Membership eligibility: Farmer & Grower Partner

NRM soil analysis

We have teamed up with the UK’s leading agricultural analysis laboratory to encourage farmers to benchmark their soils. As an NFU member, you can get 10% off NRM’s standard soil test, CarbonCheck and CarbonCheck Plus.

Available packages

Standard soil

NRM’s standard soil analysis (A001) ensures farmers comply with the “Farming Rules for Water” requirements, alongside assessing the soil for spring nitrogen supply either by testing or by following the field assessment method in RB209.

Regular soil analysis and an annual assessment of soil nitrogen supply should always form the basis of a comprehensive nutrient management plan.

For farmers in England, it is a legal requirement under the Farming Rules for Water for soils to be tested at least every five years on cultivated agricultural land. Defra’s definition of cultivated agricultural land is: ‘land that you’ve ploughed, sowed or harvested at least once in the last year, and/or land that has received fertiliser at least once within the previous 3 years’.

Includes pH, available phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. Results are expressed as mg/l and as ADAS indices. Lime and fertiliser recommendations are available for most crops as per RB209: 9th edition.

CarbonCheck

CarbonCheck is the most comprehensive soil carbon testing service available in the UK and is rapidly becoming the industry standard. To qualify for the Sustainable Farming Incentive, improve soil health, and get a head start on your carbon capture journey, use CarbonCheck.

Measuring soil carbon, especially the active carbon element, is an effective way to monitor soil health. Benchmarking now will allow you to monitor the impact of sustainable farming practices and be prepared for future income opportunities relying on carbon sequestration.

It includes the following analysis, which combine to provide a complete soil carbon audit:

  • Organic carbon (as a % and carbon stock in t/ha)
  • Organic matter
  • Inorganic carbon
  • Total carbon
  • Total nitrogen
  • C:N ratio
  • Bulk density

CarbonCheck Plus

This package includes the standard CarbonCheck tests as well as the additional analysis of Active Carbon, which shows the readily available portion of soil carbon that provides a food source for soil microbes. This is therefore considered a key soil health indicator. Changes in active carbon levels can be identified more rapidly than changes in organic matter, so will highlight the effect of different soil management techniques quickly and easily.

CarbonCheck results are presented in an easy-to-understand format and are straightforward to interpret.

NRM will support you with advice on how your results compare with their databank of samples analysed from across the UK to date.

How do I get the discount?

To order your CarbonCheck or standard soil package and claim your NFU member’s discount, please complete the form below.