Repairing Soil Structure to Optimise Autumn Establishment

Regenerative Farming: Insights from Agronomist Todd Jex and Farmer George Fraser

Today we are going to be talking with Agrii's Todd Jex, agronomist and technical advisor and George Fraser, farmer and contractor of A & R Fraser in Dorset.

In light of the difficult weather conditions that farmers have been facing in recent times, in this episode we are going to explore repairing soil structure to optimise autumn establishment. 

How has the 2023 season impacted farmers and agronomists across the UK?

Todd Jex, Agronomist:
This season has been unprecedented. I’d compare it to the autumn of 2012, which was challenging, but this year has been even more so. Locally, I’ve seen more fallow acres than ever before, with many farmers on their fourth or fifth cropping plan due to the weather conditions.

How has the weather affected your farm, George?

George Fraser, Farmer:
We’re based in Wiltshire and Dorset, and we planted quite a bit of winter wheat early on, which was fortunate. It’s established well and handled the wet conditions, though timings this spring are challenging. We’ve had to adapt our cropping plans over the winter, but overall, things are looking manageable.

What impact does heavy autumn rain have on soils and crops?

Todd Jex:
The impact varies, but even crops established early tend to have shallower root systems due to the excess moisture. This could make crops more vulnerable to drought in spring. Soils across farms will need careful assessment. Some areas will remain fallow until next summer, so it’s about evaluating each situation on its own merits.

How long have you been focusing on soil health and resilience, George?

George Fraser:
Soil health has been a cornerstone of our farming for the past 6-7 years. We manage a variety of soil types, and building resilience has been essential. This year, we were able to work on historically wet ground and manage fertiliser, sprays, and insecticides effectively due to that resilience.

What are the specific impacts of prolonged heavy rain on soil health?

Todd Jex:
Heavy, prolonged rain affects soils in several ways. From a biological perspective, waterlogged soils create anaerobic conditions, harming beneficial fungi and soil organisms. Physically, compaction from last year’s operations has been worsened. Chemically, nitrate leaching is a concern, along with the potential need for lime due to increased soil acidity. Monitoring soil pH levels closely will be essential for farmers.

How can soil structure be repaired following heavy rain?

George Fraser:
Soil repair will begin at harvest time. This means we’ll be planning and preparing in advance. We’re focusing on how best to manage drainage and compaction issues specific to each field and soil type.

What are your thoughts on cover crops and their agronomic value?

Todd Jex:
With the reduction of BPS (Basic Payment Scheme) payments, farmers need to maximise income from available schemes. Cover crops, such as multi-species or companion crops, offer a dual benefit by providing agronomic support while earning income. For farms without established crops, cover crops can help repair soil and provide benefits for the upcoming season.

How can cash and cover crops benefit farms this season?

George Fraser:
We only have a few fields left uncropped, so we’ll likely establish cash crops in those. Cover crops are an option, especially in fields that may stay fallow until the next spring. Each field’s situation will dictate our approach.

What cultivation techniques are available to repair soil structure?

Todd Jex:
It depends on the farming system. For no-till operations like George’s, having a low-disturbance subsoiler can be invaluable. Given the frequency of challenging seasons, flexibility is essential. The right equipment allows farmers to adapt to varying soil conditions, but it’s vital to assess soil structure with tools like a spade or penetrometer to determine the correct depth for intervention.

What are the benefits of attending events like autumn drilling days?

Todd Jex:
Farmers gain value by sharing experiences and seeing equipment in action, especially in less-than-ideal conditions. When conditions are challenging, farmers can better understand the limitations and advantages of different drills and tools, learning from each other’s experiences to make informed choices.

George, what will your focus be for soil repair next autumn?

George Fraser:
This season has highlighted areas with poor drainage, so we’ll focus on improving field drainage through ditching and mole ploughing where needed. Preparing for future challenging weather conditions has become part of our planning.

What is the starting point for farms looking to repair soils?

Todd Jex:
The starting point is identifying drainage issues. A year like this is perfect for spotting areas needing work. Using a drone or digger to assess drain function and checking soil structure with a spade are essential first steps. Proper drainage is foundational, followed by targeted soil structure repairs based on the actual needs identified in the field.

Top tips for repairing damaged soils

George Fraser:
It’s all about preparation. Get your soil right with proper cover and catch crops, manage trash effectively, and stay vigilant about slug control. Each field should be treated individually for the best outcomes in a no-till system.

Todd Jex:
For those with good crops, look after them with regular tissue testing to monitor nutrition. For those with fallow fields, take advantage of the downtime to improve drainage, address grass weed issues, and enhance soil health in preparation for autumn. Make the best of a challenging situation by setting up fields for success next season.