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The Sustainable Farming Scheme
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Soil Testing for the Sustainable Farming Scheme
The Welsh Assembly Government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) is set to transform agriculture by encouraging environmentally sustainable practices. The initiative shifts focus to innovative soil classification testing and advanced management strategies, moving away from the traditional EU subsidy models. Curtins are equipped to support farmers during this transition.
We understand the vital role soil health plays in agriculture and are dedicated to supporting the farming community.
Our team of environmental engineers can expertly deliver nutrient management soil tests, borehole water tests and analysis across Welsh farms, empowering farmers to meet SFS standards in a straightforward way.
For more information or to schedule a farm visit, please contact us.
The Importance of Soil Testing
A cornerstone of the SFS is soil testing, which helps farmers evaluate soil conditions and nutrient profiles. This knowledge allows for optimised input management, improved soil health, increased agricultural productivity, and cost reductions. Comprehensive soil testing covers soil nutrient levels, biodiversity assessments, and physical soil conditions.
The Welsh Government's draft proposals suggest grants for soil testing, with specific criteria required to access new subsidies. These include:
Soil Chemistry: Measuring nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), soil organic matter, and pH levels.
Biological Assessment: Conducting environmental DNA (eDNA) tests, respiration rate analysis, and species counts, such as earthworm populations.
Physical Assessment: Evaluating infiltration rates, bulk density, or utilising the Visual Evaluation of Soil Structure (VESS).
Meeting the Challenge
Million tests required nationwide
Years of Curtins' environmental expertise
With approximately 1.7 million hectares of agricultural land in Wales reliant on farming subsidies, transitioning to the SFS demands a substantial increase in soil testing. The aim is to conduct 5.2 million tests nationwide.
We have partnered with a leading environmental analytical company to help farmers manage the increased demand whilst minimising costs. We also work in collaboration with prominent geological drilling firms to enhance soil sampling processes, through traditional hand-digging or innovative dune buggy-mounted drilling rigs for efficiency.
For more information or to book a site visit, please get in touch with our team in Cardiff.
Understanding the sustainable Farming Scheme
For more information on this topic, find our brochure below.
Sustainable Farming Subsidies - Glossary of Terms
We have made of a list of commonly used terms relating to The Sustainable Farming Scheme, to view click the button below.
Sustainable Farming Subsidies - Glossary of Terms
