ç, at The NEC, Birmingham, its’ venue approximately 10 minutes walk from Birmingham International railway station and airport.

Samples of established sward, including turf layer, will be assessed throughout the event at the Soil Surgery organised in association with independent dairy specialists, Kingshay and Ground Level Nutrition who will also be offering advice on how to improve soil structure.

Soil is arguably the most valuable natural resource on a farm, according to Ground Level Nutrition’s Josephine Scamell. “Higher input costs have led livestock farmers to continually reconsider their fertiliser inputs and what can actually be achieved from the soil by improving its condition,” she says. “Soil function can be increased by improving the efficiency of its nutrient cycle. That can be achieved through better physical structure, correct chemical and mineral balance, and enhanced biological activity.

“The Soil Surgery will offer a practical soil evaluation with a focus on good physical soil structure - discussing issues such as soil compaction alleviation, microbial and earthworm activity assessment and efficient use of valuable fertiliser and natural manure inputs.”