BASIS is offering members of Young Farmers’ Clubs a 15% discount on the BASIS Classroom Soil Health Series to help boost soil knowledge.

Understanding the importance of the land beneath your feet is one of your greatest assets if you’re taking on the family farm or starting out in agriculture.

Looking after your soil is one of the best investments you can make for the future of your farm.

Healthy soils support stronger crops, improve water retention, reduce erosion and can help lower input costs. Government estimates suggest that soil degradation costs England and Wales around £1.2 billion every year, highlighting the value of good soil management. The encouraging news is that many of these challenges can be prevented and even reversed, through practical, everyday decisions.

Five practical ways to improve soil health

You don't need to make huge changes overnight. A few simple, well-informed practices can make a lasting difference.

1. Keep your soil covered.

Cover crops help protect the soil surface, improve organic matter and, where legumes are used, can naturally fix nitrogen, helping to reduce fertiliser requirements.

2. Rotate your crops.

A varied crop rotation helps break pest and disease cycles, improves soil structure and makes better use of available nutrients.

3. Avoid unnecessary compaction.

Limiting heavy machinery on wet ground helps protect soil structure, encourages healthy root development and avoids costly remediation later.

4. Test before you invest.

Regular soil testing helps you understand exactly what your soil needs, allowing you to target nutrient applications more efficiently and avoid unnecessary expenditure.

5. Feed the soil as well as the crop.

Organic manures, composts and cover crops all contribute to healthier soils by increasing organic matter, improving soil structure and supporting long-term productivity.

Looking ahead

Good soil management is becoming increasingly important across UK agriculture. Defra's Environmental Land Management schemes and other agri-environment initiatives continue to place greater emphasis on protecting and improving soil health, creating opportunities for farmers who adopt sustainable soil management practices.

Building your understanding now will help you make informed decisions, improve the resilience and productivity of your farm, and be well placed to benefit from future environmental schemes and incentives.