Sajjad Awan encourages farmers to assess soil pH with expert soil analysis to improve nutrient utilisation

Sajjad Awan, Soil and Crop Nutrition Agronomist at NRM, advised farmers and experts at Omya’s Soil Health Conference on the importance of understanding soil pH. By shedding light on the impact of soil pH on fertilisation efficiency, as well as its role in soil health, Sajjad provided key insight into how to optimise crop production using laboratory analysis.

‘With unpredictable weather conditions and ambitious sustainability initiatives, growers and advisers are facing greater challenges than ever before,’ said Sajjad. ‘By measuring the practical effects of your efforts, growers can understand the impact of their management practices to see what went well and what needs to be rethought. As the single most informative measurement made to determine soil characteristics, pH is one of the best metrics. pH, determined by soil analysis, provides a clear view of nutrient availability, allowing growers to take corrective actions such as liming. This ultimately helps to improve future productivity and profitability. A neutral pH is also better for the environment, improving soil structure and protecting against erosion and nutrient leaching.’

Sajjad spoke at the conference, which was organised by Omya Environmental Solutions and leading Romanian agricultural distributor NATUREVO, on Thursday 7^th September in Oxford. Experts and farmers alike were brought together to explore the crucial topic of soil health, including the importance of calcium, nutrient availability, the significance of sustainable farming practices, and more.

‘The conference was a fantastic opportunity for growers to engage directly with experts to help improve their management practices,’ continued Sajjad. ‘This exchange of knowledge and experience is incredibly important. Learning how to adopt more environmental and economical practices helps to support sustainable food production as well as bolster the success of farming businesses throughout the UK, so it’s a win-win situation. I was glad to provide expertise on such an important topic and to meet farmers and other experts to hear different perspectives and opinions.’

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