Component 1: Changes to agricultural land management
Background
Some farming systems and farming practices result in greater compaction of the soil resulting in reduced infiltration, storage and increased overland flow. This increased rate of surface runoff contributes towards higher flood peaks and increases the risk of soil erosion.
This project is designed to improve soil management as one of the ways of reducing surface runoff from agricultural land and improving soil water retention.
Objectives
To promote best soil management practice through farmer led campaigns to raise awareness and assist in the delivery of altered farming practice resulting in reduction in runoff.
To provide a free advice service to farmers in target areas.
To demonstrate that water management and environmental benefits are likely in many situations.
To evaluate the implementation costs.
To measure and demonstrate the effectiveness of soil management in water management.
The initial proposal for this project was produced by FWAG (with support from the RSPB) and can be found on our publications page.
Action
The project has engaged the services of two agronomists to visit farmers within the catchment and provide focused advice on Soil Management and Crop Production techniques.
A key component of the advisory service is the delivery of field specific risk assessments designed to identify sites with a propensity to cause run-off.
Run-off from fields:
carries soil and nutrients into watercourses. (The "Yeovil Series" soils in East Somerset are made up of fine sand and are susceptible to erosion following rainfall events).
results in deposition of soil on roads.
places properties at risk from flooding.
Through the adoption of recognised soil management techniques and the implementation of protection measures, it is possible for farmers to reduce the environmental impacts of run-off.
Timely cultivation of over winter stubbles improves permeability and reduces surface run off.
Buffer strips are installed to slow run-off and protect roads and properties.
Silt traps are constructed at strategic locations to help reduce siltation in main rivers.
In addition to individual farm visits, the project also organises a number of technology transfer events designed to:
The welfare and biological condition of the soils within the catchment are also key components of the project. Advice is available to farmers on Nutrient Management with particular emphasis placed upon the efficient use of Organic Manures. Farmers are encouraged to maximise the potential of this important nutrient source:
Organic manure is both a soil conditioner and an important source of nutrients. Spreading manure under good field conditions reduces the likelihood of compaction and facilitates incorporation by ploughing, thus reducing the environmental impact.
Site selection and timeliness of application are key considerations in order to minimise the environmental impact from organic
