Soil and Water

Soil & Water

Improving soil health and water management

The intensification of agriculture over the past 60 years has severely degraded the UK’s soils.  According to a recent government report, some of the most productive agricultural land in the country is at risk of becoming unprofitable within a generation as a result of soil erosion and loss of organic carbon.  Poor soil health moreover increases the risk of flooding and threatens to undermine the UK’s efforts to mitigate climate change.

The IfA Soils team, led by Stephen Briggs and managed by Deborah Crossan, consists of passionate specialists who aim to reverse the depletion of our soils, whilst recognising and working with the pioneer farmers who are championing soil in the UK today.

We discover what is exciting in research, applicable to the farm and desirable for the climate, promoting nature friendly farming which supports biodiversity, clean water and nutritional food.

By disseminating this knowledge within the farming community, IfA aims to bring about a lasting improvement in the management of the UK’s soil & water.