Abstract
Soils in the moist regions of England are especially vulnerable to compaction because they lie wet for protracted periods of the year. Under enclosed and open grassland, farm traffic and heavy grazing are the principal causes of compaction. Traditionally, soil compaction has been seen solely as a cause of reduced grass productivity. However soil compaction, in its various forms, also impacts on above and below ground biodiversity, the flows and quality of natural waters and atmospheric quality. This scoping project will report on current knowledge in these fields and will also include an assessment of the extent, causes and also potential remediation techniques for soil compaction. The study will be of relevance to Defra as the maintenance of biodiversity and environmental quality are cornerstones and main objectives of the new Environmental Stewardship Scheme. The various schemes that make up Environmental Stewardship contain a range of management options for grassland farmers. In many instances, farmers who have elected to adopt a particular option are obliged to follow management prescriptions that may influence the extent of soil compaction. This project will seek to elaborate any synergies and conflicts between good soil management and the Environmental Stewardship Scheme. Priorities for further research are a part of the project output. A non-technical document describing the effects of compaction on biodiversity and the quality of the natural environment will be written as well as a full technical report and paper for peer-reviewed publication. A stakeholder workshop will assist in communicating the output from the project and will enable the project team to capture the views and knowledge of a wider audience of stakeholders.
United Kingdom