Living mulches are legume-based ground covers used in cereal cropping systems to suppress annual weeds, reduce herbicide use, and improve soil health. Integrated over a three-year rotation, they involve establishing the mulch with a spring cereal, followed by direct-drilling an autumn cereal into the mulch. Species like clover are commonly used, with careful selection and management needed to avoid yield penalties and slug damage. Benefits include nitrogen fixation, biodiversity support, and reduced input costs. However, challenges such as perennial weed control and crop competition must be addressed. When managed well, living mulches are a valuable tool for sustainable arable farming.
Document no: 1. UK_FS_BS02
