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Thainstone Soil & Network: 1st meeting – event summary

30 October 2019

The first meeting of the new Thainstone Soil & Nutrient Network was held on Kirkton Farm near Kinellar with the kind permission of our host farmer, Scott Campbell.

Scott has been awarded the prestigious 2019 Farmers Weekly Arable Farmer of the Year, so it was a very informative introductory meeting for those in attendance.  Scott gave an insight into how the farm has been managed in recent years and how that helped him win the 2019 award.   You can read  Scott's presentation slides here.

SAC Consulting's David Ross then took to the floor to give a detailed presentation highlighting the importance of soil pH when farming crops; he also detailed the differences between GPS soil analysis techniques and the traditional soil testing practices.  Armed with information, David led the group out of doors to the fields to show the group what they should be looking for when inspecting their soils and indicators of good soil health.  Read David's presentation slides here.

David's top tip - "Use a spade to dig test holes of 25cm x 25cm x 25 cm to assess soil structure and count your worms!"

Soil & water specialist with SAC, Gavin Elrick, was also one of the key speakers.  Gavin discussed soil compaction; how it becomes a problem; how to identify and the importance of identifying the correct depth of compaction and the methods of alleviating soil compaction at different depths.  Read Gavin's presentation slides here.

Gavin's top tip - "Use a steel rod with a t-shaped handle to assess where and at what depth you have compaction issues before resorting to corrective actions."

Gavin also highlighted the lessons he has learnt from a trialling cover cropping on his own farm with funding from the Mains of Loriston Trust.

You can read more about how to inspect your soil health using our webpage here.  Alternatively, there is a wealth of information available in the Valuing Your Soils booklet which can be downloaded using the links below.  Handouts available to take home from this event are also included in the list below.

Related Downloads
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: Climate Change, Soils, Water Management and Crops and Soils
Technical Note (TN671): Management of Boron in Soils for Crops
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Technical Note (TN685): Sulphur Recommendations for Crops
This technical note examines the use of sulphur (S) for crops, and outlines sulphur deficiency, recommendations for use and availability of nutrients in organic fertilisers.
Technical Note (TN714): Liming Materials and Recommendations
This technical note examines soil pH, choosing liming materials and lime recommendations for different soils.
Technical Note (TN717): Phosphate and Potash Recommendations for Crops Grown in North East Scotland and Tayside
This is an examination of phosphate and potash recommendations based on soils in North East Scotland and Tayside.
Technical Note (TN721): Soil Biodiversity and Soil Health
This technical note examines soil biodiversity and soil health, and the steps you can take to improve both health and biodiversity in 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
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.
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Farming For A Better Climate: Practical Guide – Soil Management
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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: Climate Change, Soils 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: Climate Change, Soils and Water Management

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