GREATsoils: Getting more from every hectare starts below the surface

Farm margins are tight, weather is increasingly unpredictable and efficiency matters more than ever. For livestock farmers, getting the most from every hectare of grassland depends on one key resource that is often overlooked – soil.

Soils do much more than provide a medium for plant growth. They regulate water movement, cycle nutrients, support biological activity, store carbon and provide the physical structure needed for healthy root development.

Together, these functions underpin grassland productivity, resilience and profitability.

Yet soils are often managed based on symptoms rather than causes. Poor grass growth, poaching, drought stress, waterlogging and inefficient nutrient use may all have links to underlying soil function.

Before deciding what to measure or what changes to make, it helps to ask a simple question: What do I need my soil to do for my business?

The answer will help determine where to focus attention and investment.

Soil management should support the specific goals of your farming system, whether that's growing more grass, improving resilience or making better use of nutrients.

Not every soil assessment starts with a laboratory test. A simple walk around the farm can provide valuable insights into how soils are functioning.

Signs that soil is functioning well may include:

• Consistent crop or grass growth
• Good water infiltration
• Strong rooting
• Visible earthworm activity
• Resilience during wet or dry conditions

Warning signs can include:

• Standing water
• Compaction
• Bare patches
• Run-off and erosion
• Poor crop or grass performance

Several factors work together to support grassland performance:

• Soil structure influences how easily roots can grow and access water and nutrients
• Drainage affects trafficability, grazing days and the ability of soils to recover after rainfall
• Organic matter helps soils store water and nutrients while supporting biological activity
• Soil biology, including earthworms and microbes, plays an important role in nutrient cycling and maintaining soil structure

When these elements work well together, soils are often better able to cope with both wet and dry conditions, helping to support more consistent grass production.

Improving soil function does not always require major investment.

Simple changes such as reducing compaction, protecting soils during wet conditions, maintaining drainage systems, increasing organic matter inputs or adapting grazing management can all contribute to better soil performance over time.

There is no single recipe for success because every farm, field and soil type is different.

Katie Evans, Senior Engagement Manager (Beef & Lamb) at AHDB, said:

"Healthy soil means different things on different farms. The important thing is understanding what your soils need to deliver and identifying the management practices that will help them perform at their best."

Find practical guidance, case studies and videos in our GREATsoils Toolkit and catch up with our webinar recording Your soil, your business, your goals on YouTube.

The next webinar in the series is on 13 January 2027, when we'll look at practical management options available for different soil types, farming systems and business objectives.