S1: Thainstone Soil & Nutrient Network - An Introduction to Kirkton Farm

Kirkton Farm near Thainstone is one of the Soil & Nutrient Network host farms for 2019-2020.  In this podcast, we hear from our host farmer, Scott Campbell, who is the 2019 Farmer’s Weekly Arable Farmer of the Year.  Scott gives us an introduction to the farm and how he manages it.  We also hear from Gavin Elrick, soil and drainage expert, and David Ross, agricultural consultant and soil specialist both from SAC Consulting.  Gavin and David were guest speakers during the first event at Kirkton Farm and discuss some of the topics that they covered during their presentation sessions.   Gavin gives us an insight into soil structure and compaction and some of the reasons for the differences that were seen between the fields managed in a min-till system versus the fields conventionally managed.  David highlights the importance of soil analysis and the benefits of using GPS sampling.  Scott explains how moving to GPS sampling saved him approximately £58/ha when applying lime to manage soil pH.   For more information about Kirkton Farm, or any of the other Soil & Nutrient Farms across Scotland, visit www.fas.scot/soil-nutrient-network-host-farms