Optimizing white clover establishment under wheat in temporary meadows

The Programme Reine Mathilde, launched in 2010 by Stonyfield France with support from Danone’s Ecosystem Fund and regional partners, enhances organic dairy farming in Normandy through multi-stakeholder collaboration. Based at the EURL des Champs de Bray, a 193-hectare organic conversion site in Avesnes-en-Bray since 2020, the program’s 2023 trials focused on optimizing temporary meadow destruction using rotational systems, particularly planting white clover under wheat. Conducted on loamy gravelly and hydromorphic clay soils with a 10.5°C annual average temperature and 730mm rainfall, results showed that a fine harrow significantly improved clover implantation. While multi-species cover crops showed promise in nitrogen trapping and return, only the harrow method proved effective. The 2024 campaign will further validate findings. Coordinated by IDELE with partners including Chambres d’Agriculture, Agronat, and BIO, the program is supported by regional institutions and funding bodies.