At the heart of the AgroChemex is the dedicated arable research farm; 36ha of medium light soil, fully irrigated throughout. The farm is managed specifically with field-based research and development activities in mind and it is suited to the cultivation of most temperate European crops. AgroChemex gained Official Recognition of Efficacy Testing Facilities (93/71/EEC) from PSD in March 2000.
 

Cropping Regime
Cropping focuses on winter cereals, principally wheat and barley, and winter oilseed rape. In the spring, potatoes, sugar beet, peas and barley rape are usually planted, in line with study requirements. Recently we have been working with a number of novel crops, such as sunflower, Echium and lupin. If required the 1500m2 netted tunnel can be utilised for protection.
AgroChemex can offer a range of husbandry and cultivation techniques. As highlighted earlier, all parts of the farm can be irrigated. We have a full history of all pesticide usage on the farm dating back nearly twenty years.
 

Field Studies
A comprehensive range of efficacy, selectivity and residue studies can be conducted on the research farm utilising the existing crops or involving the establishment of specific target crops. The variety of farm equipment enables the field team to match the majority of protocol requirements. To supplement these activities, each season we establish a winter cereal weed screen including all major Northern European arable weed species. To complement the weed screen a multi-variety cereal disease screen is also planted, utilising varietal disease resistance profiles to ensure the major diseases are available on farm.

For oilseed rape we have an area specifically inoculated with Sclerotinia so that we can guarantee this disease in situ. Likewise, for potatoes a blight screen is established each spring.
Being in total control of the farm enables complex long term rotational studies to be undertaken. These frequently involve a matrix of cultivation types and crop species.

Off Site Studies
Although AgroChemex manage the majority of studies at the research station, the field team also utilises locations off site, specifically in line with protocol needs. We have excellent relationships with farmers and growers throughout East Anglia ensuring that individual requirements can be accommodated.