Soil testing and structure assessments
Helping you improve your soil health and structure
Healthy soil is one of the most important assets farmers and growers can have. Caring for and improving soil health, structure, organic matter and biology boosts yields and contributes to cleaner water, greater climate resilience and a healthier environment.
The UK government has prioritised improving soil health. Under Defra’s Farming Rules for Water, all growers must test their soils at least once every five years.
Our agriculture consultants offer independent soil surveys and advice to help farmers and land managers improve the current health and nutrient content of their soils. We can assist with
- getting your soil sampled to understand its current condition
- interpreting soil testing results to see what nutrients it’s lacking
- teaching techniques to improve your soil health and structure over time that fit with your current farming system.
Improves plant performance
Improves plant performance
A healthy soil is vital for good plant growth as it aids with:
– rapid germination
– even establishment
– strong rooting
– improved water infiltration;
– better moisture retention.
Protects against erosion
Protects against erosion
Well-structured soil has stable aggregates and pores that hold water, thereby enabling it to infiltrate rather than run off the surface. This reduces surface water flow, which is a major cause of erosion.
Prevents nutrient pollution
Prevents nutrient pollution
Soil particles contain nutrients such as phosphorus. When poor soil erodes, these nutrients are lost. The eroded soil particles could, potentially, enter watercourses where they contribute to sedimentation and nutrient pollution. Tackling these problems is a high priority in many river catchments across the UK.
Provides resilience against weather extremes
Provides resilience against weather extremes
In times of drought, good soil structure retains water better and for longer periods, thus making it available during dry spells. It enables roots to grow deeper and access water further down the soil profile. During flooding, a good structure will act like a sponge, absorbing and storing water during heavy rainfall.
Assessing soil structure on farms
If we need to visit your farm, our consultants use visual assessments, soil augers or dig soil pits to assess soil structure. We can advise on the most appropriate cultivations or remedial actions to rectify problems we see.
Our soil assessments
- Visual evaluation of soil structure
- Organic matter sampling and earthworm counts
- Soil health testing
- Practical cultivation advice
- Financial appraisals of current and alternative cultivation systems
Turn your challenges into opportunities
Clear and expert advice to support you with agricultural opportunities.
Speak to the team