Effect of Clover Sward Management on Nitrogen Fixation and Performance of Following Spring- and Winter Wheat Crops; Results of a 3-Year Pilot Study

Wheat yields in organic production are significantly lower than those achieved conventional farming systems and Northern Europe farmers also struggle to achieve the processing quality levels demanded by millers bakers, especially winter-wheat crops. Here, we report findings of a 3-year pilot study which investigated potential increasing grain both standard (e.g., protein specific weights) selected nutritional (tocopherol tocotrienol isomers) parameters via (i) changes management clover crops grown before wheat (Rhizobium seed inoculation, application greenwaste compost swards) (ii) use new varieties developed UK continental Europe. Results indicate that amendment preceding swards increased three winter-wheat, but not four spring-wheat varieties, increases one variety (Greina). In contrast, Rhizobium-inoculation was found reduce concentrations winter-, spring had no significant effect on winter wheat. However, analysis variance detected interactions between Rhizobium inocula pre-crops (a) for weights hardness (b) content No pre-crop tocopherol isomer profiles could be detected, although differences were this need confirmed future trials, clover-management practices selections more suitable has increase yield allow frequently baking or milling grade quality.