Cover Crop Trials with South East Water
In collaboration with:
For nearly a decade, FWAG South East has partnered with South East Water to trial practical ways of reducing agricultural impacts on water quality across the Boxalls and Woodgarston catchments in Hampshire. The project was established to tackle a pressing challenge – diffuse pollution from farming, particularly nitrates and propyzamide, which can find their way into rivers and groundwater. By working together with local farmers, the project has combined scientific monitoring with real-world farm practices, ensuring that results are both reliable and relevant on the ground.
At the heart of the project is the use of cover crops – mixtures of plants sown between harvest and the next main crop. These crops provide living roots over winter, protecting bare soils from erosion and nutrient loss at the time of year when fields are most vulnerable. Their deep and varied root systems capture nitrogen that might otherwise leach into water supplies, while also improving soil structure, boosting organic matter and offering farmers potential agronomic benefits such as grazing and weed suppression.
Over the years, the trials have tested different seed mixtures, companion crops and management approaches such as sheep grazing. Monitoring has ranged from soil health assessments and groundwater sampling to innovative catchpit systems designed to track surface runoff after rainfall. These approaches have provided strong evidence that cover and companion crops can significantly reduce nitrate leaching and pesticide losses compared to bare stubble or conventionally managed fields.
Importantly, the project has not only delivered data but also fostered a strong platform for farmer engagement. Host farms have played a central role, trialling new practices and sharing experiences with neighbouring land managers. This collaborative model ensures that lessons are continually refined and adapted to local conditions, while also encouraging more farmers to adopt sustainable practices on their own holdings.
The partnership between FWAG SE and South East Water has become a leading example of how conservation, water management and farming can align. By investing in long-term trials and farmer collaboration, the project is helping to safeguard drinking water, support farm businesses, and improve the resilience of our landscapes. With the knowledge built up over many seasons, the initiative is well-placed to continue shaping best practice and demonstrating the real benefits of cover crops for people, wildlife and the environment.
