GREATSOILS

Helping you protect your soil and improve its productivity.

AHDB Horticulture has funded an extensive programme of research and knowledge exchange on soil management. On this page you will find practical information on soil management as well as links to research projects. Whether you need an introduction to soil biology or a detailed guide to improving field drainage, find information and guidance here to support you.

Soils research in ongoing for other AHDB sectors. For the most up-to-date advice and information on soil management, please visit the main AHDB website.

Key soil publications

Soil biology and soil health research

Soil physics, chemistry and biology are interlinked and all play a role in maintaining productive agricultural and horticultural systems.

Whilst physical and chemical properties of soil are relatively well understood, the same is not necessarily true for soil biology. That's why we've co-funded a five-year research and knowledge exchange programme, which aims to increase understanding of soil biology and develop a toolkit to measure and manage soil health.

Find out more about the Soil Biology and Soil Health Partnership project

Find information on soil and forage testing companies

Other research and knowledge exchange projects in progress:

Effect of rotations

Four inter-related projects form a five-year programme of research to help farmers, growers and agronomists optimise soil and water management decisions and plan environmentally and economically beneficial rotations.
The research will tap into an established network of farm-based initiatives, including AHDB’s network of monitor and strategic farms and acommercial sites. This will allow farmers, growers and agronomists access to trials and provide a forum for peer-to-peer learning.

Learn more about our rotations research project

Healthy Grassland Soils

Maintaining healthy grassland soils, by improving soil structure and conserving biological activity, will support better plant growth, forage quality and thus profits, and will also minimise the negative impacts on the environment which can follow poor soil management.
Information and guides are available to help grassland farmers to study soil properties and to choose the best and least damaging management practices for this season and the seasons to come.