- Planting of Sunergy a new, multi-purpose perennial crop, is currently underway at farms in Kent, Sussex, Wales, Northern Ireland and Lincolnshire. The recent rains have provided improved drilling conditions which will give Sunergy and its nurse crop of maize a good start
With Sunergy trials taking place in such diverse locations across the UK, a valuable insight will be gained into just how adaptable this crop is to climate and soil variations. Information will also be gathered to ascertain how great the benefits of growing Sunergy are. From monitoring the minimal inputs required through to the improvements in soil health and the utilisation of Sunergy as a viable AD crop, the trials will give all the information necessary to secure Sunergy as the multi-use perennial crop of the future.
Another very compelling reason to become a Sunergy grower is the opportunity to turn areas of land that are less productive, difficult to access or too restrictive for large equipment into long term, financially productive areas with minimal intervention needed. The average Sunergy crop will normally only require two or three passes a season; a digestate application in early spring followed, potentially, by harvest of a fodder crop when the plants are in early flower prior to a harvest for AD feedstock in the autumn.
The first year of cultivation will see Sunergy grow its ground covering rosette whilst establishing a strong root system in preparation for the following spring when each rosette will form between 3 and 20 square stems. Each stem will reach a height of around 3.5m and by July 2023 Sunergy will be in flower right through until September, providing a fantastic nectar source for pollinators with its bright yellow blooms.
Year on year the root system of each Sunergy plant will continue to grow, undisturbed by annual rotations. This will allow networks of beneficial microbes to flourish, further increasing the carbon sequestration of the soil. Improved water filtration and soil structure will also occur securing better overall performance of farmland into the future.
Nick Green, director of Newtone Agriscapes, which is leading the trials, said:
“We are very encouraged by the interest in this little yellow flower of the future. Uptake has been very positive as growers understand that Sunergy fits the brief as an ideal perennial crop. With low inputs and high output, Sunergy will be key in future proofing overall farm performance.”
Another exciting step in the Sunergy journey in the UK is the Autumn planting trials which will be taking place in September. This second set of trials will give crucial information on how well Sunergy can perform in any growing season. Anyone interested in taking part in the Autumn trials is invited to get in touch with Newtone Agriscapes: email nickgreen@newtone.uk
