First comparison photos Photo 1 taken 23/9/2020, photo 2 & roots analysis taken 22/10/2020. Plot 1 – Forage Rye Significant top growth over the period, with the plant looking a more vibrant green. The rye has thin roots which are not too deep rooting but holding the topsoil together. Plot 2 – Berseem Clover Plants are more visible in rows, more cover over the ground. Still not covering the soil completely. Some root nodulation showing further down the root structure. The roots are relatively long compared to the top growth and seem to be able to spread out. Plot 3 – Crimson Clover Not as much growth as the Berseem Clover. More volunteers showing. Nodulation showing on roots, nearer the surface. Similar to the Berseem clover the rooting depth is longer, and more fibrous roots. Plot 4 – Radish type 1 Significant top growth, with minimal bare soil showing. Good rooting beneath surface. A big tap root, with the ability to break through compaction, with long thin roots coming off the main root too. Plot 5 – Fodder Radish Massive amounts of top growth, even beyond that of the Type 1 radish – more biomass above ground. A longer thinner root below ground, with the ability to penetrate through the soil further. Plot 6 – Spring Vetch Little growth, with little ground coverage. Plot 7 – Winter Vetch Similar to spring vetch, but slightly more ground coverage. A mass of fibrous roots, holding the soil and spreading out, as well as downwards. Plot 8 – Buckwheat A substantial amount of growth above ground, and minimal bare ground to be seen. Some rooting below, but predominantly into stem/leaf/flower production. The roots tend to be small and thin, with not much downward penetration. Plot 9 – N Fixer As seen previously, the two species have not produced huge amounts of above ground biomass. Slightly more ground coverage than as single species. Good fibrous roots, keeping the soil structure. Plot 10 – Sprinter Slightly disappointing with the lack of growth/biomass so far produced with this mix. The oats have come up with more vigour than the vetch but has still not given much ground coverage. A good combination of longer fibrous roots and surface roots. Plot 11 – EcoCover Significant growth from the mustard showing, with good ground coverage too. The rye has not come up as well but is still showing. Fibrous roots from the rye, and a bigger, longer root from the mustard, useful for the topsoil and deeper down too.
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