Farmers naturally recognise the importance of soil as keeping fields in good condition ensures sustainable production in the future.
World Soil Day celebrates the importance of soil as a critical component of the natural system and as a vital contribution to food, water and energy security and its ability to mitigate biodiversity loss and climate change. For more information on World Soils Day click here.
2015 has been declared the International Year of Soils (IYS) by the 68th UN General Assembly. The year aims to be a platform for raising awareness of the importance of soils for food security and essential eco-system functions.
The launch of the IYS will take place during World Soil Day 2014 on 5th December 2014.
The goal of the IYS is to raise awareness on the importance of “Healthy soils for a healthy life”. More information on activities will follow in the new year.
More than 100,000 farmers in England complete a Soil Protection Review.
The Soil Protection Review (SPR) is a requirement under the Single Payment Scheme and relevant commitments under the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE).
The process considers soil-related problems such as:
• Soil structure and organic matter
• Erosion
• Compaction
• Damage to landscape features
Many of the measures within the SPR are also echoed as industry best practise and industry initiative Campaign for the Farmed Environment also encourages environment management practises such as:
• Establishing in-field grass areas to reduce soil erosion and run-off
• Creating a network of grass margins
• Using winter cover crops to protect water
Over 40,000 hectares of farmland in England are managed under an unpaid, soil related environmental measure.
For more information on this scheme visit www.cfeonline.org.uk