Interventions: Soil Management
Grassland aeration
Introducing air into soil can help roots develop to alleviate compaction, improve drainage and reduce slurry and fertiliser runoff.
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Grassland sward lifting
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.
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Arable subsoiling
Loosening and breaking up subsoil can help alleviate compaction to improve drainage.
More infoOver Winter Cover
In-Field Water Retention
Sediment traps
Swales or ponds located between the farm and the watercourse can intercept sediment run-off.
Attenuation ponds
Intercepting surface water run-off can help reduce flooding while providing water storage for periods of dry weather.
Earth bunds
An earth bank can protect watercourses by slowing the flow of water, and this reduces sediment and nutrient input.
Livestock Fencing
Fencing
Protecting riverbanks with fencing reduces sediment input by keeping livestock out of the watercourse.
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Drinking troughs
Having drinking troughs to keep livestock out of the watercourse helps protect riverbanks and reduce sediment.
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Water gates
Protecting riverbanks with water gates reduces sediment input by keeping livestock out of the watercourse.
More infoRainwater Harvesting
Above ground tank
Collecting rain water provides free, clean water supply and storage for use during periods of low rainfall.
Trackway
Cross drains
Diverting water from tracks can reduce erosion and run-off issues.
Yard and track works
Hardcore tracks and yards reduce soil erosion and compaction caused by heavy machinery or livestock.
Tree Planting
Bank Stabilisation
Irrigation
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.