We recently held the second of three discussion workshops as part of our second year of the YEN Zero network. This workshop was a fully open event for anyone to join us to hear more about the YEN Zero network and to see presentations and have the opportunity to discuss our workshop topic: what is the role of organic materials in reaching net zero agriculture. The virtual event was hosted on the online conference platform Remo to enable better interactivity between attendees.
The aim of the workshop was to discuss the role of organic materials in reaching net zero agriculture. Specifically, the importance of testing soil nutrients to maximise the benefits of using organic manures. We heard from two expert speakers: Kate Smith a Soil Scientist from the ADAS Soils Team who summarised how to make the most of manures and the importance on the knowledge of soil nutrients; and Christina Baxter, Senior Crop Physiologist at ADAS who discussed manure application types and their influence on greenhouse gas emissions. We also had a talk from arable farmer, Will Oliver, speaking about a grower’s perspective of smart manure management. The full agenda for the event can be found below with the main takeaway messages from each section.
