Consultancy advice is based on individual farmer needs and is aimed at reducing costs and increasing profits.
Crop Rotation
It is a basic principle of agricultural science that well planned rotations are necessary to achieve the optimum crop yields. Research has shown that rotation systems out perform 
monoculture practice in a variety of soil types under different climate conditions. Knowing what crops perform best, and in which order, is a key tool in determining what rotation system is best suited to your farm. You will increase profits by recycling nutrients thereby reducing fertiliser costs which can be achieved by choosing the best crops to grow in the right order. In conservation agriculture systems the effect of different crops on soil biology will enhance the use of nutrients. Well chosen rotations will also reduce costs associated with weed, disease and pest control.
Winter OSR Recommended List – Autumn 2012
Winter Barley Recommended List – Autumn 2012
Winter Oat Recommended List – Autumn 2012
Winter Wheat Recommended List – Autumn 2012
Spring Cereals Recommended List – Spring 2013
Crop Nutrition
Having a healthy, fertile soil is crucial for achieving optimum yields in a variety of crops. There are 13 nutrients that are essential for plant growth. A well thought out crop nutrition programme should be well balanced. By understanding how deficiencies in plants can affect crop performance, action can be taken to ensure there isn’t an under supply of nutrients. Nitrogen is the key nutrient for achieving yield but other nutrients like potash, magnesium and sulphur are equally as important to ensure a good response to nitrogen fertiliser application. Ultimately soil carbon is the engine that drives nutrient regulation and availability in soils. Tillage practices, like ploughing, have a negative effect on this engine and result in the development of nutrient imbalances in the soil.
Integrated Weed, Disease, and Pest Management
Weed, disease and pest control should not based exclusively on the use of plant protection products alone. Soil nutrition, crop rotation, variety choice and cultural practices may be used to reduce weed, disease and pest pressure. The key is to achieve balance with the combination of inputs used. Geraghty Consulting advocate a combination of techniques, practices and plant protection product use that will achieve this balance and save the farmer money. If you want to maintain and improve yields and at the same time reduce costs, get in contact with us.