Ploughing Stubbles In Spring

You may have noticed an increasing number of fields that have been left as stubble over the winter. Participants in the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s (DARD) Countryside Management Scheme (CMS) can undertake an option to delay all field operations until after harvest time, and retain stubbles for the benefit of wildlife.

There are 647 farmers in CMS receiving a management payment for retaining winter stubbles, which equates to an area of 4,840ha.

For those who have recently joined CMS, ploughing of stubble fields can begin on 15 February 2007, however for those who applied before 2003, the date for recommencing ploughing is 1 March. In addition to restrictions on ploughing, the use of non-selective pre-harvest and post-harvest herbicides is prohibited.

The option to retain winter stubbles contributes to the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Action Plan targets that aim to benefit farmland birds, such as the yellowhammer. These birds feed on grain left behind after harvest and weed seeds.

Further information on scheme options that benefit wildlife is available from Countryside Management staff at your local DARD office.