Workshop Subjects The following subjects will be covered at the workshops  Soil status and examination Intercrop Management Sowing Post emergence agronomy Soil status and examination  Soil is a valuable farm resource and delegates at the workshops considered how soil structure affects the costs of cultivation and establishment. Specialists discussed the impact of soil type and previous cropping on cultivation strategies, as well as crop residue management and weed control. The soil at each site was examined to determine structure and its impact on drainage ability and expected crop establishment. Remedies for any problems were then discussed by experts and delegates. Some workshops also included an evaluation of the economies of cultivation that need to be taken into account when determining crop production, including the range of cropping, staff availability and work rates. Top Intercrop Management  Intercrop management is vital for both plough and non-inversion tillage cultivation systems, particularly where herbicide resistant grass and broad-leaved weeds are present. The germination requirements of different weed species were examined, drawing on experience from each site, and at the workshops specialists discussed the use of non-selective herbicides to control weeds in a stale seedbed rather than a secondary cultivation. Top Sowing Seed rates were considered for each cultivation system, taking into account drilling dates, seedbed conditions, plant spacing, individual field specifications such as drainage and the level of compaction, and the risk levels from pests like slugs and wheat bulb fly. Different cultivation systems produce different levels of Take-all but they vary between site and season; these effects were discussed. Top Post emergence agronomy Following the first summer workshops, each core site was revisited in the winter to look at post emergence agronomy issues and to determine the level of activity needed for both plough and non-inversion tillage cultivation systems for optimum plant establishment, disease control and yield. The workshops looked at nitrogen and sulphur levels in the soil and assessed application dosages, as well as herbicide options. Surface trash and volunteer growth were also considered. Top