Farming Connect have been collecting soil samples across Wales to discover to what extent hedgerows help to capture and store carbon. The Welsh Soil Project is now in it’s second year of data collection, and the researchers have expanded the types of samples taken to include samples within a meter of field hedgerows.
The aim of the analysis is to provide benchmark data to farmers, in order for them to understand what effect hedgerows and other growth has on their ability to store and hold carbon on their farms. Over 1,000 samples have been taken from farms and have been analysed to discover their organic content, bulk density and various other measurements. All samples were collected during one period during the autumn to ensure consistency, and from various kinds of grass fields such as permanent pasture, hay and silage fields, and reseeds.
Soil carbon and carbon in general will be central themes for three Masterclasses by Farming Connect being held in February 2024. These events will be held at Llety Cynin, St Clears, Carmarthenshire, on 6 February, at Elephant and Castle, Newtown, on 8 February, and at Nanhoron Arms Hotel, Nefyn on 20 February, all from 7.30pm to 9pm. You can find more information about these classes by visiting Farming Connect’s website.
