which gives honest and comprehensive information from start to planting material , planting and harvesting to finished product ; maximizing land use and income by working with landowners and farmers to add value to their land by highlighting and implementing new sustainable income streams .
Specializing in SRC willow wood crops , Poplar and Short & Mid Rotation Forestry ( SRF ), Agroforestry ECC has a wealth of
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expertise to offer a range of services from site surveys to planting and harvesting of energy crops .
Individually receiving national and international recognition for his achievements in introducing and promoting the use of sustainable energy crops in the farm mix , while enhancing farming livestock and arable food crops , Watkins provides farmers and landowners with a dedicated , bespoke and personal service .
His many years of experience include successfully building one of the largest networks in Europe of numerous energy crop growers across the North of England and Scotland . Hundreds of farmers and landowners have been guided by his expertise from start to finish in land preparation , planting , crop management and harvesting . Several of the initial growers have even planted further new plantations after realizing how much the energy crops have added to their farm ’ s economy , as well as benefiting nature .
Neil Watkins can evaluate exactly how an individual farm might benefit from growing energy crops . Can his expert advice make the difference for your farm ?
Contact : Neil Watkins on 07307 494848 Email : neil @ energycropsconsultancy . com www . energycropsconsultancy . com
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