The Farmers Mart Feb/Mar 2015 - Issue 38 | Page 33

Arable Farmers urged to plant trees & prevent profit erosion »»Around 2.2m tonnes of topsoil are eroded annually in the UK, costing an estimated £200m a year to the industry as a result of having to repeat practices. Now farmers are being encouraged to plant trees on their land as part of the solution to water and wind erosion. At the recent Oxford Farming Conference, The Woodland Trust and Soil Association highlighted to farmers how long-term soil management plans – that incorporate tree planting – can improve the viability and productivity of their farming systems. Soil Scientist, Professor Mark Kibblewhite, said: “Organic matter in the UK’s soils is declining, while compaction and erosion are widespread. A shelter belt or hedge can improve water infiltration rates of compacted soil by 60 times within three years of being planted. Hedges help to control soil erosion by water and by wind and are important infrastructure for soil management.” Nuffield Scholar and Director of Abacus Agriculture, Stephen Briggs, discussed how trees have not only lowered erosion on his farm, but also allowed him to produce income-earning crops for longer times throughout the year. He said: “Since integrating apple trees in rows within my arable rotation of wheat, barley, clover and vegetables, my farm has established the largest agroforestry system in the UK. What’s great is only eight percent of the land area has been used for tree planting – meaning 92 percent of land is still seeing an economic return from cereal crop production.” Beccy Speight, Woodland Trust Chief Executive, said: “There’s been a growing interest among farmers about soil erosion and how this can affect the productivity of their farms. We’re keen to demonstrate how trees can protect this precious resource, while offering other benefits, such as shelter for livestock, pollution abatement and wood fuel.” Helen Browning, Soil Association Chief Executive, said: “2015 is the International year of Soil and this is a great opportunity to focus attention on this vital but neglected issue. “ Find out more about the advice and support available to farmers and landowners from the Woodland Trust, call 0845 293 5689 or email [email protected] The clean, convenient & versatile fuel for GRAIN DRYING • POULTRY FARMS • GAME REARING • CATERING • FORK LIFT TRUCKS MANUFACTURING PROCESSES • DOMESTIC & COMMERICAL HEATING FOR ALL YOUR BULK LPG REQUIREMENTS PLEASE GIVE US A CALL OR VISIT US AT www.lpgdirect.co.uk www.farmers-mart.co.uk Feb/Mar 2015 33