Lewis and Harris Soil & Nutrient Network Meeting – event summary

The first Lewis & Harris Soil Nutrient Network meeting

This was the first of 3 meetings which will occur over the next 18 months.  It was held at the Marybank Mission Hall.

A local farm has been selected to be part of a “Nutrient Network” of farms demonstrating the benefits of soil analysis, nutrient budgeting and the principles of soil management for enhancing productivity, reducing pollution and enhancing biodiversity.

The findings will be promoted through case studies, podcasts and through creating a database of information on soil analysis results.

Speakers

• Rob Black, SAC consulting opened the meeting and gave an overview of the project for the next eighteen months and an introduction to the recently selected SNN farm.
• Susan Macpherson, Senior Environmental Protection Officer, Stornoway, was next on the meeting agenda, and gave a presentation on the Environmental consideration for soils & nutrient management.  You can view Susan’s presentation here.  Further information on managing diffuse pollution can be found on the Farming & Water Scotland website.
• Gavin Elrick, Senior Consultant, SAC Turriff, then discussed the importance of each nutrient type in soil health and included a practical exercise on soil drainage.  You can view Gavin’s presentation here.
• Tony Edwards, Research assistant at SAC Craibstone, then led a presentation on current scientific research on soils in the Western Isles.  Tony’s presentation can be viewed here.

A local farm has been selected to be part of a “Nutrient Network” of farms demonstrating the benefits of soil analysis, nutrient budgeting and the principles of soil management for enhancing productivity, reducing pollution and enhancing biodiversity.

The findings will be promoted through case studies, podcasts and through creating a database of information on soil analysis results.

For further information please contact Rob Black on 01851 703103 or FbsStornoway@sac.co.uk.  Informaton relating to this event is available to download below.