Explanatory Booklet for the Colebrooke & Strule Soil Testing and Training Initiative

All farmers within the designated regions of the Colebrooke and Strule river systems in Northern Ireland are being offered a free, whole-farm (for land within the designated areas) soil sampling and analysis service. The service will provide farmers with detailed information on their soils, such as pH level and nutrient requirements for Phosphate (P2O5) and Potassium (K20).

The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), and their appointed agents, will deliver the Initiative on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).The Initiative will sample and analyse up to a maximum of 10,000 fields, limited by the available budget.

Successful applicants will be provided with a free soil sampling and analysis service, to include sample collection by AFBI’s appointed agent, and sample analysis performed to a UKAS accredited standard. Individual soil analysis results, which include recommendations on lime and nutrient applications, will be sent to participants. Training in nutrient management planning and interpretation of soil analysis results will be offered by CAFRE during the initiative.