Green manuring and stubble mulching are two central practices recommended by Era Farming to increase soil fertility, improve cost effective use of all farm inputs and reduce chemical costs. Green manuring and stubble mulching achieve these improvements in soil management through building soil biomass and stimulating soil microbiology. Even temporary increases in soil biological fertility can improve nutrient cycling, soil moisture retention and suppression of soil pathogens.

Soil Fertility Programmes
The general principles adhered to in Era soil programmes are:

1. Residues should be incorporated where practical to improve soil depth, biological activity and diversity, and soil structure.
2. Green manure materials should consist of a mixture of legumes and cereals to provide diversity.
3. Incorporated stubbles should always have liquid nitrogen and fungal food sources applied to achieve stubble breakdown.
4. Calcium products should be applied more often, in lower amounts and should always be applied with residues.
5. Minerals are also required to improve soil biology numbers and diversity (Found in Era Phos and Era Minerals)

Crop Rotation Strategies
One of the crop rotation strategies recommended by Era Farming is a three-year rotation where a green manure crop is followed by two wheat crops. This 2:1 Wheat: Green Manure strategy has the potential to deliver to growers the benefits of:

1. Improved profitability,
2. Improved sustainability
3. Reduced risk profile.
4. Reduced herbicide usage
5. More balanced and efficient fertiliser usage