The hunt is on to find the best soil from a farm or croft in Scotland.
The James Hutton Institute (JHI) has opened its Best Soil in Show 2018 competition for entries.
The contest, which is organised by the Institute with its partners – NFU Scotland (NFUS), the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs and Soil Association Scotland – sets out to highlight the importance of good soil management in agriculture.
Entrants are asked to submit a sample of soil along with information about what they are growing in the soil, the rotations they are operating, and what they are adding to the soil.
Entries will be accepted from both grass pasture and arable soils.
Judges will assess entries on their physical and chemical properties, as well as assessing the husbandry of the soil, before announcing the competition winners at the Royal Highland Show in June.
JHI chief executive, Professor Colin Campbell, said: “Best Soil in Show highlights the importance of maintaining healthy soils and the many basic agricultural and ecological benefits they deliver.
“Farmers can use the characteristics of their soil and influence its condition in their decisions about its management.”
Soil Association Scotland’s farming and land use manager, Lyn White, said: “It is important we recognise the efforts farmers and crofters make to nurture and get the best out of their soil, which is why we welcome this competition. Get digging everyone, and good luck.”
NFUS president Andrew McCornick said: “I encourage NFU Scotland members to get involved in this competition and show the good work they do to protect and improve their soils.”
The closing date for entries is Friday, April 13. An application form is available online at
http://bit.ly/BSiS18
.