A NEW SOIL centre that will put Wales at the forefront of sustainable soil management research was officially opened on Thursday (April 14).

The National Soil Resources Institute, based at Cranfield University, had their Welsh office officially opened by Carwyn Jones, Welsh minister for environment, planning and the countryside.

The centre aims to provide independent advice and guidance to support the Welsh agricultural and land community with respect to all aspects related to soil and land management.

Mr Jones said: “The sustainability of soil as a natural resource is essential to the long-term economic and environmental future of not only the Welsh Community, but the EU as a whole.”

“The opening of NSRI Cymru marks a strong commitment by Cranfield University to assist in achieving this goal.”

Professor Mark Kibblewhite, director of the centre, said: “This regional centre has been launched in direct response to the increasing recognition by EU, UK and Welsh governments of the importance of long-term sustainable management of soil as a key natural resource.”