New gateway unlocks soil potential

Soil solutions, forged by farmers and bringing benefits for both business and the environment, have been drawn together in a new web-based resource. The Soils Information Gateway (www.appliedresearchforum.org.uk/soils) champions the soil-related achievements of more than fifteen pioneering farmers. It also highlights tips, solutions and strategies that address problems such as erosion, compaction and poaching. 

The launch of the resource by the Applied Research Forum (ARF) on Thursday September 6 builds on years of research carried out by the UK's leading soil experts. Examples of profitable and innovative solutions to common soil-related issues have been drawn from across the farming sector and contain valuable pointers for other farm businesses. Strategies are outlined, and the experts themselves highlight not only how problems have been alleviated, but how the businesses involved have tailored the solutions to boost profitability, tie in with local objectives or fit a business restructure. 

"As a resource for farmers looking to get more from their soils, this is a gold mine," says ARF deputy lead technical director Mike Storey. "If you've ever wondered what's holding your crop back, or what can be done to preserve vulnerable soils, you'll probably find the answer lies in the simple solutions these forward-thinking and innovative farmers have adopted for their businesses." 

The most thorough analysis ever carried out of modern practical soil solutions in farming, the case studies highlight the achievements of no-plough pioneers, such as West Sussex potato producer Nick Baird and Worcestershire cereal grower Jim Bullock. 

Tips on how to get the best from machinery, such as the soil aerator, Aqueel and flatlift subsoiler, are given by farmers, such as Shropshire's Tony Reilly or Yorkshire's Tom Rawson, for whom the kit has proved a valued investment. 

Tailoring the farm's natural resources to combat wind erosion is profiled on Suffolk grower Tim Pratt's farm. Restructuring the farm's machinery policy was the opportunity to address compaction issues for Ross-shire farmer James Grant. And Cornwall bulb and cut flower grower Arthur Andrews has fitted local objectives neatly into the capping and slumping solutions on his sloping sandy soils. 

The web-based resource, 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. The Soils Information Gateway 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. 

"This is an unprecedented example of levy-board collaboration, and has ensured the broadest reach across the sectors," adds Dr Storey. "Working together with levy-board managers, consultants and the farmers themselves, we've pooled our research-based knowledge and expertise to bring levy-payers real benefits for their business. Better soil management means UK farmers will also be better-equipped for new legislation, such as the forthcoming EU Soils directive, and meet cross-compliance regulations." 

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Notes to editors:

1.       The Applied Research Forum for Farming and Food was established in 2003 following a recommendation in the Report of the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food (the 'Curry Report'). It provides a mechanism for industry levy bodies to collaborate in the development and integration of appropriate strategic and applied R&D programmes and associated knowledge transfer activities, and to influence Government prioritisation and investment in agri-food research.

2.       For more details on the individual case studies, go to www.appliedresearchforum.org.uk/soils. Contact details of the individual farmers or consultants are available - please call Tom Allen-Stevens (details below).