Energy Crop Land Preparation

We can organise and manage the processes in order to get your land prepared for planting energy crops. No matter what your land is currently used for, we can assist in converting it to energy crops. Generally speaking, Willow is the most versatile and will require the least intervention to prepare land for its planting.

We can advise you through the legal processes that planting energy crops on uncultivated or semi-natural land may expose you to. For example, the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations mean that uncultivated or semi-natural land must be protected from potentially damaging changes in agricultural activities such as increasing productivity. Permission must be sought for agricultural changes to land that has not been used for 15 years.

In this current climate of nationwide efforts to reduce atmospheric carbon however, it is unlikely that an application involving energy crops would be turned down.

Like all crops, soil quality is important when planting energy crops. pH and other technicalities must be considered before ploughing and planting. There may be a requirement for pre-planting inputs such as herbicides to remove weeds. Heavy stones should be removed for they can interfere with the planting process. Consideration should be given to pest control too – rabbits can play havoc with energy crop seedlings, for example, so fencing may have to be updated.

ECC has extensive experience in preparing land for Energy Crops – why not get in touch and see how we can help you get ready!