Soil should be a focal point for every farming enterprise

SOIL is often taken for granted as a resource on livestock farms when it really should be treated as a key input that lies at the root of livestock performance. 

 

That was the basis of the talk given by James Bretherton of Agscope at the latest Blackburn and Darwen Farmer Group meeting held at The Boatyard in Riley Green this month. The group wanted to look at soils, and improving soil health and fertility was the angle taken.

 

Jim opened the meeting with a summary of the time he spent in New Zealand studying their agricultural systems, and in particular their focus on soil. He stressed to the group the importance that these farmers place on their soil as being an invaluable natural resource and the focal point to their whole farming enterprise.

 

He then went on to discuss the various components of soil and the effect that it has on the grass it supports - and ultimately the animals that it feeds. He encouraged group members to think of their soil in terms of a living entity supporting its own ecosystem, and the importance of maintaining the health and biodiversity of this system.

 

Soil Health Assessment

 

Jim described how farmers can quickly and easily assess the health of their own soil simply by digging a hole in the ground and looking at the tightness of the soil, its smell and the number of worms and roots in it. In order to improve those soils that are tight in structure and smell sour (underperforming soils), the multiple benefits of aeration were discussed, advising that healthy soils are loose and aerated with plenty of worms and roots. Jim also showed the group a grass mineral analysis and discussed how the imbalance of minerals can lead to serious health problems in the livestock consuming this grass.

 

Whilst refreshments were being served after the meeting, many group members used the opportunity to speak to Jim personally about their own soil issues and problems. Jim also provided a handout for members detailing the most important points of his presentation.

 

The group plan to next meet in September to take a closer look at the causes, effect and treatment of liver fluke.

 

>>Download the soil fact sheet James Bretherton produced for this meeting

Add a Comment

If you would like to leave a comment, please login or register for an account.