Soil Health in Focus as AFBI Grassland Insights Series Continues
Date published:
Learning how to better understand and promote soil health on farms will take centre stage in the second instalment of AFBI’s Grassland Insights – From Soil to Sward webinar series on Wednesday 18 March at 8pm.
Chaired by Dr Lisa Black, Head of the Agronomy and Plant Sciences Branch at AFBI, the session will unpack why soil biology, chemistry and physical properties remain the foundation of productive, resilient grassland — and how farmers can use soil information to boost yields, improve nutrient use efficiency and support long‑term resilience.
“Healthy soil underpins productivity on farm,” says Lisa Black. “This seminar is about increasing farmer confidence on how to make practical, profitable decisions regarding soil management. Our speakers will combine scientific insight with day‑to‑day experience on the ground.”
AFBI soil scientist Dr Suzanne Higgins, Head of the Agri‑Environment Branch, will lead the technical discussion. She will outline recent findings from the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme, explain how to interpret soil analysis results, and discuss how nutrient management choices influence soil health, grass growth and fertiliser use.
Bringing a farmer’s perspective, Co Tyrone farmer Bronagh O’Kane will share how soil analysis and nutrient planning shape daily management on her farm.
“I’ll be talking about how I use my soil test results and nutrient plan to work towards good soil structure,” Bronagh says. “Soil structure is the nemesis of my farm — it affects everything. I’ll outline the practical steps I take to manage it every day.”
The discussion panel will also include Richard Beattie (YFCU), Albert Johnston (CAFRE) and Fermanagh farmer John Egerton, offering industry, advisory and farmer viewpoints.
The series concludes on 25 March with a session exploring long‑term investment, reseeding and fertiliser strategies.
The Grassland Insights: From Soil to Sward webinar series runs on March 11 and 18 at 8pm and 25 March at 7pm. The webinars are free to attend and farmers can REGISTER NOW
Notes to editors:
AFBI is an arms-length body of DAERA delivering research and development, diagnostic and analytical testing, emergency response capability and expert scientific advice for DAERA and other government departments, public bodies and commercial companies in Northern Ireland, and further afield.
AFBI’s Vision is “Scientific excellence delivering impactful and sustainable outcomes for society, economy and the natural environment”.
AFBI’s Purpose is to deliver trusted, independent research, statutory & surveillance science, and expert advice that addresses local and global challenges, informs government policy and industry decision making, and underpins a sustainable agri-food industry and the natural and marine environments.
AFBI’s strategic priorities:
- Leading improvements in the agri-food industry to enhance its sustainability;
- Protecting animal, plant and human health;
- Enhancing the natural and marine environment;
- Delivering quality outcomes and impact;
- Enabling world class science through excellence in people, places & technology