NRM builds on success of BASIS Classroom course with 2nd module

Following impressive feedback on its first BASIS Classroom course on analysis of soil nutrients, NRM has continued the series with a module on soil carbon, livestock manure, and slurry. Available to all BASIS registered agronomists and FACTS qualified advisors, the laboratory analysis series has been created by NRM’s expert agronomists to help advisers and farmers move beyond basic soil nutrient analysis and gain a deeper understanding of soil health and nutrient management planning.

Module 2, “Soil Carbon, Livestock Manure, and Slurry”, is live on BASIS Classroom now and earns 2 BASIS points for every completion. The BASIS CPD year closes at the end of May, so this is an ideal time to catch up on any outstanding points requirement.

‘Organic materials and carbon play a vital role in soil health,’ said Dr Sajjad Awan, Soil & Crop Nutrition Agronomist at NRM and co-author of the course. ‘Taking care of soil organic matter (SOM) and soil organic carbon (SOC) through careful management and regular analysis helps improve the functioning of our ecosystems, increase the soil’s capacity to produce food, and protect water and air from pollutants. To help farmers manage levels effectively and efficiently, part 2 of our course on understanding laboratory analysis data focuses on SOM, SOC, and the analysis of livestock manures and slurries, providing the skills needed to interpret lab results and apply them in practical nutrient planning.’

BASIS reports that the statistics from module 1, “Laboratory Analysis 1: Soil Nutrients”, were outstanding, with 97% of candidates who had taken the course stating that it was either good or excellent.

‘97% of candidates said they would find the information from module 1 of NRM’s course useful when working in a practical context. This is exactly what we hope for, as this is what these courses and BASIS Classroom are all about,’ said Thomas Vaughan, Commercial Manager & Environment Lead at BASIS. ‘Additionally, of this number, 68% reported that the course was excellent—anything above 50% for this measure is impressive. From a BASIS perspective, this sponsored course has been very well received by our membership, particularly among those holding a FACTS qualification. The positive feedback was recently acknowledged at a FACTS committee meeting, highlighting its value and relevance to the industry.’

“Laboratory Analysis 2: Soil Carbon, Livestock Manure, and Slurry” is available exclusively for BASIS members as part of BASIS Classroom, and will be available for 12 months. Participants who complete the 30 minute course will earn two CPD points, enhancing their expertise and helping maintain professional credentials.