Soil is one of our most valuable resources. It is a complex matrix of material and active biological systems. If these are all working correctly than this medium is a powerful medium for generating efficient grass and forage crop production. Soils are not always naturally productive due to limited mineral supply, inappropriate pH for a crop, poor drainage or moisture retention. Soils on livestock and arable farms can easily be damaged by grazing in wet conditions, or badly timed field operations with machinery.
It takes 200-400 years to develop 1 cm of soil. A single teaspoon (1 gram) of rich soil can hold up to one billion bacteria, several yards of fungal filaments, several thousand protozoa, and scores of nematodes. Conserving this precious resource and optimising its health and dynamics is of paramount importance. Some agricultural systems challenge soil conservation and development and some crops are associated with costly soil erosion risk.
The team at Field Options a passionate about developing productive but sustainable systems, rectifying soil structure issues, developing soil biology and reducing risk of soil erosion.
We can advise on:
- Developing sustainable and reliable rotations
- Assessing soil structure in the field and advising on remedial options
- Under-sowing maize with grass or cover crops to retain nutrients and reduce soil erosion (Only certain areas)