NRM featured on BBC’s Countryfile to discuss the importance of soil analysis: watch now

NRM was featured on BBC’s Countryfile on Sunday 6^th August. Sean Stevenson, Commercial Director of Cawood Agriculture, discussed the importance of soil analysis in both increasing productivity and adopting sustainable farming practices, as well as the Northern Ireland soil sampling project. He and the team also demonstrated the innovative equipment that we use to help farmers and agronomists across the UK optimise sustainable crop production.

‘95% of our food is grown in soil, so analysis undertaken by an accredited lab is very important,’ said Sean. ‘We test for a range of things, but pH is the most important thing to get right, then major nutrients like phosphorus and potassium, so we include these in our standard soil analytical package. By determining what is already in the soil, we can make adjustments where necessary to improve crop production in a sustainable way. We’re still going to need to manage inputs to a certain degree, but it’s all about managing the soil as opposed to managing what we’re putting into it. This week’s Countryfile did a fantastic job at explaining all this and showing how we at NRM can help.’

Adam Henson, Gloucestershire farmer and Countryfile presenter, visited NRM’s Bracknell site in July 2023 to learn more about our agronomic analysis services. Sean took him through the laboratory to teach him about soil analysis and its various stages and discuss sustainable farming practices. Adam was taught how to dry and prepare the soil samples for analysis, including mixing the sample in the solution, filtering it, extracting it, and measuring the solution into test tubes ready for analysis. He was also introduced to the lab’s organic matter analyser by Alison White, Soil Analytical Manager at NRM.

‘Organic matter is important for nutrient retention and water-holding capacity as well as being a food source for the organisms active in the soil,’ continued Sean. ‘Information gleaned from analysis is key, as the advice going back onto the land will assist the soil and what it can produce. NRM’s team of experts generate a variety of soil analysis reports that provide insightful data and guidance to help improve yield, minimise the inputs that may need to be added to the field, and ultimately increase profits for the farmer.’

Adam and the team at NRM also discussed the Northern Ireland national soil sampling project. As the first nation in the world to survey soil across the entire country, Northern Ireland is testing over 700,000 fields over the next 4 years to help improve its soil health. Cawood Agriculture plays a key role in this, with all soil samples being sent to its laboratories in Bracknell and Swaffham for analysis. Expert advice is then given to help farmers across the UK improve agricultural and environmental sustainability as well as productivity.

‘It’s fantastic to see Sean and the other team members at NRM be given a platform to inform the general public about the importance of soil analysis and how we can help,’ said Julian Salazar, Managing Director of Cawood Agriculture. ‘Our expert agronomists, alongside our team of specialist technicians, provide accurate data to farmers across the UK as well as expert, specialist advice and interpretation on their results. As shown by Sean, Alison and Adam, this value-added service helps farmers and their advisors to make insightful management decisions. This will help them optimise crop production and manage operating costs, whilst supporting farming practices that address the environmental challenges and market opportunities they care most about.’

NRM was featured in Countryfile’s episode, “Dumfries House”, on BBC One at 7pm on Sunday 6^th August. You can watch the episode on catch up here, or tune into BBC Two at 7:05pm on Sunday 13^th August.

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