The HDC has released a new factsheet to strawberry growers, offering guidance on the re-use of raised beds. Written by Robert Irving of ADAS, it explains how to successfully re-plant existing polythene mulched raised beds in field soils.
Available on the HDC website (here) and sent directly to growers, the factsheet focuses on the importance of effective weed control, removal of old crop, soil structure, Ph levels and the identification of pest and disease risk before starting.
With margins under ever-increasing pressure, removing the costs for infrastructure associated with new beds - such as rebuilding tunnels - can deliver significant savings. Effectively extending the life of a bed for an extra crop of one or two years provides the potential to save additional investment of over 10,000 per ha.
Scott Raffle, HDC Knowledge Transfer Manager says, Recent factsheets have been particularly well-received by growers and we hope that this one will prove just as popular. This factsheet offers strawberry growers advice on how to achieve additional efficiencies through extending the life of a bed and this can only be of benefit to those in the industry.
Stephen McGuffie of New Farm Produce says, Im delighted that the HDC has produced this latest factsheet for strawberry growers as it will help them to get the best out of used beds and help to create cost savings.
In my experience, replanting beds offers an opportunity to extend their life, but it is essential to have a good soil structure for this to be a success. Extended use of beds requires good husbandry practice but if it is done correctly, the rewards are considerable. Lighter soils are easier to manage, so growers should be careful when deciding on the most suitable sites.
The factsheet (SF 24/11) has been mailed out to growers in the industry and follows a review into winter protection measures for strawberries, produced in late 2011. Growers who have not received a copy, or require extra copies of either factsheet should contact HDC administrator Louise Arculus on 02476 478661 or at louise.arculus@hdc.ahdb.org.uk. Alternatively, click here to download a copy.