Soil management in grassland systems: Nairn – Event Summary
13 March 2018What is soil health and why is it important?
Audrey Litterick from Eartchare Technical Ltd was our first speaker. Her presentation started off with an explanation in to what soil health was and why it was important. She then explained the aims and objectives of the AHDB GREAT Soils project and what her expectations were compared to the findings that have been published. Her presentation finished off with an explaination of the importance of Soil Structure and Drainage and future work linked to GREAT soils.
Paddy Jack from DFL Seeds Ltd was there to discuss grassland varieties, appropriate mixes and forage crops. Paddy explained grazing practises and what growth stages are important and when you should be looking to take stock off to allow the best re-growth in grass. Use this link to read Paddy’s presentation slides.
Use the links below to download related information and the delegate information available to take away from the event.
Soil health is key to maintaining productivity and profitability on your farm. Find out more about what other farmers have done and read practical guides on the Farming For a Better Climate webpage.
- Audrey Litterick’s Presentation slides from the Soil Management in Grassland Systems event
- This is a copy of Audrey Litterick's presentation slides from the 'Soil Management in Grassland Systems' event in Nairn during March 2018
- Topics: Soils, Climate Change and Crops and Soils
- An Introduction To Grassland Management, Paddy Jack
- Paddy Jack from DLF Seeds and Management gave an introduction to grassland management.
- Practical Guide: Soil sampling I – How to take a soil sample
- This practical guide details what is required to take a soil sample for analysis that is representative of the area sampled.
- Topics: Soils, Climate Change and Water Management
- Practical Guide: Soil sampling II – Benefits to your business
- This practical guide details how soil sampling can benefit businesses by increasing productivity and create efficiencies on fertiliser inputs through better nutrient planning.
- Topics: Soils, Climate Change and Water Management
- Practical Guide: Nutrient budgeting I – The Benefits to your Business
- This practical guide looks at the benefits of creating and using a nutrient budget for your farm business.
- Topics: Climate Change
- Practical Guide: Nutrient Budgeting II – Getting Started
- This practical guide looks at what factors you need to consider when making a nutrient budget for your farm, fertiliser recommendations and how to get the most out of your nutrient budget.
- Topics: Climate Change
- Farming For A Better Climate: Practical Guide – Soil Management
- Topics: Soils
- Farming For A Better Climate: Practical Guide – Improving Soil Quality
- This Practical Guide concentrates on how we can improve soil quality to help us to adapt to climate change.
- Topics: Soils
- Farming For A Better Climate: Practical Guide – Alleviating Soil Compaction
- This Practical Guide gives some ideas on how to alleviate soil compaction.
- Topics: Soils
- Farming For a Better Climate: Practical Guide on Optimising Organic Nitrogen
- This Farming For a Better Climate document was included as part of the delegate pack for those who attended the FAS event 'Waste more, fert. less!'.
- Topics: Climate Change
- Practical Guide: Managing Soil Phosphorus
- This Practical Guide will help you manage the phosphorus in your soils. It will help you understand the risk of phosphorus pollution and how you can reduce bagged fertiliser costs in grassland by incorporating nitrogen fixing clover into your sward.
- Topics: Soils, Climate Change and Water Management
- Valuing Your Soils – Practical Guidance for Scottish Farmers
- This brochure includes useful information about Scotland's agricultural soils and practical advice outlining the upfront financial savings and business benefits of better soil management and the efficient use of resources. Action and problem-specific 'field-sheets' are designed for busy farmers with limited time for reading.
- Topics: Soils, Climate Change, Water Management and Crops and Soils
- Visual Evaluation of Soil Structure (VESS) Score Chart
- This is a downloadable copy of the Visual Evaluation of Soil Structure (VESS) score chart for use in-field.
- Topics: Soils
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