Aberdeenshire Soil & Nutrient Network 2nd Meeting – Event Summary

Soil Damage & Value of Organic Manures

The second Aberdeenshire Soil and Nutrient Network meeting at East Balhalgardy Farm, focussed on the two topics of soil damage (particularly in light of the extremely wet autumn weather this year) and the value of organic manures.

Using test pits and a soil penetrometer, SAC Soil specialist Gavin Elrick found little evidence of soil compaction or damage as a result of cultivation at East Balhalgardy under the minimum tillage system. During the indoor part of the meeting Gavin explained the causes and solutions of compaction at different depths: surface – harrow or spiker; shallow – sward-lifter; deep – subsoiler.  Read Gavin’s presentation slides for more information

Alex Sinclair looked at the laboratory analysis of slurry and FYM from the farm and explained how to read the analysis report and how to use it to estimate a financial value for organic manures.  Read the presentation slides used by Alex here.

Learn more about this host farm in the East Balhalgardy Case Study and catch up on what was discussed at the group’s first meeting from the event summary.

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There are a total of 12 SNN groups throughout Scotland and meetings are free to attend and open to all and you don’t have to have attended any of the previous meetings to go along. You can read meeting notes and case studies of previous SNN farms at Farming & Water Scotland‘s webpage.