It begins with the ‘basal’ trophic level, or the primary producers, which includes any living plant, and organic matter (crop residues, roots, etc). This is the energy source for all other biology beneath the surface, so is a crucial starting point, explains Farmacy soils specialist, Jade Prince.

There is a symbiotic relationship between plants and soil biology, where almost half of organic carbon produced by plants goes straight into the soil as root exudates, comprising sugars, amino acids and other compounds. These exudates, alongside organic matter, feed the second layer – the primary consumers – made up of bacteria and fungi.

The third layer comprises larger organisms, including protozoa, nematodes, soil mites, and springtails, which feed on the bacteria and fungi, and are key to nutrient cycling. The highest trophic level contains predatory nematodes and mites, and higher-level predators, including ground beetles, and birds.

Earthworms are often a go-to indicator of soil biology, usually grouped together within this last category, however as a generalist species, they do not easily fit into any single group, says Ms Prince.

“People often say if higher-level predators are there, then everything below that will be fine, but that’s not always the case. You can have birds, for example, without having protozoa, because the birds will eat worms. Worms do eat protozoa if they’re there, but they can also survive without them by just eating organic matter.”

Earthworms are still a great indicator of soil health, given their role in soil structure and drainage, but cannot be solely relied on for assessing soil biology.

Assessing activity

There are tests available that attempt to measure soil biology, but, lab-based testing takes time and the microbial communities can change during the sampling and sending of soil samples.

However, Hutchinsons now offers its ‘Microbe Ready Session’, whereby individuals, or groups of farmers, can learn more about soil biology and view their own soil samples through a microscope to visualise the microbial life present.

“The aim is not to measure exactly how many organisms are in a sample of soil, but to provide an insight into the types of microbes that may or may not be there,” says Ms Prince.

Images 1 (top) and 2 (bottom) highlight the clear differences between an agricultural soil with limited biology, and a sample of Johnson-Su compost extract, with far more biology present, including nematodes and protozoa.

Generally, it is best to assess soil biology when soils are warm and moist and biology is active, typically in early autumn, or spring.

Bringing biology back

One of the greatest areas of concern is in the third trophic layer of larger predatory organisms, where many agricultural soils show a notable lack of numbers, says Ms Prince.

“A lot of soils have become bacterial dominant because cultivations, and the application of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, has, over time, suppressed numbers of fungi, protozoa and nematodes.

“Our aim is to bring soil biology back and return its role in nutrient cycling.”

There is no ‘silver bullet’ to address this, so farmers need to take a holistic approach that considers various regenerative practices, and allow time for soil biology to recover, she advises.

Composts and manures are particularly high in ‘trophic level three organisms’, such as protozoa and nematodes, so adding these to soil can help, although there are logistical challenges over large areas.

One option is to apply a Johnson-Su compost extract with seed at drilling, as this allows larger areas to be treated with a relatively small volume of compost material.

The practice is effective on all crops, and has been shown to increase rooting biomass in barley by 75%,
Ms Prince says.

“We’ve even got farmers using it on cover crop seed. If it can increase rooting in barley, the hope is it will do the same for the cover crop, and enhance the benefits it delivers to soil health.”

How long the benefits of adding soil biology last is still unclear though.

“We don’t know whether the predators we’re applying are surviving in the soil, or whether the benefits only last for that season. It seems as though applying Johnson-Su extract is something you have to do each season. By growing mono-crops, there’s simply not the variety of food needed to sustain higher levels of biology.”

Feeding soil biology with a constant, and varied, supply of organic matter, and energy from root exudates, will help support populations though, she continues.

Organic matter can be in the form of composts, manures, crop residues, or other biomass, such as from catch, cover, or companion crops. A varied rotation that maintains green, living material in the soil for as long as possible through the year is key, while bringing livestock into the rotation also helps, she adds.

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There are many soil looseners on the market, but none are as well-proven in the field as the offering from Cousins, the company reckons.

Cousins has been manufacturing soil looseners in Norfolk since 1982 and has utilised this experience to bring together its Less Lift Low Disturbance Loosener.

Designed to remove subsoil compaction between 200–300mm depth it is particularly suited to anyone looking to move toward a reduced tillage system and fits well with direct drills, as well as grassland applications.

The Less Lift is a linkage mounted tool featuring front cutting discs mounted directly ahead of the tines, which eases the way, allowing the tines to run cleaner and with less surface disturbance.

The discs are mounted individually on rubber suspension units and are hydraulically adjustable on the move.

The following Step Change tine has been designed with the ideal shallow wing angle and point combination to allow enough lift to remove compaction without causing surface disturbance.

The tines are staggered at 500mm centres.

To the rear, the Shark Fin roller has teeth positioned to create a closing action around the tine-worked zone.

Along with reduction in depth and number of teeth, this combines to further reduce surface disturbance.

The Less Lift can also be fitted with a seed applicator to allow use for establishment of cover crops or oil seed rape.

It’s available in 3m, 4m, 5m and 6m working widths.

For those who need to achieve a greater working depth the original V- form soil loosener can work to depths of up to 500mm.

The centre-leading tine disturbs the soil for the following tines, reducing horsepower requirement.

Offsetting in this way allows tines to run closer, achieving complete removal of compaction across the working width without causing excess surface disturbance.

The number of tines and spacings can be varied to suit working depth and soil conditions.

Both machines will be on display at Cereals 2025.

Cereals stand number: 830

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The replaceable 12mm super-fine tine is designed for ultra-low disturbance, skilfully keeping the seed delivery tube above the ground.

The tungsten in the sides of the point allows seeds to settle at the very bottom of the seed furrow while only disturbing a narrow 12mm of soil.

Taking advantage of the super-fine tine’s benefits, the company’s winged coulters effortlessly place seeds under the soil with minimal disruption.

As the soil drapes over the wing, it naturally falls back into place, ensuring a perfectly level surface.

This innovative action, paired with the sharp front edge of the wing, creates a smooth, stress-relieved layer of soil ideal for seed placement.

The compaction above the wing is entirely relieved, with reduced compaction occurring beneath the wing’s cutting edge.

J.J. Metcalfe & Son’s winged coulters are available in widths of 50, 75, 100, 125, and 175mm, making them an incredibly adaptable system that fits seamlessly into the same holder as the super-fine tine.

Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with J.J. Metcalfe & Son at Groundswell, on the 2nd and 3rd July 2025, at Lannock Manor Farm, Hitchin.

For more information, contact the company directly.

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That’s the view of Hutchinsons agronomist and soils expert Dick Neale, who’s involved in running the company’s ‘Healthy Soils Connected’ training programme, which hosts grower groups to discuss soil and plant relationships.

Significant interest in the programme indicates a real desire to manage these relationships better, with one of the key discussion topics amongst participants being rooting and how it can be improved when preparing land for winter cereals.

Well-developed, healthy root systems are essential for crops to optimise water and nutrient capture as soon as seed germinates and throughout the season, so amending soil structure and preparing seedbeds well are essentials for a good start.

Compaction busting

Dick says any sub-soiling should be targeted to where necessary, so taking a spade and inspecting the soil profile for compaction is important in avoiding any “recreational tillage”.

Where a min-till approach is based on machines like a Sumo Trio, growers are urged to adjust depth of the machine’s subsoiling tine wings to just beneath the level of compaction.

This level often differs between headlands and the main body of the field, so regular adjustment is required to optimise lift and shatter.

Mole ploughing is an under-utilised method on suitable soils, such as clays, where in addition to creating the important drainage channel, the machine also induces fissuring throughout the profile to help rooting.

A final point on cultivation is to avoid overworking soils, says Dick, with many farms choosing to move more over the past two autumns than they have done previously due to some big, intense periods of rainfall.

“They are trying to help water move through the profile better, but ultimately it has resulted in an overworking of some soils, which then slumped and impacted establishment when it did rain.

“For many of the drills we have now, you don’t need a very fine seedbed, so it’s important to understand that and only do as much as you need for the system you have,” he explains.

Seed rates

Seed rate is the next major consideration in encouraging rooting.

Going too heavy can cause more interplant competition and upright growth and more above ground biomass at the expense of roots.

But if too light, growers can lose yield should the optimum plant population not be reached.

Dick says that it is no longer appropriate to prescribe a generic seed rate, as the drills being used differ hugely when considering row widths and seed spacing within the row.

For example, a tine based Claydon system will spread seed in a wider band than a Horsch Avatar disc drill, impacting on how those seedlings and their root systems develop within the row.

“You need to understand these nuances and that’s why last year, Hutchinsons produced a seed rate calculator that accounts for differences between all the major drill models currently on
the market.

“It’s not necessarily about drilling a thinner crop, but you’ve got to drill and establish the right numbers at the right spacing, depending on which drill you are using,” explains Dick.

Early crop inputs are the final consideration when looking to encourage vigorous and healthy root systems, and Dick says phosphite – as a seed treatment or foliar treatment early post-emergence – is a proven option.

“I also encourage growers to consider a phosphate-based placement fertiliser like Primary P or a struvite P product like Crystal Green.

“They can help plants access the nutrients they need during early establishment, and effectively replace the need for overall applications of P fertiliser.”

He adds that it is important to calculate the required amount of fertiliser placed with the drill as, like seed, it is critical that the right amount is placed in the row or band, explaining: “Too much can be toxic and detrimental to crop growth.”

Soil-borne disease

Other threats to rooting include soil-borne pathogen take-all.

As wheat is increasingly dominant in combinable crop rotations and growers are leaning towards earlier drilling to avoid weather risks, take-all risk is increasing.

Leanne Fowler, seed treatment specialist at Certis Belchim, says that in second or third wheats in areas with a history of take-all infection, protecting the crop against primary infection is vital to ensure healthy roots in the spring.

The company’s seed treatment Latitude (silthiofam) is the only option with take-all control on the label and their long-term trials show a consistent yield response of 0.55t/ha in second wheats grown under moderate take-all risk.

Other trials work by Certis Belchim in Germany between 2018 and 2021 looked at nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in second wheats with or without Latitude.

Leanne says the results showed that Latitude helped maintain root health and enabled plants to make much better use of spring applied nitrogen, compared to plots drilled with a single purpose dressing (SPD) only.

“That has obvious environmental benefits too,” she concludes.

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Plants cannot function and grow efficiently without the assistance of beneficial soil bacteria and fungi, aka micro-organisms. A fish hydrolysate, like Sea2Soil –  which was the UK’s first and longest established research-backed product –  provides a highly nutritious food source for those micro-organisms, which further convert nutrients into a form that is readily available to the plant.

Using a natural soil improver is an accessible and inclusive way to boost your soil and crop health, with the product being easy to apply in organic, regenerative or conventional farming systems to help boost and replenish the nutrient content in the soil, promoting plant health and optimal growth.

You are not too late to try it out

Sea2Soil specifically works to feed populations of vital soil micro-organisms. The micro-organisms release nutrients locked within the soil, which feed your crop plants. This can take time, depending on the soil conditions (temperature, moisture) over the course of the crop’s life.

Therefore, in many spring-sown crops like potatoes, maize, pulses, and in grass or herbal leys, it is better to apply the product while the crop is young and first establishing. This gives as much of an advantage as possible when the crop really needs it, and also benefits the soil health.

In the latest TerraFarmer and Sea2Soil trials taking place around England and Wales, grassland and forage crops have both revealed positive results.

TerraFarmer’s agronomist and consultant, Hugo Ellis, said: “We have seen an improvement in organic bean crops in Cornwall using Sea2Soil in combination with molasses last year, where we found an increase in late season brix testing (4 vs 6) for sugar content and improved earthworm counts in treated areas. We also found a large increase in biomass yield and grain yield with Sea2Soil and molasseses; around a 30% increase vs the non-Sea2Soil control treatment.”

TerraFarmer has also received positive feedback this spring from growers about tank compatibility and ease of spraying using Sea2Soil.

Optimal application timings ‘quick guide’ – spring crops

Apply Sea2Soil early in the crop’s life to get the soil micro-organisms going as soon as possible for the benefit of young, fast-growing spring crops with a large and often more rapid nutrient requirement. Sea2Soil is easy to apply and is compatible with many other plant protection products for added convenience. It is recommended to spray Sea2Soil in 100-200 L/ha of water.

Recommended use rates:

Spring cereals, oilseed rape – Spray 10 l/ha pre-emergence, or as soon after drilling as possible, then follow up with five or 10l/ha before stem elongation.

Potatoes, pulses (peas, beans), maize, field vegetables – Spray 10 l/ha (soil applied) pre-emergence, or as soon after drilling as possible, then follow up with up to 10 l/ha in late spring.

Grassland leys, herbal leys  – Spray 10 l/ha just before the start of the active sporing growth period and follow up with a repeat application in May. Grazing interval restrictions apply – take grazing stock out of the treated area for 21 days before returning or before crops/herbage are harvested.

Foliar application – 5-10 l/ha (multiple applications can be made in the season; 3-6 times a year)

Direct soil application – 10-20 l/ha

Recommended dilution –1:250

Sea2Soil is pre-screened (filtered) to 100 μm but may contain larger particles. Screening is recommended prior to application through fine filters, and thoroughly clean any filters within your equipment after each use.

*Always seek advice from your agronomist before using and applying Sea2Soil, and for use in organic production. Not to be applied to any edible parts of crops. If applied to grassland, a grazing interval period of 21 days is required before grazing animals can return.

Versatile and easy to use, no matter how you farm

Sea2Soil can be applied (after dilution) in a number of different ways: to the soil, as a foliar spray or in an irrigation system. When tank-mixed with herbicides in foliar applications, the fish oil content in Sea2Soil helps act as a natural surfactant, which can enhance spraying performance.

With direct-to-soil application, common methods include drill-mounted liquid fertiliser applicator at establishment (in spring or autumn) and fertiliser streamers, direct to soil.

Foliar application methods include using a standard crop sprayer, applying with other foliar applications, and using plant protection products.

Good tank mix compatibility

Sea2Soil is compatible with a wide range of other products, including fungicides, herbicides, and PGRs. Discover the latest, full details on compatibility testing, which are updated frequently. It is advisable to complete a ‘bucket test’ for compatibility and test on a small area before mixing in the sprayer tank.

Product composition provides outstanding nutrition for spring crops

Sea2Soil typically provides the following nutrients per application;

• Amino acid content: 25-30%
• Fatty acid content: 5-8%
• Dry matter content: 45-50%
• pH: 3.5-4.5
• Macronutrients: N (5%), P (0.7%), K (0.6%), C (27%), Ca (0.6%), S (0.4%), Mg (0.1%)
• Micronutrients: B (trace), Cl (8850ppm), Co (trace), Cu (4ppm), Fe (190ppm), Mn (4ppm), Mo (0.1ppm), Na (5630ppm), Ni (trace), Se (1ppm), Si (trace), Zn (60ppm)

*Analysis may vary due to organic nature of the product

Soil health: The importance of amino acids

Amino acids naturally occur in two forms: L- and D-, and fish hydrolysates contain both forms. Both play a key role in soil and plant health. L- amino acids can be taken up by the plant directly and are used for protein synthesis, whereas D- amino acids are used by soil bacteria to build cell walls, which is crucial to soil health. 

Each amino acid has specific functions in plant metabolism, growth and stress response. A balanced supply of essential amino acids is crucial for optimal crop growth and development. While plants can synthesise some amino acids on their own, they often require a supply of essential amino acids from external sources. They also play important roles in the regulation of plant growth and development.

Sea2Soil contains all 20 amino acids needed for protein synthesis:

Amino acid                                         Typical value (%)*

Alanine                                     1.55

Arginine                                    1.3

Aspartic acid                            2.13

Glutamic acid                           2.85

Glycine                                     1.62

Histidine                                   0.57

Hydroxyproline                        0.32

Isoleucine                                 1.00

Leucine                                     1.67

Lysine                                       1.81

Ornithine                                  <0.05

Phenylalanine                          0.94

Proline                                      1.02

Serine                                       0.88

Threonine                                0.98

Tyrosine                                    0.58

Valine                                       1.21

Cysteine & Cystine                  0.14

Methionine                              0.64

*Analysis may vary due to the organic nature of the product

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With resistance to ALS inhibitor herbicides confirmed in a range of common broad-leaved weeds (in particular poppies, chickweed and, to a lesser extent, mayweed), alternative modes of action should be used to target problem weeds in sugar beet.

Speedwell species are also less effectively controlled by the majority of ALS inhibitors and can easily slip through programmes unchecked unless an appropriate mode of action is used.

Metamitron to the rescue

Two of ADAMA’s beet-specific herbicides, Goltix Titan (metamitron 525g/litre + quinmerac 40g/litre SC) and Goltix 70SC (metamitron 700g/litre SC), are ideal for inclusion in ALS stewardship programmes as they both offer good control of the target weeds mentioned above and have an excellent record in terms of crop safety.

Goltix Titan and Goltix 70SC also benefit from being able to be applied at their maximum individual dose rates from the pre-emergence timing (including at the peri-emergence stage).

Targeting common poppy

Goltix Titan is the best option for the control of ALS resistant poppies thanks to its additional active ingredient, quinmerac.

Two suggested programmes for the control of ALS resistant poppy are as follows:

Option A

1. Pre-emergence application of Goltix Titan (2 litres/ha).

…followed by…

• Post-emergence (T1) application of Goltix Titan (1.3 litres/ha) plus any additional actives required e.g. a low dose of Powertwin (200g/litre phenmedipham and 200g/litre. ethofumesate) plus an oil adjuvant

Option B

1. Very early post-emergence application of Goltix Titan (1.5 litres/ha).

…followed by…

• Post-emergence (T2) application of Goltix Titan (1.5 litres/ha) plus any additional active  ingredients required e.g. a low dose of Powertwin (200g/litres phenmedipham and 200g/litre ethofumesate) plus an oil adjuvant.

Mayweed control

Both Goltix 70SC and Goltix Titan provide good control of mayweed species, with the efficacy of typical programmes ranging from 80 to 100%.

However, a single application will not suffice in weed populations with ALS insensitivity. Therefore, to ensure effective control, applications should be continued until weed emergence is complete.

Challenging chickweed

A pre-emergence application of Goltix 70SC will provide a good start to chickweed control.

However, Goltix Titan will provide even better efficacy (approximately +5% better control compared to Goltix 70SC): this is due to the quinmerac in Goltix Titan which will primarily be absorbed via the weed’s root system, but can also be absorbed via foliar contact.

As such, Goltix Titan will also work well as a post-emergence treatment.

For the best results, post-em applications should be made as early as possible (when the weeds are from cotyledon to the two-leaf stage) and when there is adequate soil moisture to support rapid root uptake.

Key pointers for effective weed control in sugar beet

• Use alternative modes of action to target ALS resistant weeds including:
  • Goltix 70SC (metamitron 700g/litre SC)
  • Goltix Titan (metamitron 525 g/litre + quinmerac 40g/litre SC)
  • Powertwin (200g/litre phenmedipham and 200g/litre ethofumesate SC)
• The addition of alternative modes of action is essential in a Conviso Smart programme.
• The best results will be achieved when pre-emergence and post-emergence treatments are applied.
• T1 and T2 are the key timings for the control of the majority of weeds but be prepared to wait until T3 if the weather is not conducive to weed growth earlier in the crop’s development.
• An oil adjuvant must be used to improve the efficacy of SC herbicides.

More information

To find out more about ADAMA’s range of sugar beet herbicides go to https://www.adama.com/uk/en.

Alternatively, contact your regional agronomy manager by calling the ADAMA technical helpline on 01635 876 622 or via email at ukenquiries@adama.com.

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“Farmers have always farmed the way the government wants them for farm,” comments Ed Hammond who farms 800ha near Southwell, growing cereals, potatoes, sugar beet and maize for AD on a mix of soils including Trent gravel, salt clay, sand loam and sandy silt loam.

“The consequence is that the drive has been for more intensive, higher yielding systems which have damaged soils.

“The focus now needs to be much more about improving soils which are a finite resource. We need to achieve the same return from lower levels of chemical inputs and regenerate soil.”

As a result, since 2017 Ed has been working on evolving his system with the goal of achieving the same margin from growing less.

His system is now based on min till for all crops except potatoes, although a small amount of land is also ploughed for maize as it is a lazy rooter and needs looser soil.

He shares a 5m cross slot drill with a near neighbour to ensure effective crop establishment. Extensive use is made of cover crops.

Soil biology

Ed is also playing close attention to soil biology. “We need to rebuild the soil biota and carbon as these are fundamental to soil health.

“Soil is much more than just a growing medium. It can contribute significantly to the crop. If we have healthier soil we can increase efficiency of nitrogen use and reduce usage of artificial fertilisers.”

Since 2020 Ed has been using a range of liquid carbon nutrition products based on sustainable molasses and plant-based nutrients are an effective tool for effective soil regeneration.

The ED&F Man Agronomy range contains four liquid carbon products formulated for specific situations and requirements, allowing a tailored programme to be developed to optimise crop establishment.

All products are high in carbon and sugars from sustainable sources complemented with a range of other ingredients. 

“Sustainable cane molasses is a natural source of both carbon and energy,” explains Alistair Hugill from ED&F Man Agronomy.

“The high carbohydrate content stimulates microbial populations in the organic layer and drives microbial activity through to the topsoil, stimulating greater nutrient uptake even down to the sub-soil layer.

“In a planned approach to improving soil health and crop sustainability, the starting point is to boost soil microbial activity. 

Soil microbes capture nutrients for the plant so the more effective the microbial populations, the better the nutrient supply to the plant.” 

Increasing nutrient supply

All plants provide carbohydrates to the soil in the form of root exudates, effectively a sugar solution for the microbes.

The carbohydrates feed the microbes and increase the rate at which mineral nutrients in the soil are dissolved, increasing their availability to the plant.

“Plants produce carbohydrates via photosynthesis and any surplus is used for root exudates.  When performing well a plant will provide 40% of assimilates from photosynthesis into the soil via root exudates, containing carbon and sugars.

If we feed the plant with a source of sugar and carbon, it can meet its demand for carbohydrates for growth more efficiently and allowing the production of root exudates to increase, in turn increasing nutrient supply to the plant.”

Reducing nitrogen use

All nitrogen is applied as liquid, so the liquid carbon is simply added to the mix, whether applied as a soil
or foliar feed.

“We have found it helps to work as a wetting agent and reduce scorch, while the amino acids are rapidly utilised by the plant. Since using the supplement, we have been able to reduce nitrogen use.

“On spring barley we have cut back from 120kg/ha to 80kg/ha with no change in yields. Usage of potatoes has been reduced from 270kg/ha to 180kg/ha.

“The improved soil structure has helped crops deal with drought, generally being able to withstand dry conditions for longer.

“We have also seen an increase in the number of possible drilling days which is a real plus as we are sharing the drill and having to get a bigger overall hectarage into the ground.

“The drill uses pressure to get into the ground and our drill operator has commented that less pressure is needed as the soils work easier, increasing the speed of operations, increasing the number of drilling days and reducing establishment costs.

“We are taking a holistic approach to soils combining minimal disturbance, cover crops and liquid carbon supplements and it is having a big impact.

“If we can build soil organic matter and promote more efficient nutrient uptake by plants we can improve soil health for more sustainable production,” Ed suggests.

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The winner will receive two tickets to Groundswell 2025, event for farmers, growers, and soil health enthusiasts, and overnight accommodation at the Letchworth Hall Hotel on 2nd July just minutes from the event venue, including breakfast.

Customers who have made a purchase from Sea2Soil between 1st January 2024 and 1st June 2025 will automatically be entered into the prize draw. There is even a way customers will be able to boost their chances of winning in the coming weeks – by referring a friend.

For every successful referral new and current customers make to Sea2Soil, they will receive an extra entry.

Launching on 31st March, two months before the competition closes on 1st June (5pm), customers will be able to refer a friend by completing a simple form on sea2soil.co.uk with their details and those of a friend or colleague interested in improving their soil health.

If your referral leads to a successful connection, you will earn an additional entry, Sea2Soil confirms.

Sea2Soil

As well as getting to enjoy the event, the lucky winner will be able to meet the Sea2Soil team and chat about their product and the positive effect it is having on soil health and crop performance for countless farmers across the country.

Providing a great source of natural, organic nitrogen, Sea2Soil (used independently or combined with synthetic nitrogen fertilisers) can kick-start your winter cereal crops or early spring-sown crops with a 5% organic nitrogen source, worth around 100/units of inorganic synthetic nitrogen fertiliser, the manufacturer explained.

Working to feed soil microorganism populations, which in turn release nutrients from the soil, to feed the crop plants, the process depends on conditions such as temperature and moisture levels, which is why the application is recommended while the crop is young, to support the crop when it really needs it.

The lucky winner will be contacted shortly after the competition closes.

‘Glastonbury of regenerative agriculture’

Often described as the ‘Glastonbury of regenerative agriculture’, Groundswell is a dynamic event where industry leaders, innovative farmers, and soil health enthusiasts gather to explore sustainable farming practices.

With practical demonstrations, insightful talks, and valuable networking opportunities, Groundswell 2025 is set to be an unmissable experience.

Sea2Soil has proudly attended Groundswell for the past three years, sharing insights on how its innovative product is transforming regenerative agriculture practices. By supporting soil health naturally, Sea2Soil continues to empower farmers with sustainable solutions.

The Sea2Soil team said: “Whether you’re a loyal Sea2Soil customer or looking to try our products for the first time, this is your chance to win big, experience Groundswell 2025 and make your spring applications more effective and eco-friendly. Don’t miss out!”

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In the ever-evolving landscape of agriculture, the need for innovative and sustainable practices has never been more critical.

ACS Farm Image, a specialist in soil sampling and agricultural solutions, says it stands at the forefront of this transformation.

With over 20 years of experience, the company has consistently demonstrated a commitment to enhancing soil health and boosting crop yields, ensuring that farmers can meet the demands of a growing population.

One of the standout services offered by ACS Farm Image is its comprehensive soil sampling 
and analysis, the company explains.

By utilising GPS technology and precision soil sampling techniques, the company provides farmers with detailed insights into their soil’s nutrient profile.

This data-driven approach allows for targeted interventions, ensuring that crops receive the exact nutrients they need to thrive.

The result is not only healthier crops but also a more efficient use of resources, reducing waste and environmental impact.

Continuing growth in significance

Moreover, ACS Farm Image’s free to access, SoilSmart system, allows a user to log in, view their soil analysis results, create variable rate application files, access satellite data for variable rate N and upload yield maps.

The impact of ACS Farm Image’s work is evident in the testimonials from satisfied clients.

Farmers across the South East and beyond have praised the company’s professionalism, expertise, and the tangible improvements in their crop performance.

ACS Farm Image says it has proven to be an invaluable partner in modern agriculture.

As we look to the future, the role of companies like ACS Farm Image becomes even more significant, the business believes.

With the recent focus on soil health and the current SFI schemes available, climate change posing new challenges and the global population continuing to rise, sustainable agricultural practices are essential.

ACS Farm Image says its innovative solutions and unwavering dedication to soil health position it as a key player in this vital sector.

The company concludes: “ACS Farm Image exemplifies the best of agricultural innovation”.

Its commitment to precision, sustainability, and farmer success is a model for the industry.

As it continues to lead the way in soil health and crop productivity, it is not just supporting farmers – it is helping to secure the future of our food supply. 

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Results from ongoing raw water quality monitoring of local rivers illustrated the improvements that had been made in managing risks from pesticides in particular, while modelling by Anglian Water quantified some of the reductions in nutrient loading and sedimentation that farmers in certain catchment areas had achieved by taking up activities covered by its Farm Innovation Grant.

However, speakers warned that heavy rainfall events still posed serious challenges to water quality, particularly for soil run-off and nitrate pollution risks.

“Nitrate can’t be removed from water, so if concentrations in raw water are too high (above 50mg/litre), this limits the amount that can be abstracted from rivers,” Essex & Suffolk Water’s Stephen Derbyshire said.

Results from monitoring of the River Stour in 2024 showed two nitrate spikes recorded up to late November, one in May and the other in October, both following periods of heavy rain. Turbidity, which is caused by soil particles clouding water, could be similarly problematic, he noted.

“Great progress has been made managing pesticide risks, but water quality can still be an issue in wetter months, particularly after heavy rainfall.”

Farmacy agronomist, Jim Woodward, added: “When we started this event 15 years ago, the focus was very much on managing the risks around agrochemicals and water. Over that time, farmers have made some real improvements, but there are still areas to work on, which is why this event has shifted its focus more towards nitrate and soils.”

Building water resilience

Improving aggregate stability, infiltration, and the water holding capacity of farm soils were highlighted as key ways of addressing many of the challenges faced, and could be “win-wins” for farmers, the environment and water quality.

“Our aim is to get soils into a condition where they can percolate water down through the profile and store it in the aquifer, rather than water running off the surface into watercourses,” Hutchinsons head of soils, Ian Robertson said. “Growers should be striving towards more water retentive soils.”

There were many different ways to do this (see panel on the right), but building organic matter and humus content was key, he continued. Indeed, US research suggested that a 1% increase in soil organic matter could increase water holding capacity by around 62,000 gallons (279,000 litres) per hectare, equivalent to 27mm of rainfall. That could potentially provide an extra 4.65 days of grain fill, worth almost 0.8t/ha in extra yield potential, where water availability was a limiting factor, he said.

It was crucial to tailor any actions to individual soil types and situations though, therefore Mr Robertson urged farmers to start by getting a comprehensive soil analysis done, such as the Hutchinsons Gold soil test.

“Water holding capacity is primarily determined by soil texture, i.e. the sand, silt, clay fractions. But how those elements are arranged to form the soil structure is key, and that depends on many different chemical and biological interactions, cultivation policy, and cropping. It’s vital to properly assess soils to understand how they will perform and identify the most appropriate ways to manage it.”

The Gold soil test is still available free to farmers in certain priority catchment areas in Essex and Suffolk (River Stour, Layer Brook and Roman River), courtesy of Essex & Suffolk Water.

Other funding options

The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) includes a number of different actions focused around building the health and resilience of soils, and Mr Woodward urged any farmers not yet in the scheme to sign up.

“It’s not the finished product yet, but the SFI is the future for how farmers will receive funding.”

Many water companies also offer specific grant funding opportunities to address raw water quality risks, such as Essex & Suffolk Water’s Field to Tap scheme, and Anglian Water’s Farm Innovation Grant. Both schemes are currently closed to new applications, but are due to reopen in the spring.

Five steps to build soil resilience

• Test soils to understand soil physics, chemistry and biology and identify any issues or limiting factors, and the most appropriate management options
• Address any imbalances in pH or soil chemistry (e.g. high magnesium content making soils tight can be rectified with gypsum)
• Increase soil organic matter and humus (broken down organic matter) content by maintaining living plant cover and rooting whenever possible (integrate catch, cover and companion crops) and limiting cultivations. Organic matter also ‘feeds’ soil biology, key to improving aggregate stability and nutrient cycling
• Boost crop rooting to allow plants to access water stored deeper in the profile – phosphorus is key to root development
• Remove barriers to rooting, such as compaction or tight layers – avoid repeated cultivations to the same depth year after year. Target cultivations to specific issues where necessary.

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