A NEW GUIDE to good soil management is now available to growers in Scotland, it has been announced.

The “Farm Soils Plan” has been jointly produced by a number of organisations, including the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC), Scottish Natural Heritage, Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) Scotland and National Farmers Union Scotland.

It aims to help farmers ensure their soils are kept in ‘Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition’, as required under cross compliance.

The guide contains information on good management practices, advice on identifying and rectifying potential problems such as compaction and the formation of plough pans, plus advice on reducing soil erosion and targeting nutrient application.

Copies are available free from SEERAD, SAC and FWAG offices, or www.sac.ac.uk/fsp