A farm in southeastern England has kept sections of its pasture green and productive despite receiving no rain for approximately two months.
The farm uses “herbal leys”—a mixture of grasses, deep-rooted herbs and legumes—to improve the soil’s ability to retain water. The plants also provide animal feed, help control parasites and reduce dependence on artificial fertilizers.
The results stand in contrast to surrounding farms that have experienced poor grass growth and have been forced to use winter feed during summer.
Britain is on course for what meteorologists expect to classify as its hottest summer on record. Almost three-quarters of England is officially experiencing drought, while the country’s cereal harvest could be its weakest since comparable records began in 1984.
The farm’s experience suggests that diversified planting and improved soil management could help agriculture withstand prolonged heat and irregular rainfall.
