Land use(s)
- Lowland
- Most of the work of the Devon and Cornwall Soils Alliance is on Lowland mixed farms but this covers diary, beef & sheep and arable
Successes / outcomes
- Training for over 100 advisors across Devon and Cornwall on soil management. There are lots of examples of individual farm projects changing soil health.
Methods / issues being explored
- Increased diversity of sward / crops
- Crop rotation$Solutions to reduce erosion and land degradation
- Soil tillage and management
- Reduced use of / alternatives to inorganic fertilisers
- Modification of organic matter inputs
- Reduced use of control chemicals
- Precision farming
- Introduction / management of water bodies
- Rewetting of peatlands
- Whole system approach
Data being collected on
- Soil health
- Water runoff / flooding
- Water quality
- Carbon
Methods of data collection
- Visual assessments
- Field surveys
- Commercial laboratories
- Sensors
- Remote sensing (LIDA, satellites, drones etc.)
Types of organisation involved
- Farmers
- Agri- or forestry industries
- Academics
- Consultants
Outreach
- Open days
- Training courses
- Events/festivals
Networks this organisation / initiative is involved in
- Groundswell
Other organisations involved:
- Multiple Independant Farmers
- Multiple Independant Contractors
- Multiple Independant farming consultants
- Westcountry Rivers trust
- Devon Wildlife Trust
- Cornwall Wildlife Trust
- Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group
- Environment Agency
- Natural England
- South West Water
- Premier Foods
- Saputo
- APB Meats
- Keypack
- Catchment Partnerships
- Local Nature Partnerships
- Flood and Coastal Committee$
Land use type:
-
Lowland
