A farm-based research network focused on sustainable soil management.
Investing in research that looks at progressive soil management approaches and technologies is a vital part of our Soil Life service. While there is now a greater focus on soil health across the industry, we know that what works for one farm doesn't always work for another.
Our Soil Life demonstration sites are part of our 3D Thinking trials and research programme. The seven sites are all working farms located throughout the UK and, in partnership with the host farmers, we're able to research and demonstrate best practice around soil management. Any solutions or challenges discovered are invaluable and help us to provide practical and relevant advice for other growers.
Soil Life demonstration sites
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Ross-on-Wye Herefordshire Soil type: Sandy/silty clay loam Focus: Investigating methods for successfully building organic matter levels and exploring how this benefits the wider health and functionality of the soil. |
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Haddington East Lothian Soil type: Silty clay loam Focus: Improving soil health in a potato rotation through increased organic matter, while also supporting greater biological activity and nutrient availability to improve yields. |
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Consett Durham Soil type: Silty clay loam. High altitude - soils remain cooler for longer and lose heat rapidly in autumn Focus: Investigating methods of building organic matter in a zero-till system to improve long term soil sustainability and yield potential, including the use of cover crops, organic material and grass leys. |
| 4 |
Nassington Peterborough Soil type: Clay loam Focus: Carbon management. Investigating methods for monitoring and quantifying carbon storage within soils, as well as soil management techniques to increase soil carbon capture and reduce the farm's carbon footprint. |
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Beverley East Yorkshire Soil type: Clay loam Focus: Exploring the use of zero-till and imported organic materials alongside cover, catch and companion crops to improve soil health. The impacts of a wider rotation with reduced winter crop frequency are also being assessed. |
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King's Lynn Norfolk Soil type: Sandy loam over chalk Focus: Regenerative agriculture. Work is focused on investigations into the core principles of regenerative agriculture in order to provide a better understanding of effective management techniques backed by scientific data. |
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Longfield Kent Soil type: Clay loam over chalk Focus: Employing a flexible system of crop establishment to improve soil health on a farm with varying soils. |
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Soil Life information booklet Learn more about how the Soil Life service works and see a breakdown of the different soil analysis packages available. |
Compare our Soil Life reports Ready to investigate what's going on beneath your feet? Our reports are split into three categories so you can find the one best suited to you. |
Learn more about our 3D trials Across sites throughout the UK, our technical experts undertake significant research into all aspects of crop production. |
Would you like a greater understanding of your soils?
Speak to your local agronomist or click the link below to get in touch.
A joined up approach to improve the resilience of your farm business
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MyFarm: Keep an eye on the major components of soil health
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Kings Crops: Stewardship and environmental management techniques to improve your soil
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SOYL precision: Detailed soil insight to help you make informed decisions
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3D Thinking: Frontier's trials and research programme
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