Digital tools for farmers – latest recommendations from OK-Net Arable

The platform http://farmknowledge.org is a product of the EU funded OK-Net Arable project, of which ICROFS is a partner.

The solutions and tools are divided according to the most relevant topics in organic arable farming: Soil quality and fertilitynutrient managementpest and disease controlweed management and solutions for specific crops.    

You can find the latest recommendations of tools below:


Insufficient N supply of modern varieties of winter rapeseed?

Cool soils inhibit N mineralisation which may lead to an insufficient N supply in modern varieties of winter rape seed. Read about fast releasing fertiliser application to prevent yield losses.

To find out more about the tool go to: http://farmknowledge.org/index.php/search-for-ok-tools?v=31024

To join the discussion, go to: http://farmknowledge.org/index.php/discussion-forum/nutrient-management


Learn how to successfully convert to organic arable farming (guideline in German)

Find basic information about all aspects of conversion - cultivation, legal framework, funding opportunities.

To find out more about the tool go to: http://farmknowledge.org/index.php/search-for-ok-tools?v=31007

To join the discussion, go to: http://farmknowledge.org/index.php/discussion-forum/crop-specific   


Nitrogen insufficiency in nutrient demanding crops may cause yield losses

To prevent nitrogen insufficiency on arable farms without livestock, use winter field peas as green manure.

To find out more about the tool go to: http://farmknowledge.org/index.php/search-for-ok-tools?v=31026
To join the discussion, go to: http://farmknowledge.org/index.php/discussion-forum/nutrient-management


Termination of an old ley – quite easy with the right machines! (video in French)

The film shows the following plow dethatchers at work: 

  • Bugnot 52 Rapidlab
  • Mini-8 OVLAC
  • Escudero Adero
  • Kverneland Ecomat
  • Traditional Operating plow

To find out more about the tool go to: http://farmknowledge.org/index.php/search-for-ok-tools?v=31169

To join the discussion, go to: http://farmknowledge.org/index.php/discussion-forum/crop-specific


How to reduce the use of copper against leaf blight?

Read this practise abstract and avoid copper accumulation and damaging organisms in the soil.

To find out more about the tool go to: http://farmknowledge.org/index.php/search-for-ok-tools?v=31028

To join the discussion, go to: http://farmknowledge.org/index.php/discussion-forum/pest-and-disease-control


Check the weather forecast and know how to intervene (in German)

FusaProg: risk assessment of fusarium and mycotoxin (DON) infestation in wheat production.

To find out more about the tool go to: http://farmknowledge.org/index.php/search-for-ok-tools?v=30570

To join the discussion, go to: http://farmknowledge.org/index.php/discussion-forum/pest-and-disease-control


To clear docks, the skim plough and the flat cultivator have proved to be effective.

Traditional ploughing splits the dock’s roots and causes them to sprout again. Find details in this practice abstract.

To find out more about the tool go to: http://farmknowledge.org/index.php/search-for-ok-tools?v=31030

To join the discussion, go to: http://farmknowledge.org/index.php/discussion-forum/weed-management


How to obtain high quality grains? This booklet has the answer

Discover strategies of weed management, pest and disease management and fertilisation.

To find out more about the tool go to: http://farmknowledge.org/index.php/search-for-ok-tools?v=30587

To join the discussion, go to: http://farmknowledge.org/index.php/discussion-forum/nutrient-management


Take into account these recommendations to protect plant roots against extreme frost

Extreme frost in winters can lead to soil movements that cause tears in plant roots. Rolling the grains in spring reconnects soil crumbs with the soil and can prevent the grains from drying out.

To find out more about the tool go to: http://farmknowledge.org/index.php/search-for-ok-tools?v=31034

To join the discussion, go to: http://farmknowledge.org/index.php/discussion-forum/crop-specific


These machines will eliminate your corn weed

Watch this demonstration of heavy-duty and lighter machines that are doing excellent work.

To find out more about the tool go to: http://farmknowledge.org/index.php/search-for-ok-tools?v=30999

To join the discussion, go to: http://farmknowledge.org/index.php/discussion-forum/weed-management


Problems with rape pollen beetle? Learn how to use rock dust against their damage

An infestation by the rape pollen beetle can cause major yield losses in rapeseed cultivation. Use rock dust or other dusty products to prevent the beetles from eating and causing damage. 

To find out more about the tool go to: http://farmknowledge.org/index.php/search-for-ok-tools?v=31036

To join the discussion, go to: http://farmknowledge.org/index.php/discussion-forum/pest-and-disease-control


Check this practice abstract for the benefits of aerated compost tea (ACT) application

Making and applying compost tea to an arable crop can help increase levels of beneficial fungi and bacteria and improve the overall balance of the soil food web, and therefore the health of the crop. 

To find out more about the tool go to: http://farmknowledge.org/index.php/search-for-ok-tools?v=31042

To join the discussion, go to: http://farmknowledge.org/index.php/discussion-forum/soil-quality-and-fertility


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