Soil erosion, reduction in organic matter, over-compaction through increased trafficking, overstocking and poaching by livestock can all pose a significant threat to the long term soil quality, crop and livestock yields and the wider environment.
Soil erosion by water can be a big problem for some farms, removing fertile topsoil, clogging drainage systems and polluting watercourses. Poaching from livestock gathering around feeding rings and at access points can increase the risk of soil erosion and contribute to soil loss. SAC suggests simple changes to practices that may help to reduce the occurrence and intensity of erosion events and so give rise to a range of benefits on the farm. Reducing soil erosion could benefit the business by: maintaining cross compliance, reducing loss of valuable topsoil and soil organic matter, sustaining long term land use and cropping potential and reducing watercourse and drainage maintenance.
In the past, English agricultural soils were often low in P (phosphorus) and required regular additions of this nutrient along with K2O (potassium) and N (nitrogen). Research has now shown that an increasing number of soils have adequate reserves of P while some soils contain an excess of P from years of slurry, manure and fertiliser applications.
Integrated nutrient management planning can minimise the waste of time, money and loss of nutrients through diffuse pollution to surrounding watercourses. SAC can help farmers understand the current nutrient levels in the soil and help change management practices on the farm that will benefit the environment, potentially save money whilst reducing bagged fertiliser use.
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