Learn about soil secrets with Joel Williams in our recent podcasts and YouTube videos

Friday, 22 December 2023

Get a flavour of November’s soil secrets events by watching YouTube or listening to the AHDB food and farming podcast.

The events, which looked at agricultural businesses through the lens of biodiversity, featured independent plant and soil health educator and consultant Joel Williams.

Joel has a wealth of knowledge and experience gained through his work with growers, researchers and agricultural organisations around the world.

His passion for sustainable farming practices and ability to communicate complex concepts in a relatable way make him a sought-after speaker and educator in the field.

The events focused on the power of biodiversity and how it can be made simple by breaking down complex concepts, such as soil biology and crop and sward diversification.

The events were filled with actionable, evidence-based advice, practical solutions and ideas that can be implemented on the farm.

Catch up with the activity to discover how an integrated approach to soils, diversity and nutrition can unlock hidden potential within your business.


Watch on YouTube

The power of biodiversity

What the video covers

  • The role of functional biodiversity
  • How it influences integrated pest management (IPM)
  • Its contribution to the success of wider in-field and on-farm strategies
  • How it can be made simple

Speaker: Joel Williams

Soils and nutrition

What the video covers

  • The role of the soil microbiome and plant nutrition in supporting healthy plants and animals
  • Soil health measurements and analysis
  • Strategies for improving soil health
  • Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and foliar nitrogen
  • Management of cover crops, catch crops, leys (grass and herbal) and multi-species swards
  • Organic material management, including microbiology and nutrition

Speaker: Joel Williams

Agriculture and net zero

What the video covers

  • Contribution that agriculture can make to net zero
  • Greenhouse gas emission reduction, carbon footprints, climate change and soil health
  • A journey with sward diversity and soil health (dairy demonstration)

Speakers: Hannah Jones, a farm carbon and soils advisor from Farm Carbon Toolkit, and dairy farmer Andrew Brewer, who hosts a Farm Net Zero demonstration farm.


Listen to the podcasts

Ana Reynolds (Cereals & Oilseeds) and Laura Awdry (Dairy) caught up with Joel to discuss the main points from the full series of events across England and Scotland in our food and farming podcast.


Further information

The seven November 2023 events took place in Herefordshire (14), North Yorkshire (15), Northumberland (16), Berkshire (21), Norfolk (22), Devon (24) and Fife (28).

The YouTube videos are from the Devon meeting

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