Introducing air into soil can help roots develop to alleviate compaction, improve drainage and reduce slurry and fertiliser runoff.                                                                         

Soil compaction can be caused by heavy machinery and livestock poaching. Sward lifters alleviate this compaction by opening up the sub-soil to improve drainage.

Loosening and breaking up subsoil can help alleviate compaction to improve drainage.                                                                                                                             

Fast growing crops grown in between main crops reduce soil erosion and improve soil quality.

Undersowing maize with grass can reduce soil erosion and nutrient loss/leaching.                      

Swales or ponds located between the farm and the watercourse can intercept sediment run-off.

Intercepting surface water run-off can help reduce flooding while providing water storage for periods of dry weather.

An earth bank can protect watercourses by slowing the flow of water, and this reduces sediment and nutrient input.

Protecting riverbanks with fencing reduces sediment input by keeping livestock out of the watercourse.

Having drinking troughs to keep livestock out of the watercourse helps protect riverbanks and reduce sediment.

Protecting riverbanks with water gates reduces sediment input by keeping livestock out of the watercourse.

Collecting rain water provides free, clean water supply and storage for use during periods of low rainfall.

Diverting water from tracks can reduce erosion and run-off issues.                                       

Hardcore tracks and yards can reduce soil erosion and compaction caused by heavy machinery or livestock.

Trees can reduce soil erosion by stabilising banks and this reduces nutrient input to the watercourse from chemicals in the soil.

Hedges can provide a barrier to livestock, water and sediment while creating new habitat for wildlife.

Leaky barriers made of natural materials can slow the flow of water into rivers and trap sediment.

Barriers made of natural materials can protect riverbanks from erosion.                                         

Applying water and fertiliser directly to the crop reduces water usage and pumping costs and increases yield. This video is from the first Water Friendly Farming webinar, held in September 2020.