Focus on Soil Health and Achieve Net Zero

Sustainability in farming is becoming increasingly important, with a major focus on improving soil health and achieving net zero carbon emissions.

In this episode of Tramlines, we speak with Amy Watkins, Sustainability Manager at Agrii; Chris Taylor, Agrii Agronomist and Nuffield Scholar; and Dan Moore, Farm Manager at Agrii’s South Wales iFarm.

They share insights into regenerative farming techniques, soil health improvements, and strategies for reducing environmental impact.

The Farm and Its Practices

Dan Moore: Managing 3,000 acres across South Wales, we cultivate wheat, oilseed rape, forage maize, and grass. Our focus is on sustainable practices, including direct drilling and regenerative farming. We also produce 30,000 tonnes of forage crops for sale to West Wales.

A key approach is companion cropping—mixing oilseed rape with buckwheat, spring beans, and vetch to improve soil structure and biodiversity. This technique enhances nutrient cycling and contributes to a resilient farming system.

Soil Health and Sustainability Strategies

Chris Taylor: Over the past five years, we have transitioned from strip tillage to no-till methods. This year marks our first full no-till season after preparing the soil with cover cropping and organic matter enrichment. We’re seeing a significant increase in earthworm populations, improved soil friability, and better drainage.

One of our primary fertilization methods is using digestate from a food waste plant, supplemented by a biomass boiler to dry grain. These sustainable inputs help maintain high soil organic matter and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilisers.

The Importance of Soil Health for Net Zero

Amy Watkins: Soil health is fundamental to achieving net zero. Practices such as incorporating digestate, reducing nitrogen inputs, and diversifying crops all contribute to reducing emissions. Our carbon footprint assessments confirm that these measures significantly lower on-farm emissions while enhancing productivity.

Observing Soil Resilience

Dan Moore: Despite heavy rainfall, our soils remain friable and well-drained. Improved soil structure enhances water infiltration, reducing erosion and allowing for better field access in wet conditions. During dry spells, our crops remain resilient due to deep rooting systems that access moisture and nutrients more efficiently.

Cost Savings Through Sustainable Practices

Chris Taylor: Improved soil health reduces input costs. By optimizing nitrogen applications and reducing pesticide reliance, we have lowered artificial fertilizer use by 80%. Additionally, cover cropping and organic matter incorporation help suppress weeds, reducing herbicide dependence and supporting natural pest control.

Enhancing Biodiversity

Dan Moore: We haven’t sprayed insecticides in four years. Instead, we promote natural predators like ladybirds and ground beetles, which control pests. Companion crops such as flowering beans provide habitat for pollinators, enhancing ecosystem services that benefit overall crop health.

Achieving Net Zero Through Farming Innovations

Amy Watkins: Reducing nitrogen is a major step toward net zero, as fertilizer production and application contribute significantly to emissions. For every kilogram of nitrogen applied, approximately three kilograms of CO2 equivalents are emitted. By integrating regenerative practices, farms can dramatically cut their carbon footprint.

Improving Root Systems and Crop Health

Chris Taylor: We’ve seen remarkable improvements in plant rooting depth and resilience. Stronger root systems allow crops to access deeper soil nutrients, reducing fertilizer dependency. Lower plant populations also help plants develop stronger structures, improving resilience against pests like flea beetles.

Long-Term Profitability and Sustainability

Dan Moore: Sustainability must be balanced with profitability. As farm managers, we must maintain financial stability while implementing sustainable practices. Reducing chemical inputs, improving soil health, and adopting precision nutrition strategies allow us to remain competitive while minimizing environmental impact.

Integrating Net Zero Goals with Crop Management

Chris Taylor: Regenerative techniques like diversified rotations and minimal tillage support long-term sustainability. Managing pest burdens through strategic crop choices further reduces chemical input requirements, improving profitability and environmental impact.

Key Takeaways for Farmers

1. Experiment and Adapt – Trying new techniques on a small scale allows for learning and adaptation without significant financial risk.
2. Think Long-Term – Sustainable farming should be viewed over multiple years rather than a single season.
3. Incremental Changes Matter – Gradual shifts in practices, such as reducing tillage or optimizing nutrient use, can yield substantial benefits over time.
4. Leverage Natural Systems – Encouraging biodiversity and improving soil health reduces input reliance and enhances farm resilience.

Conclusion

Farming sustainably while achieving profitability is a complex but attainable goal. By adopting regenerative practices, reducing chemical inputs, and leveraging natural systems, farms can improve productivity while reducing their carbon footprint. The Agrii South Wales iFarm exemplifies how innovation in soil health management leads to greater resilience, sustainability, and financial stability.

For more expert insights, stay tuned for future episodes of Tramlines, where we explore the latest advancements in agriculture.