The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Compaction tackled and record broken
Issue among those in the spotlight at forthcoming Warwickshire event
Compaction is a serious problem in many grassland soils but attempting to cure it could prove hazardous if the underlying drainage is failing, experts have warned.
Around 70% of UK pasture is suffering from degradation, with 10% severely compacted, leading to poor grass yields and limiting access to land following rainfall.
However, farmers who are considering alleviating such compaction should check the field drains are working first, or they could be wasting their time.
According to ADAS experts, who will be running the soil and nutrient advice clinic at this year’s Grassland & Muck Event, productive soils need to be both well drained and well structured; the two go hand in hand.
“I go to many sites where people have enough or even more drainage than they really need, but the soil is too compacted for water to pass through to reach the drains,” said Kirk Hill, drainage specialist at ADAS.
“On the other hand, there is no point subsoiling if the drainage isn’t working; you could cause more damage than you relieve.”
According to Mr Hill, the key is to identify where there may be soil or drainage problems and then take the correct action to alleviate them.
Signs of compaction or inadequate drainage can include standing water, weeds and poor yields, so farmers should dig a soil pit in these areas, added soil specialist Dr Paul Newell-Price.
The pit should be at least 60cm deep, and farmers should then look at the soil structure and colour as well as root depth and presence of earth worms.
To learn more about such tell-tale signs, visitors to this year’s Grassland & Muck Event will be able to get below ground level in the soil pit, to examine the soil profile and identify issues.
“Half of the soil pit will have been compacted, and visitors can also see a sward lifter, aerator and drum-type loosening equipment in situ, to find out at what depth they work best,” said Dr Newell-Price.
In addition, visitors can bring a photo of their own soil profile and a soil sample to discuss with ADAS experts (stand 906), as well as recent soil and manure analysis results.
Mr Hill said many farmers will hold historic drainage plans, or may be able to access them through the local drainage contractor, but where they are not available the best option is to look at aerial photos, walk the field and clear drainage ditches to look for outfalls.
“The most common problem with drainage systems is when the outfalls aren’t kept clear – so dig out your ditches and check for running water from the outfalls after rainfall,” he said.
“It may be that you only need to replace the final metre or two where the outfalls have silted up or collapsed.”
Different soils have different drainage needs – which will also depend on the average rainfall in the area, added Mr Hill.
“However, changing weather patterns have put the spotlight back on drainage. We’re getting more intensive storms, leading to increased risk of soil erosion and loss of soil organic matter.
“Better soil management and drainage will reduce these losses and result in less soil drought, waterlogging and nutrient loss.”
Dr Newell-Price said the value of well drained, well-structured soils is considerable.
The Grassland & Muck Event takes place in Stoneleigh from May 24-25.