AFBI Soil Conference 2023

Soil Conference logo Image

Soil Health Conference, 26 October 2023

The AFBI Soil Health Conference showcases the latest scientific knowledge emerging from this programme, complemented with leading scientists working on soil health from across the UK and Ireland.

The accompanying booklet can be downloaded here

Soil health is recognised as underpinning sustainable and resilient farming systems. Over the past number of decades, AFBI’s extensive soil health research programme has integrated with both agricultural productivity and environmental outcomes to deliver important recommendations to both policy makers and industry. The success of the programme has cumulated in DAERA now supporting the world leading Soil Nutrient Health Scheme.

Videos from the event can be viewed here

AFBI Soil Health Conference Agenda

  • 10.00 Welcome – Elizabeth Magowan
  • 10.05 Soil Research – Peiter-Jan Schön  - policy and legislation – UK, EU, global

Session 1 – Chair Elizabeth Magowan

  • 10.20 Rachel Cassidy – DAERA SNHS (AFBI)
  • 10.40 Suzanne Higgins – Soil health and nutrient management (AFBI)
  • 11.00 Marcelo Galdos – Carbon and soil health
  • 11.20 John Williams - (ADAS)
  • 12.00-1.00 Lunch

Session 2 – Chair Lisa Black

  • 1.00 Lisa Black – Soil Health overview
  • 1.10 Elizabeth Stockdale (NIAB)
  • 1.30 Paul Cottney – Soil health in arable (AFBI)
  • 1.50 Archie Murchie – Earthworms as indicators of soil health (AFBI)
  • 2.10 John Finn – Soil-based processes underpin benefits of multi-species swards (Teagasc)
  • 2.30-3.00 Tea/coffee

Session 3 – Chair Elizabeth Magowan

  • 3.00-4.00 Where now? Summary and panel discussion
  • 16.00 Meeting end