DAERA launches scheme to train farmers in soil health and water quality

The UK’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is taking critical steps to improve soil health and water quality through a series of initiatives aimed at farmers. One prominent program is the Farm Innovation Visits (FIV), which are designed to equip farmers with practical knowledge about sustainable farming techniques that enhance water quality and soil health.

The FIV focuses on cutting-edge methods to manage agricultural land while maintaining profitability. One upcoming event in November 2024 will take a group of farmers to County Wicklow, Ireland, where they will observe sustainable practices being implemented under the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP). These approaches are targeted at reducing fertiliser, herbicide, and pesticide usage, while simultaneously boosting biodiversity and improving water infiltration, particularly in light of the more extreme weather patterns driven by climate change.

Improving soil health is crucial to mitigating water pollution. As part of its broader strategy, the UK government has implemented the Farming Rules for Water (FRfW), which set out specific guidelines for farmers to prevent water pollution, especially from runoff and soil erosion. The FRfW emphasize the importance of regular soil testing—required every five years—to better manage fertiliser and manure application, which can significantly affect local water quality. The goal is to minimize nutrient leaching into water bodies, a primary cause of water pollution in agricultural regions.

In addition to these soil testing rules, farmers are also encouraged to adopt soil-friendly techniques such as reduced tillage and the planting of cover crops, which not only enhance soil structure but also increase water retention. These practices help agricultural land adapt to the intensifying rainfall and unpredictable weather conditions seen across the UK.

The integration of these practices into farm management is also supported by financial incentives. The government is offering grants for projects like slurry storage and the construction of covered manure stores, which further assist in controlling nutrient runoff during the wetter autumn and winter months. Such measures are part of the broader River Basin Management Plans, which aim to improve the UK's water quality by integrating agricultural practices with sustainable water management strategies.

The intersection of soil health and water quality is becoming increasingly important as the UK grapples with the environmental impacts of agriculture. Programs like the FIV and the updated FRfW provide farmers with both the tools and the knowledge to manage their land in ways that protect vital natural resources, ensuring a sustainable agricultural future while also improving farm profitability. By reducing chemical inputs and promoting practices that build soil health, these initiatives contribute not only to environmental conservation but also to the resilience of the UK’s farming sector.