Protecting soil from erosion

At the Oxford Farming Conference, Michael Gove spoke to growers about the increasing pressures on our agricultural industry. One of the most influential factors is the ever-growing global population, expanding at an alarming rate. With it comes higher consumer expectations and an increased demand for high-quality, wholesome foods, alongside greater trade demands and ongoing changes in technology.

As this continues to change the face of farming, Mr. Gove stressed that failure to act in response to these increased pressures will lead to the "progressive loss of the natural capital on which all growth – natural, human and economic – ultimately depends."

​New legislation

In periods of sustained wet weather such as that which we are currently experiencing (more specifically the wettest spring in 40 years) it's quite easy to focus on the work that isn't being done and can't be carried out until better weather arrives.

However, it's important to also think about the preventative measures – was there anything in place to protect the soil in the fields that had been sown?

This wet season coincides with a new regulatory focus on the management of soil and water to help growers better combat any threat of soil erosion.

In the rules that all farmers have to abide by, The Standards of Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions (GAECs) highlights soil protection in cross compliance rules GAEC 4: Providing minimum soil cover and GAEC 5: Minimising soil erosion.

In addition, the new government rules on water that came into force on 2^nd April also outline necessary precautions to take, as well as the suggested actions expected of a farmer or land manager (where practical and reasonable) to prevent runoff or soil erosion. If there is a failure to comply with any of the rules stipulated, a complaint can be lodged with the Environment Agency and a fine incurred within the Basic Payment Scheme. 

Protecting the wider environment

Soil water runoff onto roads is a problem viewed upon very badly. While it impacts the wider community and causes a risk to surrounding areas, it also means the loss of vital nutrient from the farm, including valuable top soil and organic matter. Often, this can be prevented by planting grass buffer strips alongside water-courses or field gateways where runoff is likely to occur. Their inclusion can result in several benefits for the farm and surrounding area: 

• ​Intercepting runoff: vital nutrient and farm inputs can be captured and the flow of travelling water and soil slowed to prevent loss.
  
• Trapping vital soil sediment and stabilising soils by preventing the movement of soil particles.
  
• Protecting adjacent watercourses from contamination.
  

As part of further management, the topography of the field should be looked at when cultivations or drilling etc. are taking place and thought should be given to the likelihood of a wet-weather runoff event occurring.

It's always far better to retain the water and soil within the field than to watch the farm's greatest asset disappear down the road.

Prevention is better than cure

Rainfall like we are experiencing this March and April is not an irregular event and prevention measures should be put in place where possible.

Surely it is better to plant some grass buffer areas around the farm, rather than risk incurring a fine for pollution of a water-course or causing an accident on a road?

We can support you with compliance related to water protection and soil erosion to aid with the sustainability of your farm. For further advice on the creation of buffer strips, or even the incorporation of cover crops to help with soil drainage, you can also speak to Kings.  

​Andrew Havergal

​Crop specialist