Aberdeenshire Soil & Nutrient Network: 1st meeting – event summary

This was the first meeting of the Aberdeenshire Soil & Nutrient Network Farm at Auchlossan.

In preparation, soil samples were taken over the farm allowing us a set of results to discuss and interpret during the meeting.  We also looked at the farm's soil series and types which generated a lot of positive discussion from the group

Slurry is a resource used on the farm which allowed a discussion surrounding the benefits of nutrient testing slurry prior to application and how this can help with the preparation and management of a farm nutrient budget.  The group then looked at how to best utilise muck and slurry to fit in with Auchlossan's enterprises.

On a more practical level, the meeting moved outdoors where Gavin Elrick, SAC's Soil and Drainage Consultant looked at a problem area in one of the fields.  Having highlighted a compaction issue Gavin got digging to illustrate his points.  There are a number of different options available to farmers to help alleviate soil compaction problems e.g. soil aerators, and sward lifters, and these were shown in action during the meeting.  However, it is important to know where in the soil profile your problem lies before deciding upon a remedy.  Gavin illustrated this by digging a track across areas where different remedy methods had been used and was able to show the group the soil profile, plant root structure and at what level each type of machinery was working at.  The key message here was to know where the compaction layers are and which piece of machinery will alleviate it before just picking what your neighbour or someone else has used!

A selection of handouts was available to take home from this event.  These and other relevant information are available to download using the links below.

This was the first of three meetings of the Aberdeenshire Soil & Nutrient Network.  There are 12 host farms across Scotland and you can read about their farm events from the Soil Management & Nutrient Network page.

All meetings are open to all, free to attend and attendance at previous events is not required to allow attendance at future meetings.