Soils Farmer

Plan ahead to get the most from soil sampling

Agronomist Focus, Biodiversity, Research, Soil Health, Soils Farmer / By

Soil sampling is an essential tool in understanding the nutrient availability of soils, but unless the results are interpreted correctly it could be a wasted exercise.

That’s according to Simon Francis, Technical and Services Manager for ProCam, who explains that not only is soil sampling required for farm assurance compliance purposes and to meet the statutory requirements of an increasing number of SFI schemes, but it is also time well invested in ensuring crops can perform to their full potential.

Ecoacoustics – a new underground horizon for soil health

Biodiversity, Livestock on Farm, Soil Health, Soils Farmer / By

Following on from a farm trial undertaken by Andy Cato’s Wildfarmed farms, (as mentioned in our Farmer Profile issue Nov’ 24) we’re drilling down (pardon the pun) into the technology behind a new technique for measuring soil health – ecoacoustics. Ecoacoustics is an emerging science which investigates natural and anthropogenic sounds and their relationship with …

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Long-term fall in phosphate use raises concerns

Agronomist Focus, Products in Focus, Soils Farmer / By

The development of soil-release agents and protected forms of phosphate means growers can meet crop needs without having to apply large quantities of TSP, SSP or rock phosphate. Disincentivised by higher prices for phosphate (P) fertiliser Britain’s growers have gradually reduced application rates to the extent that many soils now contain worryingly low levels of …

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The importance of the winter decomposer cycle

Agronomist Focus, Soil Health, Soils Farmer / By

Written by Mike Harrington, Managing Director of AIVA Fertiliser Following on from the beginning of November, and it is reassuring to see that nature’s autumn cycle is beginning. The time where digestion, recycling and humification occurs in active soil systems. We do not require an expensive test to see this. Our eyes tell us that …

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New seed germination model devised

Research, Soils Farmer / By

New research from Rothamsted Novel tool will give breeders more predictive accuracy for seed development and growth. Scientists at Rothamsted have developed a novel mathematical model for seed germination. The new tool is derived from field data and marks a significant improvement in accuracy over previous models. Germination models use water and temperature as the …

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Worcestershire-based family business wins industry award

Manufacturer in Focus, Soils Farmer / By

Chadbury-based agricultural machinery manufacturer, Weaving Machinery, has been awarded Gold in the British and Irish Manufacturer of the Year category in the LAMMA Innovation Awards 2025. Family business, Weaving Machinery, has launched several new products and innovations over the past five years, with widespread recognition. The Sabre drill debuted in 2020 and quickly became one …

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How an arable farming system in Kent is balancing nature and financial viability

Farmer Focus, Soils Farmer / By

Written by Nature Friendly Farming Network Under the stewardship of award-winning farmers James and Emma Loder-Symonds, Nonington Farms exemplifies how farming can embrace nature-friendly practices while maintaining profitability and producing high-quality crops. Their multi-generational farm serves as a vibrant showcase, welcoming everyone from school groups to farm clusters. In 2013, James and Emma Loder-Symonds made …

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Enhancing Carbon Sequestration Through Regenerative Agriculture

Agronomist Focus, Soil Health, Soils Farmer / By

By Indigro Ltd Regenerative agriculture is proving to be a game changer in enhancing soil carbon sequestration and farm sustainability. Over four years, Indigro Ltd conducted a comprehensive survey of their clients, gathering invaluable data on how different practices influence soil organic carbon (SOC). The study, led by agronomist Charlotte Cook, provides a compelling case …

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