Reducing costs and improving sustainability through innovative field-grown production
With the rising costs of skilled labour and increasing restrictions on chemical use, here at Coles Nurseries we recognised a vital need to evolve our production methods and ensure the long-term resilience of our nursery.
We knew it wasn’t a case of working harder, we had to work smarter.
In 2023, we invested in a Clemens Technologies Radius D mechanical weeding machine. Working closely with Clemens and their UK distributor, Irelands Farm Machinery, we were one of the first nurseries in the UK to integrate this technology into our production. This has allowed us to control weed growth around the base of our field-grown trees without the use of contact herbicides.
Over the last three years, in partnership with Oliver Seeds, we have also been trialling various "in-row" cover crops to suppress weed germination. We found these trials not only suppressed weeds but also improved soil health and structure by adding organic matter and reducing water erosion. Implementing this form of biological control has allowed us to remove the need for chemical applications across a third of our land.
Introducing in-row cover crops has brought one new challenge, the task of maintaining them. This led us to work with T.F. Wheatley to develop a bespoke machine that allows us to maintain the cover crop while simultaneously applying residual treatments to the tree bases. This combination approach has reduced the number of passes needed to maintain the land by half.
By building a more integrated weed management program, we have reduced our reliance on herbicides and relieved production pressures. These innovations have resulted in an annual saving of almost £24,000, but more importantly, they have significantly improved the sustainability of our tree production.
Our customers can rest assured that we are striving to provide top-quality trees grown through innovative methods, reduced chemical reliance, and a deep commitment to sustainable horticulture.
