Funded by DAERA, the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme is a comprehensive soil sampling and analysis programme for farmers in Northern Ireland. The four-year scheme, costing £37m, aims to improve sustainability and efficiency in the province’s agri-sector.

Managed by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute based at Hillsborough, the scheme was introduced in 2022 and is set to end in 2026. It aims to sample around 700,000 fields and provide landowners with a detailed breakdown on the nutrient status of soils on an individual field basis.

The report will also include a baseline estimate of the amount of carbon stored in soils, hedgerows and trees. Farmers can use this information to accurately match nutrient applications to crop or grassland needs, thus increasing efficiency and reducing excess run-off to watercourses.

Carla Lockhart is the DUP’s Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs spokesperson in Westminster. “The Soil Nutrient Management Scheme will make a significant contribution to improving economic and environmental sustainability in Northern Ireland.

“The information will arm farmers with the knowledge they need for informed nutrient management decisions. This will contribute to savings on-farm and help farmers to fulfil their future climate change commitments.”

Ms Lockhart continued: “Due to its complexity, the scheme is being rolled out in four stages, with Northern Ireland divided into four zones.

“Zone 1 (County Down and parts of counties Antrim and Armagh), and zone 2 (Fermanagh, west Armagh and south Tyrone) are now complete, while applications for zone 3 (north Tyrone and County Londonderry) closed at the end of August. Zone 4 will open for applications in 2025/26.

“DAERA is reporting a positive uptake to date. Participation in the scheme and completion of the CAFRE training course, are mandatory requirements for farmers hoping to avail of future farm support scheme payments.”

The detailed soil analysis results include information on pH, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and sulphur. Crop specific lime and fertiliser recommendations are also included.

Ms Lockhart added: ”Farmers who have already received their soil analysis must complete the free training course, either online or in person at one of the locations listed on the DAERA and CAFRE websites. Alternative training sessions will take place in 2025.”

To book a place on a training course contact Countryside Services tel: 028 8778 9770. Further details on the online course are available from DAERA Direct on 0300 200 7840.