Soil Erosion Modern agricultural techniques have frequently given rise to increased soil erosion and compaction. This has resulted in increased runoff, loss of topsoil and pollution of rivers with the negative impacts of turbidity, eutrophication, loss of spawning sites and reductions in aquatic biodiversity.

Soil Degradation Less well known is the impact of soil degradation arising from disrupting and breaking the carbon and nitrogen cycles. This is caused by the use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides and the non replenishment of organic matter to our soils. The environmental impacts are:

• Increased acidification of soils
• Reduction in micro bacterial activity
• Loss of around 25% of soil organic matter since 1980
• Significant reduction in soil nutrients – in particular essential trace elements

Trace Elements In conjunction with Field Science we advise farmers and land managers on how to address their soil degradation and trace element deficiencies through the application of tailored dressings. The application of trace elements or micronutrients that are formulated specifically for the deficiencies identified in your soils can ensure that:

• Soil fertility enhanced
• Yields and growth rates are optimised
• Input costs are reduced
• Significant reduction in the use of fertilizer, added minerals and to a lesser extent pesticides
• Overall animal welfare is enhanced
• Fertility, calving and lambing rates are enhanced
• Finishing times optimised
• veterinary costs reduced environmental impacts reduced.

With these potential benefits it should be no surprise that this approach is called SST – Sustainable Soil Technology.

Sustainable Soil Technology For a fuller coverage of the benefits of Sustainable Soil Technology click here for the recent article in the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society magazine.
This technology of tailored trace element replenishment is beneficial to any soils where the land is intensively used. The benefits of reduced input costs and increased utilisation coupled with reduced environmental impacts are available to the managers of recreational facilities, golf courses, football, cricket and rugby pitches etc.

For a general description of the benefits of Trace Elements click here

Whether a land manager, farmer or grounds manager, if you would like to discuss the general application of this technology, or if you are in Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Cambridgeshire or Norfolk and would like to explore your particular soil management issues then call me, Dave Stanley