Sustainable Farming Scheme Evidence Review
Read the full reportThe report highlights the critical role of effective soil nutrient management (SNM) and sward diversification in improving agricultural sustainability in Wales. Proper SNM is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and improving water and air quality, while diverse swards boost soil organic carbon and reduce reliance on manufactured nitrogen fertilisers. Additionally, soil carbon management (SCM) is vital for safeguarding carbon stocks, particularly in improved and upland soils, with interventions like reduced tillage and organic inputs being key to enhancing carbon sequestration, though gains are slow and require sustained management.
Annex 1: Soil nutrient management for improved land
The report seeks to establish intervention logic for Soil Nutrient Management (SNM) plans across all improved agricultural land. Establish the environmental benefits including GHG emissions reduction, biodiversity, water quality and air quality which will be secured through the universal uptake of SNM plans. Identify the contribution that better SNM will make to the economic resilience and sustainability of Welsh agriculture.
Key findings
Effective soil nutrient management is essential for supporting sustainable farming systems, enhancing crop productivity, and minimising nutrient losses to the environment. Proper management of soil pH and nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is crucial.
Improved soil nutrient management can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve biodiversity, and enhance water and air quality by reducing nutrient losses.
The report includes empirical data on nutrient losses, soil pH, and nutrient content from various studies, demonstrating the benefits of improved nutrient management practices.
Recommendations for policy implementation
- Develop and implement comprehensive soil nutrient management plans to optimise nutrient use efficiency and minimise environmental impacts. This includes quantifying crop nutrient requirements and soil nutrient supply, and accounting for manure nutrients when planning fertiliser applications.
- Invest in farm infrastructure such as increased storage capacity for liquid manures and precision application technologies to improve nutrient management practices and reduce emissions.
- Establish robust soil health monitoring programs to track changes in soil nutrient levels and overall health over time. Use decision support tools and data to inform nutrient management practices.
Annex 2: Sward Management
The report seeks to establish the intervention logic for supporting the diversification of swards in improved grassland. Establish the Greenhouse Gas (GHG), water quality, air quality and economic benefits. And identify the contribution that sward diversification will make to the economic resilience and sustainability of Welsh agriculture.
Key findings
Increasing sward diversity can increase soil organic carbon (SOC) through enhanced net primary productivity, deeper rooting species, and biological pedoturbation.
Improved sward management can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the need for manufactured nitrogen fertilisers and enhancing carbon storage in soils.
Diverse swards can improve water quality by reducing nitrate leaching and improving nutrient use efficiency.
The report includes empirical data on the benefits of diverse swards, including increased productivity, improved soil structure, and enhanced carbon sequestration.
Recommendations for policy implementation
- Support the diversification of swards in improved grasslands to increase plant species richness and ecosystem function.
- Implement comprehensive soil nutrient management plans to optimise nutrient use efficiency and minimise environmental impacts.
- Establish robust soil health monitoring programs to track changes in soil nutrient levels and overall health over time.
Annex 3: Soil Carbon Management
Improving Soil Carbon Management (SCM) is vital for a resilient future of agriculture in Wales. This report is presented in two parts, Improved Soils and Upland Soils, as the type and impact of management interventions may differ markedly due to fundamental differences in structure, organic matter and nutrient content.
Soil stores more carbon than vegetation globally, with UK soils holding significant carbon stocks. Improved grassland and upland soils are emphasised for their potential to store carbon.
The report highlights that intensive land management has resulted in soil carbon losses, and protecting existing soil carbon stocks should be Prioritised as rebuilding is slow.
Various interventions, such as reduced tillage, organic inputs, and afforestation, can enhance soil carbon sequestration, though the rate of sequestration is generally slow and subject to reversal if land management practices are not maintained.
Provides empirical data on soil carbon stocks and sequestration rates under different land uses and management practices.
Recommendations for policy implementation
- Prioritise the protection of current soil carbon stocks to prevent rapid losses.
- Implement sustainable land management practices that improve soil health and carbon sequestration, such as reduced tillage, cover cropping, and organic amendments.
- Enhance soil health monitoring programs and support further research to understand soil carbon dynamics and improve sequestration techniques.