Today, on World Soils Day, we shine a spotlight on the lifeblood of farming: soil. Often overlooked and underestimated, soil is the foundation of agriculture, biodiversity, and sustainable land management. At FWAG East, we have always recognised its immense value, incorporating soil health into our Whole Farm Approach thinking. This ethos underpins everything we do, as we work collaboratively with farmers to enhance their soil’s health, productivity, and resilience.
The Whole Farm Approach: Putting Soil at the Heart of Sustainability
Since its inception, FWAG East has advocated for a holistic view of farm management. We believe that soil health is the keystone of a sustainable farming system. Without healthy soils, efforts to improve water quality, biodiversity, and crop production falter. That’s why we support farmers in understanding and managing their soils as part of the bigger picture.
Through services like soil health assessments and soil sampling, we empower farmers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. We can also assist farmers with CSAM1 Soil Health Assessments, which offer a structured framework for evaluating and improving soil health. This approach is aligned with the growing emphasis on soil health within government
policy, including schemes like the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI).
Case Study: Building Soil Health in Hertfordshire
In Hertfordshire, FWAG East has been working with a group of forward-thinking farmers to assess and enhance their soil health.
Our assessments revealed some fascinating insights. For instance, soils with higher earthworm counts consistently demonstrated:
Better soil structure: These soils were more friable, with greater porosity and less compaction.
Faster water infiltration rates: Infiltration tests showed that these soils absorbed water more effectively, reducing runoff and the risk of flooding.
The connection between soil health and flood risk management cannot be overstated. Soils with good structure and organic matter content act like sponges, absorbing and holding more water during heavy rainfall. This reduces surface runoff, mitigates erosion, and helps to lower the risk of downstream flooding—a benefit that extends far beyond the farm gate.
These findings underscore the critical role of biological activity in maintaining healthy soils. Earthworms play a pivotal role in aerating the soil, improving structure, and cycling nutrients.
Fascinating Facts About Soil
Soil is far more than just dirt—it’s a complex, living ecosystem. Here are some fascinating facts to ponder this World Soils Day:
A teaspoon of soil contains more microorganisms than there are people on Earth. These microbes drive essential processes like nutrient cycling and carbon storage.
More than half of all of the species on earth live in the soil (Enumerating soil biodiversity | PNAS)
95% of the food we eat relies on soil. From grains to vegetables to livestock forage, healthy soils are the backbone of food security.
Soil Health and Policy: A Changing Landscape
Soil health is not just a farming concern; it’s a national priority. Government policies are increasingly recognising the need to protect and enhance this critical resource. The UK’s Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS) places soil health at the core of its Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), with payments available for actions like cover cropping and soil sampling.
DEFRA’s emphasis on soil health reflects a growing understanding of its role in mitigating climate change, improving water quality, and enhancing biodiversity. At FWAG East, we are committed to helping farmers navigate these policy shifts, ensuring they can access the support they need while delivering environmental benefits.
What’s Next for Soil Health?
World Soils Day is an opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the challenges ahead. In the east of England, our work with farmers shows that improving soil health is not just possible—it’s transformational. Healthy soils lead to healthier crops, ecosystems, and communities.
Looking ahead, FWAG East will continue to expand our soil services, offering practical, science-based solutions to farmers. From tailored soil health assessments to group workshops and individual advice, we aim to equip farmers with the tools they need to unlock their soil’s potential.
Celebrating Soils Today—and Every Day
On this World Soils Day, we celebrate the humble soil that supports life on Earth. At FWAG East, we’re proud to champion soil health as a cornerstone of sustainable farming. Whether you’re a farmer looking to improve your soil or a land manager keen to understand more, we’re here to help.
Together, we can ensure our soils remain healthy, productive, and resilient for generations to come. Let’s keep digging deeper into the potential beneath our feet!
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