Soil Management Trial

Kingshay Soil Improvement Trial 2007
S A & R G Clapp, Glastonbury

A soil improvement trial was set up to focus on forage quality and reducing the need for copper supplementation in cattle on clay soils.

Three treatments are being assessed against a control
► Gypsum (calcium sulphate)
► Slit aeration
► Gypsum & Slit aeration

Rob-and-Cow

Fresh Grass Molybdenum Levels
October 2007
Moly-Graph-Clapp-Oct07

Summary
Clay loam with high molyybdenum forage causing copper 'lock-up' in cattle, resulting in metabolic problems.

Actions
► Correct mineral balance in soil for impact on forage
► Aerate for soil health and earthworm population
► Select correct fertiliser ingredinets

Results
Reduction in forage molybdenum aiming to improve cow fertility and overall performance

Bridge Farm Soil Improvement Trial 2005

Here at Bridge Farm we have heavy clay soils which are prone to waterlogged in the winter and drying out in the summer. The soil is low in calcium, high in magnesium and has low sulphate levels. In 2005 trials were set up to evaluate the benefits of enhanced soil management on the yields of forage and the condition of the soil, compared to standard farm practice.

We are looking at:

Slit aeration	Humate application
Gypsum application	Revised fertiliser policy

Initial results indicate:

Improved calcium availability to forage, which has resulted in a yield benefit
The yield benefit was achieved with improved efficiency in nitrogen use
Soil condition has improved
Earthworm activity increased with the humate treatment
More open soil structure where gypsum was used

For information on our Integrated Soil Management Service click here.