Look after soil

Prevent soil compaction

This allows air and water to move deep into the soil, allowing healthy root development and encouraging healthy plant growth.

• Reduce axel loads where possible
• Avoid vehicles accessing fields after heavy rain or
  if soils are waterlogged
• Be aware of the impacts that animals can have by
  trampling certain areas.
• DAERA: Soil Structure and avoiding compaction
• Farming and Water Scotland: Soil and nutrients
• Farming for a better climate: Valuing your soils

Make sure you have the correct pH for your soil

The correct pH level for your soil will allow the uptake of fertilisers by plants, improving yields.

• Think about soil sampling and liming
• Less uptake of nutrients means poorer crops and a greater risk of diffuse pollution from the farm land
• DAERA: Soil sampling
• Farming and Water Scotland: Soil and pH

Get the correct nutrient balance

• Create a nutrient budget for your farm; regular soil testing will help target nutrients where needed.
• Consider application methods, for example to avoid losing nitrogen when applying slurry.
• DAERA: Soil sampling
• Farming and Water Scotland: Nutrient balances

Landspreading organic fertilisers

• You must be aware of the rules that govern the use of certain wastes, such as paper sludge or food waste
• You should also be familiar with the rules for the use of slurries and manure
• Organic fertilisers such as slurry and manure can provide valuable nutrients and can improve soil texture
• NetRegs: Landspreading waste
• NetRegs: Landspreading slurry and manure
• NFUS and Zero Waste Scotland: Sourcing and using digestate and compost