It’s been a turbulent time recently for British farming.
Navigating Brexit and new trade deals, critical labour shortages, tightening environmental regulation, changes to the Basic Payment Scheme and feeding the nation throughout the Covid-19 pandemic to mention just a few challenges our farmers have had to face.
And now, rapid increases in fertiliser prices have hit hard, leaving farmers questioning what they can do to achieve the optimum yields they desperately need while the industry waits for the prices to fall.
As organics recyclers, we have been inundated with calls from farmers across the UK, seeking out alternatives to their usual manufactured fertilisers, open to changing their traditional farming practices to exploring more cost effective options with additional fundamental benefits such as organic matter and slow-release nutrients.
Mixed and livestock farms have an obvious advantage in that they will already be utilising their FYM and slurries. But many arable farmers also benefit from using organic amendments such as composts, digestates and other high-quality, often waste-derived, materials.
Understanding the soil, the specific properties of the organics being applied, crop need, thorough due diligence up the supply chain and understanding the regulations are all key factors in making the switch over a success.
Policy is driving more sustainable practices, pushing for more recycling, decarbonising our economy and better environmental safeguarding, including soil health. Coupled with rising costs, and one of the most developed recycling industries in the World, now really is the time for organics recycling to take centre stage in more sustainable land management and agricultural production.
Replacing traditional manufactured fertilisers should be done through whole farm nutrient management planning integral to achieving optimal yields, saving money on artificial fertilisers and allowing investing on farm where it is really needed, such as storage, health and safety or investment in plant and equipment.
If you want unbiased, non-judgemental, independent support to review your current situation, and help identifying which alternative materials are best for your farm, please get in touch. We have a friendly team of FACTS qualified advisors available to help for a free, no obligation chat.
