South East Water has pledged to increase October’s post-maize financing in an attempt to limit the amount of sediment, pesticide, and fertiliser that end up in aquifers of rivers.

Tom Abbotts, a Catchment Advisor in the South East, said that in order “to help farmers after a difficult year” funding has doubled to £200 “per hectare for any species of grass sown post-harvest.”

“South East Water has pledged to increase October’s post-maize financing in an attempt to limit the amount of sediment, pesticide, and fertiliser that end up in aquifers of rivers.“

“With harvest over, now is the perfect time to think about winter field cover to protect against soil erosion and nutrient leaching.

“We know this has been an extremely challenging growing season with difficult ground conditions for inter-row sowing, but it’s not too late to protect your fields – and local water sources."

Annual subsidies of £20,000 can be made available to farmers in catchment regions where building and land changes are deemed necessary. This money will also cover water efficiency assessments and £75 per hectare for residents of the high priority areas for winter cover crops.

Mr Abbotts explained that “planning ahead for next spring, inter-row sowing is an excellent way to protect and improve soil on maize fields.

“Allowing grass to establish through summer between the crop reduces soil and nutrient loss whilst reducing the need to travel on wet fields in winter.”

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