Moray Soil & Nutrient Network: 1st meeting event summary

This was the 1^st meeting of the Moray Soil & Nutrient Network Farm so it started with an introduction to the farm and the Soil & Nutrient Network.

The first topic for discussion was soil analysis.  Aileen Buchanan (SAC Consulting) gave a presentation about why, when and how to sample.  Following from this interpretation of the results, with particular focus on soil pH and the main nutrients.  You can read Aileen’s presentation slides here.

Soil & drainage expert, Gavin Elrick (SAC Consulting) then led the group with a presentation about soil structure, texture and compaction.   This included an outdoor session looking at soil pits in three different fields.  These included examples of non-compacted soil, compacted soil caused by livestock and also vehicular traffic. You can read Gavin’s presentation slides here.

Once a problem in soil structure has been identified, it is important to select the correct piece of machinery to help alleviate the issue.  There were working demonstrations in the field of some of the machinery tools available, including a sward lifter, a flat lifter and an aerator.

This included looking at soil pits in three fields to see examples of no compaction and compaction caused by livestock and vehicle traffic. There was also a demonstration of different machinery that could be used to treat compaction and to see the resultant effect on the soil.

Key messages:

1. Soil structure, use spade first to check where and at  what depth  the problem is before using machine
2. Soil must be in the correct condition before remediation is carried out
3. Deep subsoiling should be carried out carefully to avoid making the problem worse
4. Use gravel filled drains in heavy soil to remove water from sub soiler channels
5. Check pH status of soil regularly
6. Plan cropping carefully where pH is below optimum
7. Allow time (up to 2 years) from lime application to allow lime to be fully active.

Information was available to take away from the event, this and other relevant material can be downloaded from the links below.  A collection of photos from the event is available on our Facebook album.