Rural Policy Centre Research Briefing.
Key message:
There are clear soil and vegetation responses to forested riparian buffer strips, which indicate their potential to store and slow flood waters and thus to assist in the delivery of Natural Flood Risk Management.
Download the full briefing below.
Soil is an essential natural resource for all farmers. Over recent years many initiatives have sought to provide information and advice on soils and Soil Health, notably AHDB Great Soils.
Agroecology is a holistic and integrated approach that simultaneously applies ecological and social concepts and principles to the design and management of sustainable agriculture and food systems. Definition from FAO.
Agroforestry is the practice of combining agricultural crops or livestock with trees and shrubs. It is a great example of agroecology in action. Agroforestry provides healthier soil, higher yields and vital homes for wildlife.
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.
Good soil structure is vital for optimising water and nutrient use efficiency; and for sustaining profitable cropping systems. Poor soil structure and compaction can reduce yields, restrict access for field operations, increase fuel use and, for high value root and vegetable crops, increase reliance on irrigation. Where there are clear signs of soil compaction, cultivations to remove the compaction may result in a yield benefit. Visual soil assessment is important to assess the extent and depth of compaction and to inform decisions on the most appropriate course of action.
Help us collate the knowledge sources, organisations and initiatives out there that are seeking to improve the farmed environment
Farming is intricately connected to the environment in various ways. The relationship between agriculture and the environment is a critical aspect of modern farming practices. Please share information, resources, tools and experiences on the multifaceted dimensions of how farming intersects with the environment.
