THE UK Soil Health Initiative (UKSHi) has produced a series of guides for growers seeking advice on soil health.
The guides focus on the key practical points farmers can do to improve soil health on-farm and have been developed by bringing together the top academics and practitioners in the UK. Root crops, field vegetables and combinable cropping are amongst the system topics covered.
In launching the guides, UKSHi stated: “Healthy, well-managed soils are the foundation for productive farming systems. Taking steps to improve soil health is a vital part of future-proofing all farms against the challenges of climate change and changing government support, by supporting good yields and reducing environmental impacts.”
Elizabeth Stockdale, Head of Farming Systems Research at NIAB, said: “These simple, practical guides mark a real step-forward in helping farmers manage their soil, for the benefit of all. Each guide contains a simple starting place of three things to consider, and three things to avoid. We’d love all farmers to start with that, and this would make a real difference to our soils – potentially improving crop yields, alleviating flooding and improving biodiversity. For any farmers that want to do more, the ‘Going beyond the norm’ section of the guides gives advice on more advanced soil management options.”
