Soil Association report outlines steps needed to increase organic matter by 20% in 20 years
Britain's soil is degrading fast, through compaction, run-off and loss of organic matter. Not surprisingly, this is a central concern for the Soil Association, which argues that soil should be given the same level of protection as water and air. The Association has set a target to increase organic matter in UK arable and horticultural soils by 20% over the next 20 years (for all land, not just the bits under organic cultivation) and is calling on the government to commit to the target to restore UK soils to health.
A new report identifies seven steps that need to be taken: 1. Increase the amount of plant and animal matter going back onto fields; 2. Improve soil health monitoring across the UK; 3. Encourage soil organisms, both those that build up soil and those that release nutrients; 4. Cover bare soil with continuous plant cover; 5. Bring more trees onto farrmland; 6. Reduce soil compaction from machinery and livestock; 7. Design crop rotations to improve soil health. For each topic, the report outlines practical steps farmers and land managers can take, as well as measures the government could use to support action.
The Association plans to campaign on the issue throughout 2016. Sustain's campaign work on farming can be found here.
Published Friday 5 February 2016
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
