Scotland Insight 2022 PRINT 15.3.22 - Flipbook - Page 9
PROTECTING YOUR SOIL
NOW IS KEY TO SECURING
YOUR OWN BUSINESSES
FUTURE.
different weather resistant benefits; some are drought
resistant, some can survive water logged soils better. But
all ensure that there is soil cover. The carbon that is taken
from the atmosphere feeds to microorganisms in the soil
and these in turn help improve the quality of the sward
and efficiency of grass growth.
In an arable situation cover crops can be sown, which can
then be grazed. The cattle dung and subsequent pouching
of the soil helps to further feed the microorganisms
in the soil, which thrive off the carbon taken from the
atmosphere and help to create a healthy soil. The key
is to ensure that you do not disturb the soil, as tillering
releases carbon and destroys the life in the soil. Less
operations such as ploughing also reduces the man hours,
fuel used, and equipment required and so may also make
sense when looking at your margins.
Given that the experts predict that if we keep farming in
this hugely mechanical and chemical way that in 60-100
years the world’s top soil will be depleted. Protecting
your soil now is now key to securing your own businesses
future.
Now wouldn’t that be a story to tell the public, that
agriculture is our best solution to fight climate change
and that livestock may just be the answer.
moved onto the next paddock and then the grass is left.
The aim is to ensure that there is never any bare soil.
Bare soil means areas that are not able to take carbon
from the atmosphere, but also leads to areas that may
experience soil erosion. Alongside this it is recommended
that at least 7 different grass species and legumes are
used; these different grass types offer the soil different
benefits. The legumes also utilise the atmospheric
nitrogen to feed the soil. This different grass species have
Helen Proud joined youngsRPS in
2014 after completing both a BSc in
Agriculture at Newcastle University
and MSc at Harper Adams and has
since achieved her MRICS and FAAV
qualifications. Helen works across
both our Alnwick and Dumfries offices dealing with a
range of professional matters including landlord and
tenant advice, Basic Payment Scheme applications, sales
and lettings and valuations in both Scotland and England.
Helen Proud | helen.proud@youngsrps.com
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