down to earth: Chris Duller examines how soil compaction reduces the pore space between soil particles, resulting in a reduced capacity to absorb water and air.

A series of roadshows for farmers across Wales has increased awareness of possible issues with soil structures and given practical solutions to a variety of potential problems Chris Duller from IGER (Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research) recently headed a meeting at Stephen and Claire Morgans' mostly arable Fenton Home farm near Crundale, focusing on the Cartlett brook catchment initiative.

As part of the initiative, attempts are being made to reduce soil run off on to fields, farm roads, tracks and concrete, with the provision of adequate drains, ditches and soakaways.

Chris drew attention to a particular arable field where cattle had been wintered out, following a crop of cauliflower. He said since the land was to be ploughed again this spring, he had no problem with the system of management which also satisfied the demands of cross- compliance.

He suggested there was always a need to maintain land drains, ditches and outlets to ensure effective field drainage and, ideally, the sediment deposited in ditches and drains could be returned back to the field.

On a field by field basis he sought to examine how good the soil structure was, how to identify issues and to determine what improvements might be necessary.

Some common elements were obvious in order to prevent surface compaction, particularly by avoiding fine seedbeds in which the seeds' beds would become sealed' by heavy rain and resist the urge to roll afterwards, which would also lead to run off and erosion.

Chris accepted that reducing costs is imperative to improve efficiency and farm viability, and evaluating ways of making slurry and manure use more efficient is a key area. Efficient use of slurry and manure has the potential of reducing the environmental impact through reduced run off and volatilisation of ammonia.

2:58pm Monday 30th June 2008

Holed up: Chris Duller examines the soil in a field during a workshop at Fenton Home Farm, Crundale.

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