Protecting soils and income in Scotland

Introducing the Farm Soils Plan

Attention is increasing across all sectors on the need to preserve soil quality

and maintain soil sustainability. The Farm Soils Plan is aimed at farmers,

crofters and contractors across Scotland. It could help you to protect soils,

meet environmental standards and bene t the farm business. The Farm Soils

Plan provides basic guidance and reminders on:

Recognising poor soil conditions

Maintaining soil structure and rooting potential

Reducing soil erosion and protecting water quality

Targeted nutrient application

Protecting your soils and the Single Farm Payment.

Section 5 contains a guide to help you establish whether you are complying

with the soil related aspects of Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition

(GAEC). Farmers should refer to the Cross Compliance section of the Single

Farm Payment Explanatory Notes (see Section 7 for details) for information

on meeting all GAEC requirements.

The Scottish Executive Code of Good Practice for the Prevention of

Environmental Pollution From Agricultural Activity (PEPFAA Code) contains information on soil protection and ways to reduce the

risk of diffuse pollution arising from agricultural activities. Guidance to reduce diffuse pollution risk from livestock operations is

contained in The 4 Point Plan. These documents are available free from your local SEERAD of ce.

Finding out moreThe measures contained in this publication are for guidance only; you may need to seek advice from your agricultural or conservation

consultant regarding speci c measures or other practical actions to manage soil and improve water quality. Section 7 gives contact

details of a range of organisations, other publications and website addresses that you may nd useful.

Diffuse pollution and soils

Diffuse pollution from agricultural practices has been recognised as a priority for action. It can be characterised by the gradual and often unnoticed contamination of soil, air and water from a range of pollutants e.g. soil particles, pesticides, nutrients, and faecal bacteria. Contaminants could have originated from a large number of small sources and could be transported through run-off and leaching. Individually, they have a limited impact but collectively can lead to increased pollution risk. As it can occur over large areas, and affect all surface waters, the control of diffuse pollution requires a catchment level approach.

Know your soils 1Agricultural soils are a blend of sand, silt, clay, organic matter, water and air, coupled with a wide range of living organisms. On a global scale, soils are in uential in a range of ecological functions from water cycling to carbon storage. Protecting soil quality through early recognition of poor soil conditions, remedial treatments and improved management is important. Soil erosion, reduction in organic matter, over-compaction through increased traf cking, overstocking and poaching by livestock can all pose a signi cant threat to long term soil quality, crop and livestock yields and the wider environment. This section will highlight the importance of soil organisms, differences between soil texture and structure, outline some common soil problems and suggest ways to improve soil quality.

Life in the soilEstimates suggest that one gram of healthy soil can contain in the region of

one billion organisms including 5 million bacterial cells, 10,000 protozoa,

200m of fungal hyphae and around 100 nematodes. Along with earthworms

and arthropods (e.g.

mites, springtails

and beetles) these

organisms play an

important role in

maintaining soil

health.

The range of microbes at work in soils can include root nodule forming nitrogen xers (more active in soils without N applications),

through to large fungi which can help to breakdown organic matter or act as feeding tubes for plant roots. Some nematodes and

arthropods can help to recycle nutrients, suppress disease and increase microbial decomposition of organic and surface matter.

Methods to increase soil microbe numbers include reduced pesticide and chemical applications, conservation tillage and increased

organic matter inputs such as livestock manures or composted material.

Reducing disease risks.

Some interactions between soil and microbes can help to suppress pathogenic activity within the soil. Soil microbes can protect against disease in other ways such as out-competing pathogens and immune response triggers.

CompostingComposting can reduce the volume of animal manures, reduce weeds and pathogens, increase bene cial soil microbes and increase levels of soil organic matter. Composting relies on fungal and bacterial decomposition of organic matter and heaps must be monitored and turned on a regular

basis.

Organic farming systems

All farm systems need to build and conserve natural soil fertility, but this is especially important in organic farming systems.

Organic standards promote the use of a soil management plan to demonstrate that consideration has been given to soil fertility and protection and enhancement of soil structure over the course of a crop rotation. Organic rotations are developed to balance both nutritional and structural demands on soils, whilst providing an adequate break between crops to avoid speci c pests and diseases. Rotations aim to balance cropping with fertility building. Legumes, cover crops and green manures can all help to assist natural fertility building processes within the soil.

Of the more visible soil organisms, arthropods and earthworms

help to breakdown and mix organic matter within the topsoil.

Arthropods feed on potential crop pests whilst earthworms

help to increase aeration and drainage in soils.

PROBLEM

ClayClay

SiltyClaySiltyClay

SiltyClay Loam

SiltyClay Loam

SiltLoamSilt

LoamSandy Silt

LoamSandy Silt

Loam

ClayLoamClayLoam

SandyClay

SandyClay

SandyClay Loam

SandyClay Loam

SandyLoamSandyLoam

Loamy Sand

Loamy Sand Sand Sand

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

SiltClay

Sand

Smearing is the localised spreading and smoothing of soil by applied pressure, often by slipping tractor wheels. Smeared soil will present a barrier to the movement of water and roots.

The eld notes with this pack show you how to assess soil texture andstructure

Soil texture and soil structureSoil texture is de ned by the proportion of sand, silt and clay particles bound together by organic matter. Soil organic matter

- or humus - is a vital component of soil, in uencing fertility, soil structure,

workability and water holding capacity, as well as storing carbon.

Soil texture is very variable and can indicate a range of soil properties, for

example:

Loamy sands and soils with a high content of ne sand and silt are

susceptible to soil problems watch out for surface capping, compaction

and erosion damage unless high organic matter levels are maintained.

Sandy loams and sandy silt loams (soils with 18% clay particles) tend to be

imperfectly or poorly drained. Even when the drainage system is working well,

the range of moisture contents when clay soils are suitable for cultivation is

small. These soils are prone to drainage related problems and poaching,

compaction and smearing.

The soil textural triangle is a common method used to determine soil textural class

if you already know the percentage of clay, sand and silt in a soil sample. If these

factors are known, you can follow the three lines coming from the percentage

numbers until they all intersect at a point, indicating your soil texture type.

Alternatively, when percentages are not known soil texture can be estimated

by laboratory analysis or hand texturing (see Section 6).

Soil structure is the arrangement of particles in blocks or aggregates

within the soil. Structure is strongly in uenced by tillage, cropping,

texture, organic matter, compaction and biological activities and can

be affected by drainage status and weathering.

Maintaining a good, stable soil structure can

Increase water holding capacity Promote root growth

Maintain aeration and drainage Make cultivation easier

Reduce erosion risk.

Common problems seen on Scottish soilsA wide range of soil problems can go unseen. After examining soils you can consider

actions needed to rectify any problems. It may be necessary to seek specialist advice,

as general recommendations may not be appropriate to all soil types and conditions.

Hand texturing soils will indicate soil texture class.

Surface cappingProblem

Heavy rainfall on bare soils can break down soil surface structure leading

to the formation of a surface crust or cap (1 to 10 mm thick). This makes

it harder for seedlings to emerge from the soil, reduces water in ltrating

through the soil surface and increases run-off risk. Fine sandy and silty soils are particularly at risk from capping. The formation of erosion rills and gullies can result in soil deposition at sides of elds, on roads or in watercourses and ditches.

Grassland productivity can be decreased by soil compaction, surface smearing and wheeling damage to the sward.

ACTION

PROBLEM

ACTION

Suggested actions

Avoid producing too ne a seedbed during cultivation and where possible, retain residues of the previous crop at the surface

as a protective layer. The incorporation of organic matter (e.g. composted material, straw or dung) can greatly improve soil

structure and reduce capping risk. When capped soil dries, break the cap with a light harrow or Cambridge roller.

Problem

Compaction compresses the soil and restricts drainage, aeration and rooting depth. Over

-cultivation (the production of an excessively deep and/or ne structured seedbed) and

heavy traf cking, such as multiple passes of machinery on wet soils, will increase the risk

of soil over-compaction, plough or wheeling pans. Such pans can extend into the subsoil,

particularly if vehicles are heavy and sink during wet conditions. Poaching and shallow

pan formation from livestock is a common problem on grassland soils.

Compaction

Suggested actions

Identify depth of compaction (see Section 6). If the plough pan restricts water

movement or root growth then consider altering cultivation or ploughing depth to get

below this layer and break up the compacted soil. Ideally, loosen such layers before the

winter and mix in crop residues so that weathering and biological activity can loosen

and split the clods produced by tillage. Subsoiling, moling or grassland aerators (e.g.

spiked or knife rollers) may help to remediate soil compaction. These operations should

be carried out in dry conditions at working depth to avoid further soil damage. Avoid

over traf cking and restrict access when soil is saturated.

The upper layer of soil shows a pan formed by livestock. A wheel pan is also visible at the base of the topsoil.

The term wet soils usually refers to soil which is at or wetter than eld capacity (the moisture content of a soil after excess water has drained away about 1-2 days after heavy rainfall). Soils stay wet after heavy rainfall if they are in a low lying area or because of compact layers in the topsoil or upper subsoil preventing drainage.

Compact sandy loam soil before (left) and after breaking into coarse clods. Note how few roots are visible.

Heavy traf cking can damage soils.

PROBLEM

ACTION

PROBLEM

ACTION

Problem

Anaerobic layers are wet, (permanently or over long periods,

especially in winter) are often blue-grey in colour and can give a

foul, sulphurous (rotten eggs) smell. Roots cannot grow in anaerobic

conditions and nitrogen can be lost as a gas from anaerobic soils.

In some instances, incorporating crop residues to anaerobic soils

can increase the problem, as valuable oxygen is used up during the

decomposition process.

Suggested actions

Improve drainage of the soil within and below the anaerobic layer.

Planting a vigorously growing crop (e.g. a grass ley) can help to

deplete moisture and promote soil structural development.

Problem

Poor drainage is common in many soils and can be aggravated by

an ineffective or blocked drainage system or compacted soil layers

preventing drainage. Indicators of poor drainage include:

anaerobic soils

wet areas impeding machinery operations and stock turnout

patchy yellowing of crops

excessive growth of weeds.

Suggested actions

Assess drainage by digging soil inspection points. If the soil is dry

deeper in the pro le, then localised waterlogging could be present.

You may need to consider whether to repair or renew the drainage

system. Alternatively, persistent areas of poor drainage could be

used to create a wetland. Funding to support wetland creation may

be available through agri-environment schemes.

Anaerobic layers

Poor drainage

Recommended measures Maintain eld drainage systems (unless there are good reasons

not to).

Where possible, avoid working or grazing wet land as this may lead to smearing, and/or compaction. Consider using smaller or lighter vehicles, low ground pressure tyres, dual wheels or tracked vehicles to minimise soil damage.

Keep traf cking to already established tramlines where possible.

Reduce the frequency of traf c over the eld. Soil damage and

reductions in yield quantity and quality may be apparent.

Consider how poor soil conditions could be recti ed as part of the next cultivation.

Consider a more varied rotation to exploit the different soil management and root growth habits of different crops in generating and preserving soil structure.

Put wet elds under low intensity grass or allow them to form wetlands. Agri-environment funding may be available for this.

Poor drainage can be highlighted by yellowing of crops.

An anaerobic layer of blue-grey soil can be seen below the tilled layer at the knife blade. These conditions were attributed to severe compaction and rut formation as the pro le face was located near to a eld entrance.

This compacted loam topsoil is showing signs of localised waterlogging illustrated by the grey soil area.

What to do nextUsing the eld notes in Section 6, assess your soils and consider what action can be taken to maintain and

enhance soil quality across the farm. See Section 7 for a list of further information sources.

Reducing soil erosion 2

Soil erosion by water and wind can be a big problem for some farms, removing fertile topsoil, clogging drainage systems and polluting watercourses. Poaching from livestock gathering around feeding rings and at access points can increase the risk of soil erosion and contribute to soil loss. Simple changes in practices may help to reduce the occurrence and intensity of erosion events and so give rise to a range of bene ts for the farm.

Reducing soil erosion- bene ts to you and your businessFor areas that have been identi ed as at risk of erosion through soil assessment or experience from land management, reducing soil

erosion could bene t your business by:

Keeping your land in Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition; this will be a requirement for receiving your

Single Farm Payment.

Reducing loss of valuable topsoil and soil organic matter.

Sustaining long term land use and cropping potential.

Reducing watercourse and drainage maintenance.

Taking a closer lookMany practices can increase the risk of soil erosion,

especially on land prone to soil loss. Erosion is

normally a result of wind and/or water action and

can have hidden costs for both the farm and the

surrounding environment.

Wind erosion

Wind can pick up and move smaller soil particles

or tiny aggregates at the soils surface. These

smaller particles can be formed as a direct result

of cultivations on light, weakly structured land,

for example cultivation to produce a ner seedbed.

Windblow can result in large quantities of soil being

deposited in surrounding elds, roads, watercourses.

Wind erosion is common on soils with low structural

stability, such as light sandy loams and loamy

sands. Soil moved by wind action.

Cattle gathering around feeding rings can damage soil structure.

Soils can protect and maintain archaeological sites. These features can be lost or damaged by ploughing, drainage, subsoiling or other cultivations. Erosion and degradation of soils over archaeological sites may also breach GAEC requirements (see GAEC measures 12 and 17).

Water erosion

Water erosion can lead to severe and extended soil loss. The impact of

heavy rain breaks down soil aggregates and dislodges small particles

which are then susceptible to erosion. Run-off occurs when rainfall

exceeds the rate at which the water in ltrates into the soil and water

begins to run across the soil surface. The faster and more powerful

the water ow, the larger the particles moved and the further the

distance these particles can be transported. The action of the owing

water dislodges more particles, increasing the rate of soil loss.

Attached to soils are nutrients, pesticides and potentially

harmful bacteria, which enter local ditches, burns and

rivers, representing a cost to both the farmer and to the

environment this includes damage to natural habitats and

increased costs of water treatment.

Some soil types and cropping patterns can lead to a greater

risk of soil erosion, as illustrated in Figure 1. Steepness

of slopes can increase the risks of run-off, removing soil

particles. Tramlines can increase water ow down slopes.

You may need to seriously consider altering cultivation

methods and cropping on high-risk sites. Lighter soil

textures, for example sandy soils, will be more prone to

wind and water erosion depending on management factors,

length and steepness of slope and season. Maintaining

organic matter, increased topsoil stability, crop cover or

shelter from hedges and forestry plantations can all help

to reduce erosion risk.

Ian Robertson, Linkwood Farms, Elgin, Morayshire.

300 dairy cows plus followers on 800 hectares with 405ha in arable at any one time.

We have light, sandy soils here and our main soil issue is erosion through wind blow; some areas on the farm being more prone to soil loss than others. We have moved to a min-till approach to protect soils in some of the elds and we are really starting to see the bene ts, especially now that we have a good rotation in place. Even though min-till can sometimes need more in the way of herbicides to control weeds, we are saving on diesel and labour costs when compared to a traditional ploughing system, with the added bene t of protecting our soils.

Switching to a min-till system on some of our elds, ploughing-in farm manure to increase organic matter and leaving stubbles on elds after harvest has certainly helped to improve soil condition, drainage and reduced soil loss around the farm.

Rainfall and snowmelt can dislodge soil particles and lead to soil loss and

polluting runoff.

The hidden cost of soil erosion

To the farm business:

Loss of topsoil and soil organic matter can reduce soil rooting potential.

Repeat drilling of seeds and extra applications of fertilisers or herbicides may be required as a result of water or wind erosion.

Loss of land due to riverbank erosion.

Silt deposition can increase the need for ditch clearing operations and can make sites more prone to ooding.

To the surrounding environment:

Run-off containing soil can reduce water quality.

Fine sediments can clog the river bed, detrimentally affecting sh and other aquatic life.

Nutrient enrichment of waters can result in loss of biodiversity and amenity with the potential for algal blooms that can affect wildlife, humans and livestock.

Pesticides adsorbed onto soil particles may be transported to water.

Sediment can be deposited on public and private roads as well as hardstandings.

Flooding risk may increase due to drain blockages or loss of channel depth.

Recommended measures Time applications of manure to maximise nutrient use and

help to increase topsoil stability. Organic inputs such as

manure, straw, composted materials and non-agricultural

bio-wastes may help to preserve soil organic matter and

improve soil stability.

Change seedbed cultivation to produce a coarser tilth.

Fine seedbeds can increase erosion risk, destabilise soil

structure and lead to the surface becoming sealed or

capped.

Minimum or conservation tillage

Minimum tillage (min-till), using reduced

cultivation techniques, can protect soil

structure and reduce the costs of cultivation

whilst increasing or maintaining yields. A

minimum tillage system may involve quicker

and fewer passes at a shallower depth, or

avoid cultivation by direct drilling. Min-till

is suited to well-drained light to medium

textured soils, although these systems do

require careful control of compaction and

weeds. Min-till can save time and money

and in some cases could be better for the

environment.

Do you need such a ne seedbed? Fine seedbeds have many small sized aggregates making them prone to erosion, capping and slaking following heavy rain. They need to be managed well and covered quickly to reduce erosion risk, especially on lighter soils. Mulches, light rolling and nurse crops (e.g. sowing barley at the same time or slightly before sowing carrots) can all help to reduce erosion risk on vulnerable soils.

Minimum tillage can protect and enhance soil structure.

Crops on vulnerable soils

Maize

Potatoes

Turnips

Winter wheat/barley

Winter oil seed rape

Spring oil seed rape

Spring wheat/barley

Grass

Erosion risk scenarios

Fine seedbeds

De-stoning practices

Bare land after root crop harvesting

Livestock feeding, watering, shelter and access points

Outdoor pig rearing areas

Rough ploughed land

Cereal stubble

Land with good crop/vegetation cover

Higher

Lower

Eros

ion

risk

Figure 1. Soil erosion risk

Consider sowing grass as part of a rotation to improve soil structural stability and make the soil easier to manage, especially on

sites at risk from erosion.

Cultivate compacted bare land left after potato harvest and eld grazed forage crops as soon as possible.

Consider using minimum or reduced cultivation (min-till) techniques where suitable.

Retain stubbles for as long as possible over the winter period or leave soils roughly ploughed.

Where possible, tramlines should run across slopes. Alternatively a buffer area at the bottom of the slope may also help to reduce

run-off risk.

Retaining stubbles over the winter months will protect the soil surface from erosion.

What to do nextConsider the recommended measures - these could help you meet some of

the requirements under GAEC. Section 5 contains a checklist to help you

decide if you are complying with the soil related GAEC measures. Your

agricultural consultant should be able to give you further details on the topics

mentioned.

Targeted nutrient application 3

In the past, Scottish agricultural soils were often low in P (phosphorus) and required regular additions of this nutrient along with K2O (potassium or potash) and N (nitrogen). Research has shown that an increasing number of soils have adequate reserves of P while some soils contain an excess of P from years of slurry, manure and fertiliser applications. Lack of soil analysis to inform nutrient management, repeat applications of manure or slurry and adding the same rate of inorganic nutrients on a regular basis can lead to a signi cant waste of nutrients, time and money. Adding more nutrients than is needed by crops or grass will also greatly increase the proportion that is lost from your land and could pollute surrounding watercourses. Excess nitrogen in surface and groundwaters has led to the designation of Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) in some areas.

Targeted organic nutrient application - bene ts to you and your businessTargeted nutrient application can:

Lead to potential cost savings on inorganic fertilisers through more ef cient use of slurry and manure.

Allow inorganic fertiliser inputs to be adjusted to more accurately meet crop requirements across the farm.

Minimise surplus nutrients, saving money and reducing the risk of pollution of watercourses and groundwater around the farm.

Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs)

To comply with the EC Nitrates Directive, a number of Nitrate Vulnerable Zones have been designated. These are areas where surface freshwaters or groundwaters exceed or are likely to exceed 50mg nitrates per litre. These areas have Action Programme Regulations with which farmers have to comply.

Slurry and manure applications help to maintain soil nutrient status.

Taking a closer look Knowing current levels and trends of soil pH, nutrient status and

the nutrient contribution from slurry and manure applications

will allow you to calculate the quantities of inorganic fertilisers

and lime needed to meet crop requirements, keep nutrients

in balance and optimise crop and/or grass growth. A more

targeted application can save money, minimise losses and

reduce pollution risk. Soils should be sampled and analysed

approximately every ve years; appropriate lime applications

should achieve the correct balance between nutrients and target

pH for crop or grass growth. The cost of soil analysis could be

recovered through good organic manure and fertiliser use.

Nutrient application

To minimise environmental pollution risk, both organic and

inorganic fertilisers should be kept away from watercourses and hedges. Applying nutrients to these areas is not only a waste,

but could lead to pollution or prevent the growth of less nutrient-demanding hedgerow species, reducing biodiversity on the farm.

Spreaders should be calibrated on a regular basis to assess rate and spread pattern; you may be applying fertiliser unevenly with some

of the crop getting too little and some too much. Using headland de ector plates can help to minimise accidental spreading.

Remember the 10m no spread zone bordering watercourses and 50m around wells or boreholes used for dairies or drinking water when

spreading slurry and manure.

Recommended measures Carry out soil analysis for nutrients and pH on a three to ve year cycle. Knowing soil nutrient status and pH will help you to

accurately target nutrient and lime applications and could cut costs.

Calculate N, P & K additions from manure and slurry and take these into consideration with soil test results when planning

nutrient applications.

Prompt ploughing-in of manure after spreading will minimise the risk of ammonia losses to the environment (however, working

on wet soils could lead to soil damage and increase risk of capping and runoff).

Time nutrient applications to meet crop requirements and minimise risk of direct losses, e.g. from wind or runoff.

Keep fertiliser or manure applications away from hedgerows and watercourses. The use of de ector plates, uncropped eld

margins or conservation headlands will help to reduce this risk.

Make sure machinery is accurately calibrated.

Soil and pH

Soil pH is a measure of soil acidity and

affects the availability of nutrients to the

growing crop. The pH of mineral soils

should be maintained at about pH 6.3

for arable crops and pH 5.8 for lowland

grassland. Lime applications help to

increase soil pH, but over-liming should

be avoided as this will reduce the chemical

availability and plant uptake of some trace

elements.

Nutrient loss whats the problem?

Ammonium and nitrate mixes readily with water and is easily moved off the land through leaching and eld run-off. In contrast, phosphorus binds tightly to soil particles, and is more often lost due to erosion. Surplus nutrients above crop requirement are easily lost to the environment and represent an ongoing cost to the business. Nutrient losses to freshwater, especially phosphorus, can soon tip the balance and lead to an increased growth of aquatic algae. Occasionally, freshwater algae can be toxic, affecting both wildlife and livestock using this as a drinking source and signi cantly reduce amenity value. Losses can also occur via gaseous emissions of nitrogen compounds to the atmosphere, thus contributing to air pollution and climate change on a much larger scale.

Effect of range of pH on barley growth.

Examining nutrient applications could you save money?Balancing nutrient inputs and outputs on your farm could reduce costs with no loss of productivity, bene ting both the business and

the surrounding environment.

In 2002, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) commissioned a study looking at agricultural environmental management

on six different farm types. One part of this work compared the amount of nutrients in fertilisers, animal feeds and bought-in

manure (inputs) with nutrient removed in the form of harvested crops, livestock and manure (offtakes) on different types of working

farms. The balances (or excesses) from six different farm types are presented in Figure 2 (adapted from The Impacts of Agricultural

Environmental Management: Case Studies from Theory to Practice,

SEPA Report, 2002).

All farms in the SEPA study demonstrated a signi cant excess of

nutrients when inputs and offtakes were compared, with only one

farm close to balancing P requirements. These positive nutrient

balances were far greater than needed to maintain productivity

when additions of slurry or manure and soil nutrient status were

taken into account.

Obviously, every farm will be different, but importantly, Figure

2 illustrates that all six farm types were able to make nancial

savings based on reduced nutrient inputs, with an average saving

around 1,500 a year on fertiliser bills through accounting for

soil and organic nutrients.

How would you compare and how much could you

save? A simple programme of soil analysis could

highlight if nutrient additions are in line with crop

requirements, or if you are applying more than is

needed. Your agricultural consultant should be able

to draw up a nutrient plan for your farm, illustrating

potential savings.

What other farmers have said about nutrient applications

We vary rate and ratio of nutrient applications on results from soil analysis. It may initially seem like a hassle to change fromcompounds to straights, but its a waste to put on nutrients that your soil and crops just dont need.

Our average annual spend on bagged fertiliser was around 20k. We have been able to save around 4k through making better use of slurry.

Getting soils analysed and taking account of nutrients in slurry has allowed us to cut costs on P and K application.

Our soils were already well up into the moderate status where phosphorus and potash were concerned. Now we dont need to add any P and K on grazing elds, perhaps only just a top dressing of 25:5:5. Soil analysis has allowed us to save at least a couple of thousand pounds on bagged fertiliser costs.

Slurry and manure are a valuable source of nutrients.

250

200

150

100

50

0Hill Sheep Upland

StockLowland

Stock/ArableDairy General

ArableIntensive

Arable

PhosphateNitrogen

Kg/h

a

Farm type

Figure 2 Nutrient balances from 6 different farm types (SEPA 2002).

What to do nextConsider how you could improve organic nutrient use and fertiliser management

and calculate potential savings it could bring to the business. Methods to

calculate the potential value of slurry and manure from housed livestock can

be found in The 4 Point Plan, available from your SEERAD of ce. Help is also

available through the EMA (Environmental Management for Agriculture)

CDROM to draw up your own nutrient budget. Alternatively, your agricultural

consultant can help you draw up a nutrient budget for your farm. Section 7

contains a list of useful publications.

Preventing soil loss - protecting water quality

4

Nutrients, pesticides, harmful bacteria and soil particles can be lost as a result of soil erosion. Soils can end up on roads and other elds around the farm and in watercourses leading to lochs or coastal waters. Changes in agricultural practices may be complemented by mitigation measures, some of which could be funded under agri-environment schemes, helping to further protect land and reduce the risk of soil losses to the surrounding environment.

Bene ts to you and your businessProtecting water around the farm through reducing

soil losses can:

Reduce the risk of penalties under the Single

Farm Payment Scheme.

Reduce hidden costs from

clearing out silt build-up in rivers and

streams

time and money spent on drainage

maintenance.

Attract funding from agri-environment

schemes or local initiatives.

Reduce risk of diffuse pollution.

Improve biodiversity, sheries and wildlife

habitats.

Taking a closer lookPreserving good water quality around the farm is

important for both biodiversity and amenity value.

Livestock dunging in burns, run-off and eroded

soil from tracks, yards and around feeding rings

can all represent a signi cant source of diffuse

pollution and soil loss from the farm. Livestock

need access to water, but free and unchecked

access can damage bankside vegetation and soil

structure. Buffer strips, vegetated headlands and

wetlands can all help to intercept nutrient and soil

losses and provide important breeding and feeding

habitats for wildlife whilst protecting water quality

around the farm.

Flooding and farmland

Flooding is something that appears to be happening more frequently. Farmland

prone to frequent ooding is less suitable for cultivation or cropping but may

play an alternative useful role by retaining ood water. Allowing these wet,

unproductive areas of farmland to ood could reduce ooding risk further

downstream. It could also provide valuable habitats for wildlife and birds and

may act as a lter between your land and the neighbouring watercourse.

Funding to utilise these wet areas may be available through agri-environment

schemes or local initiatives.

Excess nutrients in watercourses will increase the occurrence of algal blooms.

Recommended measures Consider the use of buffer strips around watercourses.

Financial assistance under agri-environment

schemes or local initiatives may be available.

Avoid creating ruts and wheelings with farm

machinery. Vehicle tracks can act as channels for

run-off. If possible, use contour tramlines.

Reconsider crop choices for problem areas. Areas at

high risk of erosion may need to be kept in grass to

stabilise soils.

Maintain or replant hedges. Hedges can reduce the

impact of wind erosion, provide shelter for crops

or livestock and offer habitat for many wildlife

species.

Additional measures for farmers with livestock on

their land

Where possible, provide drinking troughs and

minimise livestock access to watercourses.

Make sure feeding rings and trailers are suitably

positioned, i.e. well away from watercourses and not

on ground sloping towards a watercourse.

Select drier elds for winter grazing. Ideally, stock

should be removed from land which is becoming

heavily poached.

Minimise stock movement on farm tracks prone to

erosion, or prevent run-off from entering burns and

streams. Laying specially constructed cow tracks

using bark may result in less soil erosion; tracks have

also been demonstrated to reduce the incidence of

foot damage to livestock.

Consider pollution risk when strip grazing and

grazing stock on fodder crops. Temporary fences for

strip grazing should run across the slope rather than

up and down if possible.

Kenny Cannon, Hillocks of Clunie, Snaigow Estates, Blairgowrie. 250 cattle with followers on over 1,000 ha plus 280 ha cereal.

Adding buffer strips along water margins and replanting and fencing off hedges are just two of the measures we are employing here at Hillocks of Clunie to protect surrounding water quality.

Buffer strips around watercourses provide a twofold bene t as not only do they remind you to keep a distance when spreading fertilisers and manure, but also increase suitable habitat for game and other birds supplying a source of food, shelter and places to nest. A lot of these measures we managed to put in place ourselves. For others we were able to access funding under a local initiative run by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and through the Rural Stewardship Scheme (RSS).

Keeping arable elds in stubble over the winter rather than ploughing in autumn and carefully choosing sites for temporary eld heaps are just two of the other measures we have introduced to help protect water quality within the catchment. Spreading manure and ploughing-in in early spring makes much more sense as it incorporates the nutrients into the soil and boosts soil organic matter. It also helps to reduce the risk of soil loss, especially over the winter months

Buffer strips can protect watercourses from run-off whilst also improving habitat

for wildlife.

What to do nextConsider areas that could pose a risk to soil and

water quality around the farm. There may already

be partnership projects running in your area that

could assist with funding or advice for speci c

measures. Your agricultural consultant should

be able to provide details of national or local

schemes to consider.

Protecting your soils andSingle Farm Payment

5The points in the table below are a guide to the conditions required under the soil aspects of GAEC (soil erosion, soil organic matter

and soil structure). If you answer no to any of the questions or are unsure of the answer, you should refer to GAEC guidance

for full details as all or part of your Single Farm Payment may be at risk. To comply with GAEC you also need to observe the

minimum level of maintenance conditions relating to the protection of habitats and landscape features. The full requirements under

GAEC can be found in the Cross Compliance section of the Single Farm Payment Explanatory Notes (details in Section 7).

Are elds protected by crop or grass cover or a roughly cultivated

surface over the winter months?

GAEC measure 1

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

GAEC measure 2

Do you take measures to reduce soil loss as a result of wind erosion from erosion prone sites?

GAEC measure 3

Do you take capping risk into consideration when planning rotations and break any caps that form?

Question Tick appropriate box Comment

Crop cover can signi cantly cut wind and water erosion risk, reducing siltation of drains and nutrient loss to watercourses. Consider other actions that may decrease the risk of soil erosion e.g. avoidance of over-compaction, reducing heavy traf cking or maintenance of hedges and vegetation cover.

Finely prepared seedbeds or lack of crop cover could increase the risk of soil erosion. Crop cover, keeping stubbles over the winter months or leaving a roughly cultivated surface (created by the use of discs or tines) can all help to protect the soil surface from erosion, depending on slope and weather conditions. Where suitable, spring cropping or direct drilling or min-till techniques for winter crops are all worth considering to reduce erosion risk.

Reducing soil loss will bene t your farm and surrounding land and watercourses.

Maintaining crop cover, using coarse seedbeds, shelterbelts, nurse crops, mulches or taking a minimum tillage approach could help minimise soil loss from your farm.

This will help to reduce run-off and protect soil structure

Capping can lead to poor seedling emergence and increase run-off risk. Maintaining soil cover, leaving a rough seedbed and reduced cultivation (for example leaving a coarse tilth or avoiding rolling seedbeds) could help to reduce capping risk.

Do you try to prevent erosion around the banks of watercourses, watering points and feeding areas as a result of heavy grazing, trampling or poaching by livestock?

GAEC measure 4

Are ditch and drainage systems maintained?

GAEC measure 5

Do you follow the Muirburn Code?

GAEC measure 6

When applying inorganic fertilisers, do you budget for nutrients in slurry and manure and match to crop or grass demand?

GAEC measure 7

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Question Tick appropriate box Comment

Preventing overgrazing and heavy poaching will protect soil structure. Regularly check elds where stock are grazing for poaching and soil damage.

Heavy poaching or overgrazing could indicate over stocking and may lead to SFPS penalties. Avoid siting feeding rings near watercourses and rotate feeding sites to minimise soil damage. On sites of low erosion risk, e.g. improved grassland/arable a sacri cial feeding area may be easier to manage.

Areas of conservation interest should not be used for feeding sites.

Check ditches, drains and pipe outlets on a regular basis.

Blocked ditches and ineffective pipe drains could increase maintenance costs and lead to a greater risk of erosion and ooding (unless blocked for environmental gain, e.g. moorland grips). It may be more cost effective to leave broken eld drains and create wetland for environmental gain a conservation or agricultural adviser should be able to advise the best course of action for your situation.

Following the Muirburn Code could help to avoid damage to property, wildlife, game and archaeology.

The Muirburn Code gives guidance for those carrying out muirburn on their land (see Section 7 for details). Extensive erosion could occur on steep sites through inappropriate burning.

This will make the most of nutrients contained in slurry and manure and reduce the risk of nutrient losses from your farm.

Be aware of the amount of valuable nutrients contained in slurry and manure applications and tailor nutrient additions accordingly. The 4 Point Plan will help you to estimate nutrients in slurry and manure from housed livestock.

Question Tick appropriate box Comment

Incorporating manures will increase soil organic matter content.

Nutrients in manures left on the soil surface could be lost through runoff. In areas prone to wind erosion, manure incorporation can be delayed.

Avoiding cultivation or machinery operations when water is standing on the soil surface or the ground is saturated will protect soil structure. SEERAD de ne saturation by the appearance of water from the soil when pressure is applied e.g. from a footprint.

Heavy vehicle weight is a prime cause of compaction even when spread over wide tyres to reduce ground pressure. Frequent vehicle movements or cultivation of wet or waterlogged soils could lead to erosion, rutting or sub-soil compaction, which may be dif cult to eradicate. The use of light vehicles, low tyre in ation pressures, dual wheels or tracked vehicles will minimise impact on soils.

Do you incorporate livestock manure within 2 weeks after spreading on stubbles?

GAEC measure 8

Do you check ground conditions are suitable before carrying out machinery operations?

GAEC measure 9

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes answers

You are ful lling many of the requirements under the soil component of GAEC. If you answered no to any of the key points, refer to the SEERAD guidance (details in Section 7) and consider any practices you can use to improve soil condition and keep your land in good agricultural and environmental condition.

No answers

Look again at the key points - are there any changes you can make to improve agricultural and environmental conditions on your land? You need to check up on the GAEC requirements as failure to comply with conditions could lead to loss of payments under the SFPS. Consult the SEERAD guidance (see Section 7) or speak to youragricultural consultant.

How did you do?

6Field NotesAssessing your soils

Assessing soil textures in mineral soilsWhen you do not know the proportion of sand, silt and clay particles in your soil, you can estimate using the following method. Take

about a dessert spoon of freshly dug out soil. If too dry, wet up gradually, kneading between nger and thumb until soil crumbs are

broken down. Enough moisture is needed to hold the soil together and to show its maximum stickiness. Follow the paths in the

diagram to get to the texture class.

Start

Is the moist soil predominantly rough and gritty?

Does soil mould to form an easily deformed ball and feel smooth and silky (butter)?

Soil moulds like plasticine, polishes, and feels very sticky when wet

Does soil mould to form a strong ball which smears, but does not take a polish?

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Does the soil stain the ngers?

Is it dif cult to roll the soil into a ball?

Does soil feel smooth and silty as well as gritty?

Also rough and gritty

Also smooth and silky

Also rough and gritty

Also smooth and buttery

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Sand

Loamy Sand

Sandy Loam

Sandy Silt Loam

Silt Loam

Clay Loam

Sandy Clay Loam

Silty Clay Loam

Clay

Sandy Clay

Silty Clay

Assessment of Soil Texture

Taken from Controlling soil erosion: a eld guide for an erosion risk assessment for farmers and consultants. MAFF, PB 4092 Crown

Copyright 1999.

Assessing soil structureAssessing topsoil structure can help you identify

potential soil problems. It is useful to compare

different elds with different soil structures.

Consider previous land use in these areas, e.g. are

these elds in grass or have they received heavy

machinery traf c? If possible, choose several sites

around a eld to assess soil structure; the best time

to look at topsoil is when the soil is moist and during

spring or early summer when root development will

be most obvious. It will be dif cult to assess soil

structure if soil is very wet or too dry.

You will need to take a spade and a knife plus pen

and paper or camera if you want to record your

results. Comparison of photographs of soil often

reveals information about the soil which was not

obvious in the eld.

Using the spade, dig out a square or spit of topsoil, keeping the spade as vertical as possible in the soil. Alternatively you could

dig a hole of around 40cm (16 inches) in depth to reveal the soil pro le.

Using the following table, examine the soil pro le both on the spit of soil and in the hole where it came from. Your ndings should

allow you to make a basic assessment of soil structure.

Take note of How to do it What to look for Possible structural indications

Soil surface Examine the surface of the soil Resistance to penetration and a visible crust may have developed

Capping at the soil surface

Compacted zones Using the knife, move down the soil pro le and look for any hard or compacted layers

Hard layer present in soil pro le

Note the depth and thickness of any hard or compacted layers

Compaction / poor structure

Root development(this may be less relevant for freshly ploughed sites)

Using knife or ngers gently prise apart the roots from the soils

Note maximum depth of rooting and depth of any growth restriction

Look at root structures. In well-structured soils, roots should be growing without restriction and should be numerous and well branched with plenty of ne root hairs and occupying the whole soil volume

Signs of growth restriction may be seen, e.g. roots running sideways, con ned to pores or growing between clods (although this may be a feature of a heavy clay soil)

Soil could be suffering from compaction

A good soil has pores for water and air to enter and medium sized, stable aggregates

with crop residues to provide protection from rainfall.

Take note of How to do it What to look for Possible structural indications

Structure and organisation of particles

Gently break large clods and plates by hand

Predominantly stable crumb structure made from a mixture of small more rounded and easily broken aggregates

Note size and shape of clods and aggregates and how friable they are.

Absence of crumbs and presence of large blocky or horizontal plates, often hard to break in clay and loamy soils

Good structure

Poor structure

Colour of soil pro le and presence of cracks

On large clods look for cracks

On whole section look for difference in coloration, e.g mottling, presence of greyish-blue or orangy patches or layers and a bad smell (rotten eggs)

Absence of crumbs. Almost single grain structure seen in sandy soil

If cracks less than 0.2mm

Gleying is sign of anaerobic conditions and reduced aeration

Homogenous brown colour

Poor structure

Poor structureCould have impeded drainage and/or compaction problems

Could indicate impeded drainage and/or compaction

Good drainage

Worms and other biological activities

Presence of worm activities. Channels at depth and casts at surface

Look for fungus mycelium.Indicative of more acidic conditions

Good structure

Possible drainage problems

Ground condition assessment using the heel or squelch test.Walking on elds and taking note of how the ground feels underfoot can give a simple indication as to how vulnerable soils could be

to damage from traf c or livestock.

A more detailed soils assessment guide is available from The UK Soil Management Initiative. For details see Section 7.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Baked Dry on top Damp and Damp and Squelchy Squelchy Very soft Waterlogged

Hard rm soft in patches all over

Good Condition Poor Condition

From 1-3 the soil is suitable for From 4-8 the soil is increasingly likely to suffer from

stocking and traf cking with low risk compaction and rutting

of damage.

From 6-8 stock or traf c on the

land could result in signi cant soil damage.

What to do nextOnce you have assessed your soils look again at Section 1. There may

be some ideas for you to consider to improve soil quality. You may want

to discuss your ndings and any possible remedial actions with your

agricultural adviser.

Finding out more 7

Organisation Services/Information Contact details

Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG Scotland)

Specialist and general advice on agri-environment and conservation issues. Able to provide nutrient budgeting services and point of contact for Rural Stewardship Scheme.

Algo Business Centre, Glenearn Road, Perth, PH2 0NJ.Telephone 01738 450 500 www.fwag.org.uk/scotland

Independent accredited agricultural consultants

Provide a range of services from soil sampling to RSS applications to drainage plans.

See local phone book.www.yell.co.uk

LEAF(Linking Environment And Farming)

UK wide charity helping farmers to improve environment and business performance through network of demonstration farms.

LEAF, National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, CV8 2LZ. Tel 02476 413911, www.leafuk.org

NFU Scotland Provides political representation for Scottish farmers.

NFU Scotland, Rural Centre - West Mains, Ingliston, Midlothian, EH28 8LT. Telephone: 0131 472 4000. www.nfus.org.uk

SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Provides consultancy services to the agricultural sector. Subscribers to SAC receive Technical Notes covering a range of subjects, e.g. crop fertiliser requirements, minimum tillage.

SAC, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG. Tel: 0131 535 4000 www.sac.ac.uk

Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)

Provides guidance on pollution prevention measures and enforces environmental legislation. Contact local SEPA of ce for site speci c information.

Contact local SEPA of ce. 24 hour Pollution hotline 0800 807060Floodline 0845 988 1188www.sepa.org.uk

Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD)

Government department responsible for legal and technical matters relating to agriculture and rural development.

Contact local SEERAD Of ce or SEERAD Scottish Executive, Pentland House, 47 Robbs Loan, Edinburgh. EH14 1TY Tel: 0131 244 6015www.scotland.gov.uk

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Administers the Natural Care programme for farmers with sites of special scienti c interest (SSSI) or Natura 2000 sites on their land. May have local grant schemes for habitat enhancement or water protection.

For advice contact local SNH of ce. For publications contact Scottish Natural Heritage, Battleby, Redgorton, Perth, PH1 3EW. Tel: 01738 444177.www.snh.org.uk

Scottish Organic Producers Association (SOPA)

Organic certi cation body that promotes the sustainable growth of farming businesses.

Scottish Organic Centre10th Avenue, Royal Highland CentreIngliston, Edinburgh, EH28 8NFTel: 0131 333 0940www.sopa.org.uk

Contact details for organisations that could provide further advice or guidance are contained in Table 1.1. Table 1.2 contains a list

of publications or further information that you might nd useful.

Table 1.1 Organisations that could provide further advice

Information source Content Contact Details

The Soil Association A UK wide campaigning and certi cation organisation for organic food and farming.

Soil Association Scotland18 Liberton Brae, Tower Mains, Edinburgh, EH28 8NFTel: 0131 666 2474www.soilassociationscotland.org

WWF Scotland (formerly World Wildlife Fund)

Global conservation charity. WWF Scotland, Little Dunkeld, Dunkeld Perthshire, PH8 0ADTel: 01350 728200www.wwf-uk.org

Information source Content Contact Details

BMP Guidance; Farm Scale Audit & Manual.To be published in 2006

Contains information & design guidance on a range of farm based Best Management Practices to reduce diffuse pollution risk.

Contact dpi@sepa.org.uk

Environmental Management for Agriculture (EMA)

A computer-based tool looking at solutions to improve environmental and business performance. Price 47, free tutorials and demonstration available online.

www.herts.ac.uk/aeru/ema

Farming and watercourse management A good practice handbook.(SEPA, SNH and WWF Scotland)

Handbook identi es practical ways that management could be improved to bene t watercourses. Price 10. Hard copy or download free from SEPA.

Hard copy available from Scottish Natural Heritage, Battleby, Redgorton, Perth, PH1 3EW. Tel: 01738 444177. www.snh.org.uk or free download at www.sepa.org.uk/pdf/guidance/hei/wwf.pdf

Farm Management Handbook - SAC Publication

The UK reference handbook for farm business management. Price 21.00

SAC, West Mains Road. Edinburgh, EH9 3JGTel: 0131 535 4000 Fax: 0131 535 4246www.sac.ac.uk

HGCA HGCA supports the UK cereal and oilseeds industry in improving its competitiveness in UK and overseas markets. Contains useful links to soil publications.

Home-Grown Cereals Authority Caledonia House, 223 Pentonville RoadLondon, N1 9HYTel: 020 7520 3920www.hgca.com

Impact of agricultural environmental management: case studies from theory to practice.SEPA publication, 2002

Study of six farm types to investigate best management practices that could bene t both farms and the environment.

www.sepa.org.uk/publications/index.htm

Manure Nitrogen Evaluation Routine (Manner)

Computer program used to predict the fertiliser nitrogen value of organic manure on a eld speci c basis.

Available free from ADAS, Gleadthorpe Research Centre, Meden Vale, Mans eld, Notts NG20 9PF. Tel 01623 844331.www.adas.co.uk/manner

Land Management Contracts Menu Scheme & LMC Guidance Note

Menu of options designed to release annual funding for economic, social & environmental bene ts.

Available free from local SEERAD Of ce. www.scotland.gov.uk

The Macaulay Institute Carries out research on land and environmental management plus consultancy services. See homepage for links to soil conservation information.

The Macaulay InstituteCraigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QHTel: 01224 498200www.macaulay.ca.uk

Managing River Habitats for Fisheries(SEPA, Fisheries Research Service, SNH and Scottish Executive)

Joint publication looking at planning, design and implementation of river management schemes.

Contact SEPA Corporate of ce.Tel: 01786 457700www.sepa.org.uk

Minimum Tillage SAC technical note TN 553

SAC technical note containing information and case studies on Minimum Tillage.

Contact your local SAC of ce or see address in Table 1.1

Table 1.1 Organisations that could provide further advice continued

Table 1.2 Further information

Information source Content Contact Details

Muirburn Code Contains recommendations to reduce risk when carrying out burning. See also The Muirburn Code a Guide to Best Practice.

Available free from local SEERAD Of ce.www.scotland.gov.uk/library3/environment/mbcd-00.asp

NetRegs UK web site to help small businesses to understand regulations affecting their environmental obligations. Contains both mandatory measures required by Scottish law and good practice measures.

www.netregs.gov.uk/netregs/

Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ) Action Programme Guidance Notes

Guidance for farmers within NVZs. Contains tables showing how to calculate nutrient requirements. Also available in CD ROM format.

Available free from local SEERAD Of ces within NVZs.www.scotland.gov.uk

Managing River Habitats for Fisheries(SEPA, Fisheries Research Service, SNH and Scottish Executive)

Joint publication looking at planning, design and implementation of river management schemes.

Contact SEPA Corporate of ce.Tel: 01786 457700www.sepa.org.uk

Opportunities for saving money by reducing waste on your farm A manual for farmers and growers(PB4819)

Booklet highlighting cost effective techniques to minimise waste around the farm.

Available free from DEFRA Publications, Admail 6000, London SW1A 2XX. Tel 08459 33 55 77 www.defra.gov.uk

Ponds, pools and lochansISBN 1-901322-16-5

SEPA publication giving guidance on good practice in the management and creation of small waterbodies in Scotland.

Contact SEPA Corporate of ce.Tel: 01786 457700www.sepa.org.uk

Prevention of Environmental Pollution From Agricultural Activity Code of Good Practice (PEPFAA Code) Dos and Donts Guide ISBN 0-7559-0481-8

Abridged version of the PEPFAA Code. Available free from local SEERAD Of ce.www.scotland.gov.uk/publications/2005/03/20879/54890

Prevention of Environmental Pollution From Agricultural Activity Code of Good Practice (PEPFAA Code)

Scottish Code of Good Farming Practice. Available free from local SEERAD Of ce. www.scotland.gov.uk

Rural Stewardship Scheme (RSS) Competitive agri-environment scheme paying the farmer for carrying out environmentally friendly farming practices to maintain and enhance habitats on the farm.

Further details of the RSS can be obtained from your local SEERAD Of ce or agricultural consultant.www.scotland.gov.uk

Scottish Agriculture A guide to grants and services.ISBN 0 7559 4262 0

Lists grants available for agricultural businesses in Scotland.

Available free from local SEERAD Of ce.www.scotland.gov.uk

Scottish Forestry Grant Scheme and Farmland Premium Scheme

A range of grants are available for planting and management of woodlands.

Forestry Commission, 231 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh. EH12 7AT. Tel: 0131 334 0303www.forestry.gov.uk

Scottish Native Woods Restoring and Managing RiparianWoodlandsISBN 0 9529283 2 9

Booklet illustrating importance of riparian woodlands and suggesting techniques to manage, restore or create riparian woodlands.

Available from Scottish Native Woods, 1 Crieff Road, Aberfeldy, Perthshire. PH15 2BJTel 01887 820392www.scottishnativewoods.org.uk

Single Farm Payment Scheme Explanatory Notes

Series of lea ets outlining requirements under the Single Farm Payment Scheme. Contains information on GAEC under Cross Compliance.

Available free from local SEERAD Of ce.www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Agriculture/CAPRef/SFPS/Introduction

Soil Management on Organic Farms.Soil Association

Advice and guidance on maintaining soil health and fertility. Price 5.00.

Available from the Soil AssocaiationAddress in Table 1.1

Information source Content Contact Details

The 4 Point PlanSEERAD, SAC, SEPA, NFU Scotland, SNH, WWF Scotland and FWAG Scotland.ISBN 1 85482 813 4

Straightforward guidance for livestock farmers to reduce the risk of diffuse pollution . Contains information on minimising dirty water around the steading and how to do a simple risk assessment for spreading slurry and manure.

Available free from your local SEERAD Of ce.www.sac.ac.uk/4pp

TIBRE Arable handbookISBN 1 85397 4161

Handbook showing how new technologies can be used in farming to bene t both the farm business and environment.

Available from Scottish Natural Heritage, Battleby, Redgorton, Perth, PH1 3EW. Tel: 01738 444177. www.snh.org.uk/tibre

UK Soil Management Initiative Independent organisation to promote systems designed to protect and enhance soil quality. Website contains range of information and contacts plus summary of case studies. Also produce a visual soil assessment booklet, available free from website.

UK Soil Management Initiative Ltd, The Paddocks, Powey Lane, Mollington, Chester. CH1 6LHwww.smi.org.uk

The Voluntary Initiative The Voluntary Initiative focuses on best practice concerning pesticide use in agriculture and horticulture across the UK.

www.voluntaryinitiative.org.uk