Soil, Water & Nutrient Management

Phosphate nutrition for maize At a recent FWAG event in Devon, Jon Myhill from the Maize Growers Association shared findings showing no yield penalty from omitting DAP fertiliser (18-46-0) and manure applications on soils at P Index 2+, and only minimal impact at Index 1. Because many farms in livestock areas already receive plenty of […]

Joanna Uglow – Senior Farm Environment Advisor at FWAG SW, featured on a recent episode of Tonal’s podcast, talking about farming, soil and water. Joanna gives an insight into a project with Wessex Water and the impact of buffer zones to make more room for the river, as well as the importance of farming alongside nature. Joanna was joined

Groundswell 2025 demonstrated how knowledge shared at agricultural events can spark interconnected ideas and practical innovation. One such outcome was the development of the Living Fields Research Project, inspired by sessions exploring soil health, livestock roles, and the ecological risks posed by agrochemicals and livestock treatments. Talks by Sally-Ann Spence, Clive Turner, FWAG SW, and

Phosphorus (P) is a vital nutrient for crop growth, yet it’s one of the most elusive when it comes to availability in soil. Despite regular applications of fertilisers and organic matter, only 1–2% of total soil phosphorus is actually accessible to plants at any given time. But phosphorus isn’t just a crop nutrition issue, it’s

The first of three videos about soil compaction and infiltration provides an introduction to soil function and its important role within river catchments. The topics covered include soil composition, soil hydrology, the effects of soil degradation and how to identify soil compaction.   You will find more useful information on our Resource Library page.

Phosphate and potash levels in slurry can be estimated from dry matter content—the higher the dry matter, the higher the phosphate content. However, nitrogen is more volatile, making dry matter a less reliable indicator. For an accurate nitrogen measurement, use a lab analysis or an N sensor. These methods also improve phosphate and potash estimates.

Compiled by our Devon Nutrient and Soils team: FACTS and Basis Soil & Water qualified advisers Samantha Read, Eve Halliday and Dr Sabine McEwan. Over the past four years, we have continually gathered data, experience and expertise. This has allowed us to identify new areas of exploration and refinement of our approach, based on valuable

Author: Merle Brown. In 2021 the condition of the SSSIs that are fed by the River Brue were re-assessed as unfavourable declining due to water quality. Issues of high phosphate levels were exacerbated by low summer water levels and flooding events. The Brue Headwaters Multi-benefit Project was set up in 2020 in conjunction with FWAGSW

The second of three videos about soil compaction and infiltration looks at grassland soils. This video covers how to identify compaction in grassland, methods to address different types of compaction, examples of common soil issues with case studies including infiltration testing, and ways to prevent compaction in the future.   You will find more useful

The third of three videos about soil compaction and infiltration looks closely at arable systems. In this video we assess soil structure in three different soil types, discuss cultivation techniques, how to improve organic matter and ways to minimise compaction in the future. You will find more useful information on our Resource Library page.