Strip-till and under-sowing cover crops in maize
Rene Van Tilburg is the Senior Maize Researcher at FAR, leading the development of the maize research strategy and overseeing a range of trials. He focuses on identifying the constraints that limit yield and productivity, with a particular interest in moving beyond simple comparisons to understanding the mechanisms that drive system performance. His work emphasises understanding how and why systems respond, creating opportunities to better manipulate them to a grower’s advantage. This approach underpins the current research strategy and trial programme, which reflects a shift toward mechanism-driven research to improve on-farm outcomes. Rene will discuss his observations from trial work with strip-till and with establishing cover crops into standing maize.
