Blog Posts

Getting fertiliser application right is essential for maintaining soil health, achieving high crop yields, and protecting the environment. Over-application leads to waste and pollution, while under-application can limit productivity. So how do you know how much fertiliser to add to your farmland? In this blog, we’ll break down the process into clear, practical steps to help UK farmers make informed fertiliser decisions and avoid common pitfalls.Fertiliser is vital for crop nutrition, supplying...

For farmers, soil is the foundation of every crop — and understanding its condition is essential to making informed agronomic decisions. One of the most important but often overlooked aspects of soil health is pH. Knowing how to test soil pH helps you optimise inputs, increase yields, and improve long-term soil productivity. Whether you're growing cereals, vegetables, grassland, or legumes, testing your soil pH regularly ensures you're not applying fertilisers or lime blindly. In this guide,...

Water is one of the most valuable resources in farming — not only for crops and livestock, but for the surrounding environment and communities downstream. However, turbidity in agricultural runoff is a growing concern, particularly in areas with intensive land use, bare soils, or poor water management practices. Turbidity refers to the cloudiness or murkiness of water caused by suspended particles such as soil, silt, organic matter, or even chemicals. When this runoff enters nearby rivers,...

How to Increase the Fertility of Soil on Your Farm Introduction Soil fertility is a critical factor in the success of any farm. It directly affects crop yields, plant health, and long-term sustainability. Whether you're managing a smallholding or a large-scale agricultural enterprise, maintaining and improving soil fertility can lead to better productivity and reduced reliance on synthetic inputs. In this blog, we’ll explain what soil fertility is, why it matters, and practical methods to...

  How to Increase Soil Organic Matter on Your Farm Introduction Healthy soil is the foundation of sustainable farming — and soil organic matter plays a central role in maintaining that health. Increasing soil organic matter improves structure, water retention, fertility, and microbial activity, making your farm more productive and resilient. But what exactly is soil organic matter, and how can you increase it effectively? In this guide, we explain everything you need to know, from...

What Is a Cover Crop? A cover crop is a plant species grown primarily to benefit the soil rather than for harvest. These crops are usually planted in the off-season or between cash crops and are terminated before they reach full maturity. Their main purposes include: Enhancing soil structure Preventing erosion Fixing nitrogen Suppressing weeds Supporting beneficial insects and pollinators Using cover crops is a proven strategy in regenerative and conservation agriculture. Main Types of Cover...

Cover crops are one of the most valuable tools in sustainable agriculture. Whether you're aiming to improve soil structure, suppress weeds, fix nitrogen or prevent erosion, the key to success lies in properly establishing your cover crop. In this guide, we’ll walk through the best methods to establish cover crops in the UK climate, including when and how to sow, how to prepare your soil, and tips for ensuring strong, even growth. What Are Cover Crops? A cover crop is a plant species grown not...

Applying fertiliser at the right time is just as important as choosing the right product. Well-timed fertiliser applications can significantly increase crop yield, improve nutrient uptake, and reduce nutrient loss into the environment. On the other hand, poor timing can waste money, harm soil health, and pollute nearby watercourses. In this article, we explore the best time to apply fertiliser in the UK, considering different soil types, crop stages, and weather patterns. Plus, we’ll answer...

In today’s economic climate, farming is more challenging than ever. Rising input costs, unpredictable weather patterns, and fluctuating market prices are squeezing margins across the board. That’s why smart, sustainable cost-saving strategies are essential for farmers who want to stay profitable without compromising on productivity. In this guide, we explore proven ways to reduce on-farm costs, from optimising inputs to investing in technology, all while improving long-term resilience. Why...