ARABLE
Understanding your soil
Biological farming systems are based on sustainable, ecological soil management practices which maintain and replenish soil fertility by providing optimum conditions for soil biological activity.
The aim is to “feed the soil and the soil will feed the plant, feed the plant and the plant will feed the soil” but this can only happen in a balanced, biologically active soil.
At the cornerstone of a healthy soil eco-system is humus which influences and is influenced by every other aspect of the soil. Building soil humus improves the chemical and physical properties as well as the biological health. There are several million organisms that live in soil and in the rhizosphere. These organisms – which include bacterial fungi, protozoa, nematodes, mites, springtails and earthworms – perform a complex array of fertility maintenance tasks.
Each group of organisms interacts with each other and the plant and it is these interactions which forms the basis of the Soil Food Web. Most of the micro-organisms contribute directly to humus formation and the release of nutrients from organic matter.
Learn about soil
01
Identification: Sample the soil, look at the structure and biology.
02
Interpretation: Look at sample results. UK test, cat-ion exchange, trace elements, available nutrients.
03
Remedial: What do you need to do to the soil initially? Lime? Slag? Cultivate? Cover crop?
04
Feed the soil: Do you have enough biological activity? Earth worms, bacteria, Fungi, Organic matter.
05
Tissue testing: Sample the newest leaves in BOTH good and bad areas.
06
Feed the plant: Nutrition AND biology, throughout the season.
07
Evaluation: Retest, reassess, and ready to go again.
Analysing your soil
SFS provides the World’s most comprehensive soil audit report for soil nutrient balancing and fertility management. We provide detailed recommendations and specialist help and advice on all soil related problems.
The aim of the soil audit is to identify the potential that a soil has to support plant growth and highlight limitations which may affect crop production. These limits may be physical, chemical or biological. Measurements are taken for ‘total’ and ‘available’ levels of essential plant nutrients.
Soil audits tell you...
Understanding and optimising soil fertility involves several crucial factors. These include the ‘available’ levels of key plant nutrients and each trace element, as well as the total nutrient reserves in the top 15 cm of soil and the amounts of selected trace elements.
The calcium balance is essential for soil nutrition, while the total and available nitrogen, along with soil type (percentages of sand, silt, and clay), are also important.
Additionally, levels of organic matter, organic carbon, and true humus need to be considered. The cation exchange capacity and cation ratios are vital, as imbalances can limit plant growth. Lastly, sulphur and sulphate levels must be monitored.
Benefits of biological farming
Adopting biological approaches to crop and livestock husbandry offers numerous benefits, including improved soil structure, better root development, and enhanced nutrient and water uptake.
These systems optimise growing conditions, increase yield potential, reduce pathogen activity and disease incidence, and minimise the need for chemical interventions.
By utilising natural nutrient cycles, they decrease reliance on synthetic fertilisers and improve nitrogen use efficiency. Additionally, they reduce the carbon footprint, enhance food quality, and result in healthier produce. Overall, biological methods increase farmer satisfaction and promote sustainable, environmentally friendly farming practices.