The advantages of miscanthus as a wildlife cover are now well known. At the request of the hunters of the department, the federation of the hunters of Aisne set up an operation Miscanthus since last year.
About 15 hectares were planted in 2016, at 20 farmers' homes, and another 10 will be planted in spring 2017.
The federation assists farmers in their choice of layout, by encouraging the establishment of strips, which are very favorable to small game.
Damien Ferté, farmer in Merval, has planted 2 ha, and plans to continue his developments on his hunting territory by planting 3 ha this year. His testimony:
"I discovered miscanthus through the Aisne hunting federation, which offered a "miscanthus strips" operation linked to a contract with NovaBiom. A few years earlier, I had already taken part in a "land management" operation with the Chamber of Agriculture. So I knew exactly where to plant my strips. Since then, I've also wanted to convert some woodland edges and small plots (outside the federation) into perennial crops. Planting strips of mustard corn, alfalfa, etc. had become too restrictive. The advantage of a single 20-year planting of a crop of recognized wildlife interest, plus the possibility of adding value to it, appealed strongly to me. However, it's important to take particular care with planting and weeding in the first year. I plan to plant a further 3ha this year.
Damien FERTE, Merval(02).
