Now in its 7th year, the Soil Association’s 2015 Soil Symposium will focus on top soil and the importance of protecting and improving the health of our soils.  Taking place at @Bristol on 5th November 2015, the practical event will offer all farmers and growers many opportunities to find out about and discuss soil health challenges and solutions for their farming systems. View the programme here http://www.soilassociation.org/soilsymposium

Alongside practical sessions from internationally renowned speakers and experts in soil health, delegates can also bring soil sample along to our soil clinic for analysis and support or for some fun, join in with carrot tasting and see whether you can ‘taste’ the difference made by different soils.

Programme highlights will include:

Debating the key areas for consideration when introducing livestock onto an arable farm. With many farms bringing livestock back to improve fertility, yields and soil health, this session looks at experiences from the perspective of an arable farmer and a shepherd including practical and management issues.

Deepen your understanding of nitrogen, its complex nature and how to use it to improve soil health and your business’ bottom line. Nitrogen is the most important nutrient for crop growth and a major nutrient you can control. The behaviour of nitrogen is complex, yet understanding how it works is essential to making your farm more efficient.

Diverse leys for soil health and farm profit. Dafydd Jones, organic farmer and British Grassland Farmer of the Year will discuss livestock performance from incorporating diverse leys within his feed programmes, as well as how animals select particular species of plants for health.

Liz Bowles, head of farming at the Soil Association said: “‘Improving your farms soil health’ is a phrase increasingly used – this year’s event will look at how this can be done in practice to make all our farming systems and businesses more robust. Protecting and improving the health of our soil is more important today than it has ever been as we learn more about how many farm practices which have become routine can damage soil structure and fertility.

“We are delighted to welcome many leading UK and international soil experts and if the last few years are anything to go by, delegates will go away informed and inspired to up their game in this crucial area.”

For the first time this year, local organic producers will host a farmers market style lunch in Anchor Square, just outside the @Bristol venue.  In the evening, join us for ‘Down and dirty: a celebration of soil’ - to celebrate International Year of Soils and Bristol European Green Capital 2015, the Soil Association is hosting an evening event bringing together everyone who shares a passion for food, farming and our soil. There will be an organic feast showcasing the fantastic food and drinks our licensees’ produce, followed by music and lots of dancing.