Early indicators to monitor changes in soil health: evidence to update guidance for UK farmers

This project evaluates ten candidate soil health indicators for their suitability, evidence base and practical application to monitor soil health changes in UK farming systems.

An interpretation framework for the top ranked indicators will be created.

ORC are leading the management, knowledge exchange, and delivery of the shortlist of early indicators of soil health in the project, while SRUC are leading on the interpretation framework.

The project aims to improve land manager confidence in the measuring and monitoring of soil health by improving our understanding of which soil metrics are most suitable to evaluate as early indicators of soil health changes. There will be 2 key outcomes to this work:

  1. a list of early indicators of soil health that have been found to be the most useful and practicable on-farm in terms of contribution to both agricultural productivity and environmental function.
  2. A farmer-friendly interpretation framework to sit alongside the list of early indicators of soil health. We will also be submitting a final report to AHDB which summarizes our selection process, the creation of the interpretation framework and any avenues for future research.

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ADAS provides ideas, specialist knowledge and solutions to secure our food and enhance the environment. We understand food production and the challenges and opportunities faced by organisations operating in the natural environment

Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) was established in 2012 through the merger of the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) with Barony, Elmwood and Oatridge Colleges. Through these institutions, we can trace our lineage back over 100 years.