Sheep grazing a green crop of mustard, in Norfolk, UK, sown by direct drilling in August after harvest of the previous (cereal) crop. The sheep were introduced as the mustard flowers faded in December. Used in this way, sheep were traditionally called he golden hoof"". As they graze the green crop, their dung fertilises the soil. Intensive farming of cereals may, after harvest, involve a passage of a plough, followed by harrowing and sowing the ensuing (winter) cereal crop; the seed often sown together with added chemical fertilisers. The golden hoof has many environmental benefits. The use of chemical fertilisers is reduced; the number of passages of fuel-consuming machinery is reduced, and direct drilling reduces both carbon loss from the soil and damage to the living creatures within it. So-called ""no till"" methods of arable farming are regaining favour, as being more sustainable." | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / Burgess, Dr. Jeremy |
Taille de l’image : | 3468 px × 5212 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |