Improving Soil Resilience - by Heather Challis

The importance of healthy soils

With dryer summers and warmer, wetter winters now predictable and prevalent, building resilience into soils is key for both farm productivity and river health.

Wet winters leave soils waterlogged and vulnerable to compaction, whilst dry summers make it harder for water and nutrients to move through the soil profile. The results of this is poorer drainage, reduced nutrient availability, weaker root growth and – ultimately, lower yields.

I know this first hand, as in addition to my role at Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust I also manage a sheep and beef cattle farm in Nidderdale.

Why does soil compaction matter?

Compacted soil has fewer spaces for air and water to move through it, which restricts root growth, forcing roots sideways rather than downwards, in search of water and nutrients.

This is particularly important during dry weather, as if roots can't penetrate deeper into the soil, grass has less access to the moisture stored further down the soil profile.

Good soil aeration helps restore the movement of air and water. It also provides better conditions for roots and the wider community of soil organisms that contribute to healthy soils, which also helps make grassland more resilient during periods of drought.

Turning soil science into farm benefits

I recently held two successful soil aeration events in the Wharfe and Nidd catchments, as part of a wider programme of events across The Calder, Aire, East Yorkshire and the Don catchment.

The events featured renowned soil expert Charlie Morgan, who helped translate the science of soil health into practical benefits for farm businesses.

One of his key messages was that healthier, better-structured soils can help farmers keep livestock grazing outside for longer.

Keeping cattle housed comes at a significant cost. At around £5 per head per day for dairy cattle and £3 per head per day for beef cattle, even a small extension to the grazing season can make a substantial difference to profit margins.

For example, extending grazing by two weeks at either end of the normal grazing period could mean an additional 28 days outside. For a 100-cow dairy herd, that's potentially 2,800 additional cow-days at grass.

*Actual savings will depend on the farm system, forage availability, weather and other costs.

Getting the basics right: pH matters

Aeration is only part of the picture. Charlie also highlighted the importance of maintaining the right soil pH.

For grassland, a pH of around 6.5 is generally the target. If soils are too acidic, plants can struggle to access essential nutrients including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Applying lime where appropriate can help raise soil pH and improve nutrient availability. Good soil structure and the right pH need to work together though − there is little benefit in improving root access if plants cannot efficiently take up the nutrients they need.

Building drought resilience with deeper roots

The plants growing also play an important role in improving soil resilience. Herbal leys include deeper-rooting species such as chicory, lucerne and sainfoin access moisture and nutrients deeper in the soil profile than many shallow-rooted species, helping grassland remain productive during dry periods.

Deeper roots can also contribute organic matter and carbon to the soil, supporting soil structure which also helps soils hold more water.

Don't forget soil biology!

Healthy soil isn't just about its physical structure − soil biology is essential too.

Earthworms, fungi and other organisms support soil structure, nutrient recycling and plant growth. Aerating compacted soils can create better conditions for this biology to thrive by improving the oxygenation of soil.

Aeration in action

Our events also offered farmers the opportunity to see different aeration machinery working in the field.

Aerworx demonstrated its aerator which operates at speed − around 17–20 km/h. This machine creates a shattering effect through the soil, helping compacted ground to crumble and open up.

The Panbuster from Agri-Supply works on a similar principle but at a slower speed, using three legs to penetrate the soil and break up compacted pans, i.e. the dense layers within a soil profile that can restrict the movement of roots, air and water.

Both machines were showcased on a very dry, compacted field with subsequent improvements to the soil structure clearly visible.

Benefits of well-aerated soil

In a nutshell, improving soil aeration brings the following benefits:

• Improved drainage and structure
• Improved movement of air and water
• Improved nutrient availability, supporting stronger root growth when soil pH is appropriate
• Increased soil biology, including earthworms and beneficial fungi
• Deeper, stronger root growth, helping plants access water during dry periods
• Greater resilience to drought
• Longer grazing periods, potentially reducing the amount of time livestock need to be housed

Missed the event?

Even if you missed our soil aeration events, I can still help you identify opportunities to improve soil health, farm resilience and environmental outcomes for your farm.

There may also be opportunities for further support through relevant funding and grant schemes.

Get in touch with me at: heather.challis@ydrt.co.uk to find out more and/or arrange your free farm sustainability review.

You can also follow our bespoke farming Facebook page: Roots Returns Farmers Group