DEFRA has announced new guidelines for protecting and improving soils to meet rising demands for food and to combat climate change.
The report, Safeguarding our Soils (SOS), outlined government plans to prevent further erosion of agricultural soils, reduce the rate of soil carbon loss and increase organic matter content.
NFU environment policy adviser Aarun Naik supported the objectives. "Farmers and the NFU would be the first to recognise that the state of their soils and their management are critical to the long-term sustainability of farm businesses and the environment."
Existing regulatory mechanisms will be used to achieve the goals, such as CAP cross compliance, which requires farmers to assess their soils and take action to address identified problems. Environmental stewardship schemes will also be a focus with options such as buffer strips that reduce soil erosion.
In addition, Water Framework Directive requirements such as River Basin management plans will be used to prevent soil erosion through run-off.
"Evidence from recent DEFRA farm practice surveys has shown that increasing numbers of farmers are taking measures to improve organic matter in their soils- ranging from minimum tillage cultivation techniques to addition of composts and better use and management of bulky manures," said Mr Naik.