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Soil health

Healthy soil, healthy farm

Good soil health benefits productivity, sustainability and profitability. When there's a strong soil structure in the ground, grass, crops and livestock thrive above ground, too. From monitoring soil and increasing organic matter to planting trees and restoring peatland, there are many things farmers can do to improve soil health.

Why soil health matters

Healthy soil is the building block of a healthy farm, with huge benefits for livestock, crops and wildlife. Read about how Scottish farmers are taking soil health into account on their land, and the results they're seeing in productivity and output.

WHY SOIL MATTERS

Farmer Philip Bews of Westray tells us how he now uses 20% less fertiliser, and has been able to keep 20 more yearling calves on his farm (almost 12% of his herd) since learning how to manage soil.

"Everything comes from the soil up"

“If the soil’s good, the grass is good and your animals will be healthy," says Cairngorms farmer Bruce McConnachie. Here he is on using nature, including soil, as an indicator of farm performance.

How to improve your soil

Soil improvement is key to a healthy farm and a healthy business. Read about how Scottish farmers are prioritising soil health and find out what you can do to improve soil health on your farm.