Nutrient management through fertilisation and amendments enhances the capacity of the soil to deliver nutrients and thereby increases crop production and residual crop biomass returned to the soil. However, fertilisation commonly increases environmental impacts through leaching and the emission of nitrous oxide (N2O). The fertilisation source (inorganic vs organic) has a large effect on the nutrient delivering capacity, soil carbon sequestration and emissions. SoilCare has tested some innovative fertilisation and amendment practices to improve soil quality. The results of the SoilCare experiments can be viewed by clicking on the fact sheets below.
SoilCare experiment results - Factsheets
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| Belgium: Organic soil amendments for improving soil quality | Poland: Effects of liming, manure and cover crops on crop yields | Switzerland: Fertilisation and amendments for improving soil health | Switzerland: Green manures and minimum tillage for reducing glyphosate use | |||
| Read this experiment factsheet in Dutch here. | Read this experiment factsheet in Polish here. | Read this experiment factsheet in German here | Read this experiment factsheet in German here | |||
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| Portugal: Applying urban sewage sludge to improve soil health | Hungary: Organic versus inorganic Nitrogen fertilisation for increasing soil organic carbon content | |||||
| Read this factsheet in Portuguese here. | Read this factsheet in Hungarian here |
The table below provides links to existing practical information on the use of soil-improving fertilisers and amendments in agriculture.
This page is constantly under review, and its contents may change.
| Title | Language | Country | Format | Description | Organisation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compost: Practical Information | EN | Europe | Video | A video providing a general definition of compost, as well as the types of compost. Also explains the benefits and challenges of using compost |  |
| Vermicompost: Practical Information | EN | Europe | Video | Video provides an introduction to vermicompost production and application | |
| EN | Europe | Video | Video provides an introduction to thermophilic compost production and application | |
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| Compost: Advantages and Disadvantages | EN | Europe | Video | Video explaining the advantages of using compost, but the issues to consider when either producing or applying compost on fields. | |
| Compost Quality | EN | Europe | Video | A series of simple biological tests and chemical analysis to measure the compost quality are presented in this video. | |
| EN | UK | Factsheet | Provides a case study using compost and also how soil can be benefited by compost and digestate |
Soil Association |
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| Amendments For Soil Health In Top Fruit | EN | UK | Trial | Results of Innovative Farmer field lab which aims to investigate how the addition of wood chips and biochar affects soil health in fruit production systems |
Innovative Farmers |
| EN | UK | Article | Provides a case study of the potential benefits of using woodchips in farming |
Soil Association |
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| EN | EU | Research project | Woodchip research project website |
Organic Research Centre |
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| Considerations Before Contracting for Chipped or Shredded Wood Debris Application on Agricultural Land | EN | US | Article | Provides potential thoughts to be had before using woodchip and the different methods in which it can be used |
University of Florida - IFAS Extension |
| The long term effect of chemical fertilisers on soil health | EN | Europe | Video | A presentation by the European Parliament explaining the effects of fertilisers on soil health |
Plant Health Cure BV |
| The Effects of Chemical Fertilisers on Soil | EN | Europe | Article | Describes how fertilisers are affecting soil health |
Hunker |
| What is Biochar? | EN | Global | Article with video | Provides comprehensive coverage of what biochar is and its benefits along with a video with explanation |
Regeneration International |
| Biochar | EN | Australia | Factsheet | Contains a comprehensive guide about biochar, its effects and risks |
Australian Government |
| Biochar – the Ultimate Tool to Make Farming More Sustainable? | EN | Europe | Article | Looks at the sustainable future of farming and biochars role within that alongside a research study |
ARC EU |
| Biochar for sustainable soil, agriculture and energy systems | EN | UK | Guide | Conveys Biochars uses, why its used and what it is, along with climate change aspects |
Aberystwyth University |
| EN | UK | Report | Gives the experiences of many farmers and their thoughts about digestate usage along with field lab work |
Agri-tech E
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| All you need to know about using digestate as a fertiliser | EN | UK | Article | Article exploring how digestate can be a valuable alternative for crop nutrient requirements |
Farmers Guardian |
