Kintyre Soil and Nutrient Network: 1st Meeting – events summary

Improving Farm Soils and Making Best Use of Nutrients

This was the first of three Soil & Nutrient Network meetings to be held over the next 18 months.  It was held at Rhoin Farm, Campbeltown.

The morning activity concentrated on soil type, compaction, drainage and equipment to use to alleviate compaction.

Seamus Donnelly had dug various plots around one field with three different soil types to highlight differences with soil and drainage.

During the afternoon session dealt with soil, slurry and FYM analyses, the index status of all the fields and cropping.  Also discussed was how vital the correct pH status is, and how P and K is needed.

A range of topics were debated and discussed throughout the day from drainage, soil nutrients, the use of sulphur selenium, to fertiliser timing and use of slurry.

Key take home messages

• Keep it simple
• Take time to assess cropping, grazing and cutting fields
• Get pH in order slowly
• Analyse slurry
• Relook at drainage systems, ditches and take care when putting in new drains
• TAKE ADVICE

Information relating to this meeting is available to download below.  If you would like any further information on the Kintyre Soil & Nutrient Network, please contact John.Forster@sac.co.uk