Available packages
Standard soil
NRM鈥檚 standard soil analysis ensures farmers comply with the 鈥淔arming Rules for Water鈥� requirements, by providing information for their annual nutrient management plan. This is essential to help ensure the best use of inputs from both an agronomic and environmental viewpoint.
For farmers in England, it is a legal requirement under the Farming Rules for Water for soils to be tested at least every five years on cultivated agricultural land. A more effective approach to analysis is rotationally sampling 25% of the farm each year.聽 This means you more quickly identify issues which can be corrected sooner rather than later. Defra鈥檚 definition of cultivated agricultural land is: 鈥榣and that you鈥檝e ploughed, sowed or harvested at least once in the last year, and/or land that has received fertiliser at least once within the previous 3 years.
NRM鈥檚 standard soil analysis includes pH, available phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. Results are expressed as聽mg/l and as soil indices. Lime and fertiliser recommendations are available for most crops as per聽RB209: 9th edition.
Standard soil + organic matter
NRM鈥檚 standard soil with organic matter analysis includes the standard soil tests as well as a measurement of organic matter. This package helps you meet the requirements of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI)鈥檚 SAM 1, which requires soil organic matter (SOM) analysis and the creation of a soil management plan for the land entered into the agreement. SOM analysis results help inform soil management plans to ensure they are as effective as possible.
CarbonCheck
CarbonCheck is the most comprehensive soil carbon testing service available in the UK and is rapidly becoming the industry standard. This more than satisfies the current requirements of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SAM 1), and enables you to benchmark your soil health, make improvements, and help you get a head start on your carbon capture journey.
Benchmarking now will allow you to monitor the impact of sustainable farming practices and be prepared for future income opportunities relying on carbon sequestration.
It includes the following analysis, which combine to provide a complete soil carbon audit:
鈥� Organic carbon (as a % and carbon stock in t/ha)
鈥� Organic matter
鈥� Inorganic carbon
鈥� Total carbon
鈥� Total nitrogen
鈥� C:N ratio
鈥� Bulk density
CarbonCheck Plus
This package includes the standard CarbonCheck tests as well as the additional analysis of Active Carbon, which shows the readily available portion of soil carbon that provides a food source for soil microbes. This is therefore considered a key soil health indicator. Changes in active carbon levels can be identified more rapidly than changes in organic matter, so will highlight the effect of different soil management techniques quickly and easily.
CarbonCheck results are presented in an easy-to-understand format and are straightforward to interpret.
How do I get the discount?
To order your CarbonCheck or standard soil package and claim your NFU member鈥檚 discount, please complete the form below:
Login to access this benefit