The Current Status of Soil and Water Management in England

1. Introduction
The Royal Agricultural Society of England has asked its new “Practice with Science”
Advisory Group to advise it on year-round activity relating to the RASE’s objective “to
be the leading independent voice for agriculture and the rural economy”, based upon
its commitment to “Practice with Science”. Chaired by Sir Don Curry, the Group has
focussed on four early priority areas: - these are soil, water & energy; plant breeding;
the environmental benefits of livestock; and public good. Underlying all the theme
areas is the importance of investment in research and the need for an effective
bridge between knowledge and practice. Because of the remit of the Royal
Agricultural Society of England, this work focuses predominantly on England, but
incorporates information from Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and areas further
afield where appropriate.
This report focuses on the issues surrounding the national capability to provide
practical solutions to physical problems in soil and water management within the
field. Whilst focusing on the physical and engineering issues, nutrient aspects are not
being ignored where they interact; for example, where bio-solids and other materials
are used to supplement granular fertiliser and issues of application and materials
handling have to be considered. Similarly, issues relating to the application of
pesticides and herbicides are considered. For the purpose of clarification, the term
“water” in this report relates to the water held within or passing through soil and
hence includes field drainage and irrigation but not to the broader issues of the
availability of water resources in general.
2. Purpose of the Report
Farmers in England, who manage 72% of the land, face the challenge of increasing
yields while at the same time reducing inputs, improving soil health and generally
enhancing the environment. The Royal Agricultural Society of England wishes to
ascertain whether they will be able realistically to meet these demands. Hence it
raises the following questions:
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Is appropriate research in the pipeline to help?
Will there be enough specialists to help?
Is new information filtering through to farmers quickly and effectively?
The report will address these issues by considering the following key areas:-
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Research
Education
Information availability to farmers
Awareness of policy makers and advisers to current situation.
The report was prepared by the authors taking a holistic view in drawing together
their combined knowledge and experience, and seeking advice from other
specialists, policy makers and practitioners, as listed in the Acknowledgements, to
whom grateful thanks are extended.
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