Classroom module 1 –Introductions; farmer motivations for attending the course

Soil texture, type and water holding capacity

• Identifying soil type by hand texturing
• The impact of soil structure on crop production and methods of assessment
• Visual evaluation of soil structure

Soil compaction

• An introduction to soil compaction, looking at what soil compaction is, how it is caused and how to measure it.
• Methods to prevent soil compaction including controlled traffic farming
• Alleviating compaction

The relationship between soil, water and plants

• Why good soil structure is important and the impact of soil compaction
• The need for field drainage systems and secondary mole drainage
• Role of key agri-environmental policy and legislation (e.g. catchment sensitive farming) in farm systems

Classroom module 2 – Practical soil structural assessment

• Examining the soil profile in the field (Field pit)
• Looking at topsoil structure, aggregates, pores and rooting
• Looking at subsoil for evidence of soil compaction, rooting and drainage
• Practical assessments – Using VESS, Peerlkamp and VSA in the field

Wrap up session – Discussion on using practical soil structure assessments to inform soil management decisions on-farm

Trainers are accredited by ARTIS

Participants receive an ARTIS Accredited Certificate