British Farmers lead the way on soil management
British farmers are already pioneering ways to work with the environment to achieve maximum production from the land, a series of ground-breaking case studies has shown. Wider adoption of the techniques they highlight could help allay fears that improvements in farm productivity are unsustainable.
The publication of the case studies, the culmination of a research project carried out by the Applied Research Forum (ARF) (1), comes just as set aside rules are relaxed, allowing farmers to bring more land into agricultural production. They form part of the Soil Information Gateway (www.appliedresearchforum.org.uk/soils) – a new cross-sector resource that champions the soil-related achievements of seventeen pioneering farmers. Based on material provided by the UK's top soil consultants, it also highlights tips, solutions and strategies that address problems such as erosion, compaction and poaching.
"The launch of the Gateway comes at a time farmers are coming under renewed public scrutiny for their use of the land," notes ARF deputy lead technical director Mike Storey. "Not least of this is the controversial draft Soils Directive which is due to be voted on in European Parliament later this month."
The Gateway provides essential information on soil management that not only helps farmers address forthcoming legislation, but also provides pointers for those looking to increase production sustainably. "We already have the skills, the solutions and the resources to meet the objectives of much of the national and EU soils legislation we face. I'd urge all British farmers to take a look at these case studies and consider whether some of the pioneering strategies that are profiled could benefit their holding."
Those who do could earn valuable BASIS Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points for their efforts – five of the case studies have now been developed into academies, in conjunction with Farmers Weekly. Each academy profiles a soil-related issue and a farmer who has pioneered solutions to address it. Hosted on the Farmers Weekly Interactive website, www.fwi.co.uk/academy, there are BASIS points for completing each of five self-test questionnaires.
Potato growers in particular will benefit from additional information that will be available at British Potato 2007, organised by the British Potato Council (BPC) and taking place at Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate on November 28 and 29. Soil-related activities at the event, the biggest in the potato calendar, include a seminar on catchment-sensitive farming, and those who attend can pick up BASIS points. Copies of the case studies will be available from the BPC stand at the event, with additional advice included for potato growers.
The Soil Information Gateway, at www.appliedresearchforum.org.uk/soils, provides a thorough guide to common soil-related issues, such as compaction, water and wind erosion, capping, slumping, poaching and waterlogging. It is a central resource, with links to a comprehensive list of publications and training organisations. The case studies provide supporting information on best practice.
The project has been funded by the Applied Research Forum and led by the British Potato Council. Experts and case study farmers have been put forward by the Home-Grown Cereals Authority, Horticulture Development Council, English Beef and Lamb Executive, Milk Development Council and British Pig Executive.
