About a century ago, German chemist Fritz Haber discovered how to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form accessible to plants. In doing this, inorganic fertilisers resulted in a boom in agricultural production through removing the limitations of low soil nitrogen on plant growth.

The tides are, however, turning. The increasing price and realised environmental costs of inorganic fertilisers has seen farmers searching for alternative methods to ensure sufficient nutrient availability within their soils to maintain output. Nature-based solutions (or working with nature) are at the forefront of new methods to re-revolutionise how we produce food.

Working with nature relies on understanding how soil health and nutrient cycles alter nutrient availability to plants. In promoting soil structure, enhancing levels of organic matter, correcting pH, and promoting the natural soil communities that underpin nutrient cycles, a drastic reduction in inorganic fertiliser inputs can be achieved.

Nature-based solution can include the following:

Livestock integration in crop fields – this provides an alternative organic source of fertiliser, while also boosting soil organic matter helping to retain nutrients in the soil.

Multi-species swards – planting grass/forb mixes of two or more species means diverse root structures which can tap into nutrients at different depths of the soil. While planting nitrogen fixing legumes such as clover enhances soil nitrogen level.

Lime and Biochar application – while lime can be used to optimise pH for nutrient uptake, Biochar (charcoal product from organic waste) improves soil health, resulting in an increase in phosphorus and potassium uptake, and reduces nitrate leaching.

“In using nature-based solutions, farming can reduce its input costs through aiding nature recovery”

  •  Harry Fisher, SAC Consulting

To read the full article, please visit:

Nature Based Solutions to Combat Rising Fertiliser Costs | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

Related Resources

Technical note (TN699): Agricultural use of biosolids, composts, anaerobic digestates and other industrial organic fertilisers

Technical note (TN726): Fertiliser recommendations for Grassland (fas.scot)

Grazing for Profit and Biodiversity: Multi-Species Swards | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

Organic Fertilisers and Manures | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

Spring Grazing & Fertiliser – The Proof is in the Planning | Information helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service (fas.scot)

 

*This article contains sponsored content and does not necessarily represent the views of The Scottish Farmer.​​