March 24 2010
LANGDALE and Seathwaite Farmers Group are investigating grassland management techniques and arranged for speaker James Bretherton to give a presentation entitled "Soil Structure - Soil Health, The Missing Link" at the Crown Inn at Coniston.
This was an open meeting that saw 14 farmers hear James take a broader view to soil management than most of the group had previously heard before. This was not just to look at ph levels and fertiliser applications but to marry soil nutrition and livestock nutrition together and value the soil and organisms it obtains rather than to just use it to produce grass.
Practices from New Zealand and America were shown, but soil aeration was the topic that generated most discussion.
Natural England's Mervyn Edwards answered questions raised on liming, cultivation etc, whilst complying with various environmental agreements.
An excellent question and discussion session took place. Refreshments were provided.
Outcome:
This was a very successful meeting. The group expressed interest in the use of soil aerators and the possibility of investing in equipment as a group. To investigate the option of bulk lime purchase and to locate a contractor who had machinery suitable for the restrictive ground conditions and terrain of this area.