IT might be tempting to leave undrilled fields fallow this spring to keep crop rotations on track, but a better option financially is to sow a nitrogen-fixing break crop of red and crimson clover, and gain from free fertiliser, improved soil structure and a good cut of high protein forage, says seed company Limagrain UK’s Ian Misselbrook.

With autumn drillings postponed because of bad weather, and with spring cereal seed in short supply, farmers have two options for arable fields: wait until autumn and then drill as usual, or sow an alternative spring crop. But to ensure drilling is not delayed again, careful choice of a spring crop is needed. A grass and red clover mixture could be the answer.

Mr Misselbrook said: “These days there is no financial value in leaving a field fallow. Instead, the ground and soil content can be improved by establishing a short-termred clover ley.

"This will not only ensure a better supply of soil nitrogen for the next crop, but will also help to alleviate soil compaction and add to the soil structure.

"A red clover ley can release between 100kg and 250kg of nitrogen per hectare into the soil when the plants die or are ploughed in. Conventional red clover is more suitable for leys lasting more than a year.

“However, crimson clover – also known as Italian or French clover – is an annual crop and capable of very high yields of dry matter in a short time.”