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With more volatile climatic conditions predicted, good soil structure will be needed to ensure the best crop production possible.  Careful management of fertilisers and manures can minimise agriculture’s contribution to  climate change through reduced loss of greenhouse gasses (GHGs) and increased carbon sequestration.

SAC has been working with the Soil Association in a series of “climate change” events across Scotland this summer. They are part of a three-year skills development programme, which will equip 500 farmers and growers from 150 businesses with the skills and knowledge to both improve business sustainability and reduce greenhouse gases.

Earlier this August those gathered in Cawdor Village Hall heard Christine Watson and Bruce Ball explain about soil, carbon and nutrient management.  Participants from as far afield as Skye, Orkney and Perthshire brought soil samples of their own and learned about visual soil assessment techniques. 

In the afternoon the group visited Mid-Coull Farms to discuss how the management techniques they had been learning about were being put into practice in the production of organic vegetables with organic carrots and lush red-clover grass leys. Organic chickens are also produced on the farm and the group inspected the windrows where chicken manure is composted with other farm waste – as anyone on the A96 between Nairn and Inverness can see!

The next event is at Rainton, Castle Douglas on the 16th September, then at the Great Glen Cattle Ranch, Spean Bridge on the 24th September, with a final meeting taking place at SAC Craibstone Estate Aberdeen on the 1st October.  Attendance costs £40+VAT, booking through Lyn Matheson, Agricultural Development Officer at Soil Association Scotland on 0131 666 0847. A booking form can also be downloaded from the Soil Association website.