Soil erosion & fertiliser waste control in farming with Paul-Tech

How does modern farming affect the environment, and what can be done to mitigate these impacts? 

Soil erosion and improper fertiliser use are significant concerns, leading to environmental degradation and reduced agricultural productivity. Mitigating these environmental negatives often feels an impossible challenge. While the overall impact will take generations to correct, the at-home solution is already obtainable.

Explore the negative effects of modern farming practices with us, and discover how Paul-Tech soil stations offer scientific solutions for any size farm.

Negative impacts of modern farming on the environment

Modern farming practices, while seeming highly productive, often have direct, detrimental effects on the environment and our farms. 

The world now faces major issues such as soil erosion, water contamination and a loss in biodiversity. These problems are made worse by the intensive overuse of fertilisers and improper soil management techniques. This worsens as farms continue to conglomerate, grow and focus on limited crop types.

This does not have to be the case. Many of these issues are easily overcome with in-field data. By allowing ourselves to access nutrients, moisture and weather information, we can easily address & manage our actions and inputs.

🌾 See how Paul-Tech soil stations monitor soil, crops and everything in-between

Top 4 environmental concerns affecting any size farm

Our actions always have some intrinsic effect on the environment, but the choices we make in farming can affect the world.

Reports show a devastating loss of nearly 3 million tonnes of topsoil in the UK annually due to soil erosion from over-tilling, constant disruption and intensive farming practices. Farm runoffs like slurry, excess nutrients such as nitrogen, and toxic chemicals heavily pollute UK rivers and lakes positioned near local farms. The UN Environment Programme declares modern farming techniques as the “primary driver of biodiversity loss, with agriculture alone being the identified threat to 24,000 of the 28,000 (86%) species at risk of extinction.”

Even the smallest farm (heck, a garden) will fall into the statistical prey of fertiliser overuse and nutrient imbalancing. The one commonality between all these problems is the solution they share. 

How soil erosion affects modern farming and the environment

Soil erosion is a major environmental concern resulting from modern farming practices. It occurs when topsoil, our most fertile layer, is swept away by wind and water. This erosion leads to several problems:

1. Loss in soil fertility: Topsoil contains most of the nutrients that plants need to grow. When it erodes, the soil’s fertility decreases, necessitating more fertilisers to maintain crop yields.
2. Water pollution: Eroded soil often ends up in nearby water bodies, carrying with it pesticides, fertilisers and other pollutants. This leads to the contamination of drinking water sources and harms aquatic ecosystems.
3. Reduced agricultural productivity: Erosion diminishes the soil’s ability to hold water and nutrients, leading to lower crop yields and increased dependency on harmful, chemical inputs.

How fertiliser misuse and nutrient imbalances harm the environment

The misuse of fertilisers is a significant issue in modern agriculture. While fertilisers are essential for wide scale plant growth, their overuse or improper application can have severe environmental and financial consequences.

1. Nutrient runoff: Excess fertilisers not absorbed by plants often runoff into nearby rivers, lakes and streams. This runoff can cause eutrophication, leading to harmful algal blooms that deplete oxygen in the water and kill aquatic life.
2. Soil degradation: Over time, the excessive use of chemical fertilisers alters soil pH and harms beneficial microorganisms, reducing soil health and nutrient & moisture efficiency.
3. Greenhouse gas emissions: The production and application of fertilisers contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Nitrous oxide, a byproduct of fertiliser use, is a potent greenhouse gas that significantly impacts climate change.

How improper irrigation in farming affects the environment 

Today’s industrial farms often involve practices with intensive irrigation, which can lead to water scarcity and pollution:

1. Over-irrigation: Using too much water can lead to waterlogging and salinisation of the soil, reducing its fertility and structure. Salinisation has become a threat to much of the western U.S., Eastern Europe., Africa and Australia.
2. Water contamination: Runoff from irrigated fields often carries pollutants into water bodies, affecting water quality and aquatic life. While this is closely tied with fertiliser misuse, the combination of these problems exacerbates the other.

Dry zones: Considered a localised issue from the surface, the waste in agriculture coming from dead crops suffering from dry zones is substantial. The culmination of fertiliser, water and machinery use resulting in dead crops plays a significant impact on both a farmer’s finances and the environment.

Biodiversity Loss

Intensive farming practices can lead to a decline in biodiversity. This lack of polycultural farming results in the destruction of animals, plants and microorganisms that provide natural pollination, clean water and soil fertility.

1. Monoculture farming: Growing a single crop over large areas reduces biodiversity and makes ecosystems more vulnerable to pests and diseases. Once lost, this deficit will become irreparable. 
2. Habitat destruction: Expanding agricultural land often involves clearing forests and other natural habitats, leading to loss of wildlife and plant species. 13000 of the 25000 identified species going extinct today are directly attributed to the clearing of land for agriculture.

Biodiversity loss is a widespread issue that farmers may or may not have total control of. While dietary changes across the globe may be the biggest contributor to preventing this issue, understanding how we can introduce natural diversity to our own farms is a powerful starting point.

How Paul-Tech soil stations give your farm the environmental edge

A single solution to a bucket of environmental concerns may be more affordable and achievable than you think. Here we show the actions taken by farmers across the UK and Nordics to fight off these modern farming issues. 

Fighting soil erosion on your farm with Paul-Tech 

Our soil stations can help reduce soil erosion by providing you with precise data on soil moisture and structure. A combination of soil, satellite and weather data in each unit helps to address dry stress early on. This information allows you to implement better soil management practices:

1. Optimised irrigation: By monitoring soil moisture levels, farmers can avoid over-irrigation, which contributes to soil erosion and salinisation. Proper irrigation helps maintain soil structure and prevents the topsoil from being washed away.
2. Cover cropping: Paul-Tech soil stations can help you determine the best times to plant cover crops, which protect the soil from erosion by providing ground cover and improving soil structure.

Over-tilling is a major contributor to soil erosion. Our recent study with the University of Leeds procured some outstanding data!

Finding efficiency in your farms fertiliser input with Paul-Tech

Paul-Tech soil stations enable precise fertiliser management, reducing the risk of nutrient runoff and soil degradation. Understanding in real-time the make-up of your soil’s nutrients means you can apply exact amounts exactly when you need.

1. Real-time nutrient monitoring: Our stations provide you with real-time data on soil nutrient levels, allowing fertilisers to be applied correctly and only when needed. This targeted approach minimises excess use and prevents runoff.
2. Balanced fertilisation: By monitoring your soil’s nutrient content, you’ll maintain a balanced soil environment that supports healthy plant growth and reduces the need for chemical inputs.
3. Create an NUE plan: A very strong method for continuous soil development is the creation of a Nutrient Use Efficiency plan. Paul-Tech soil stations let you build and maintain this easily, by identifying and monitoring your nitrogen (N) use. 

In our most recent case studies, Paul-Tech farmers shared a common thread of fertiliser misuse. Each farm that implemented soil stations saved 1000s in reduced time and fertiliser input. One arable farmer saved €56,000 in a year by addressing remaining nutrient levels before, during and after harvest.

Creating sustainable water management practices with Paul-Tech

Paul-Tech soil stations contribute to sustainable water management by offering detailed insights into soil moisture, dry stress and irrigation needs. Real-time information allows for rapid adjustments:

1. Optimised water use: Continuous monitoring of soil moisture helps you adjust irrigation schedules, ensuring that crops receive adequate water without over-irrigation. This conserves water and prevents soil degradation and nutrient waste, while contributing to optimal plant intake.
2. Preventing water pollution: By reducing runoff through optimised irrigation and precise fertiliser application, Paul-Tech soil stations help prevent pollutants from reaching water bodies.

By implementing data from outside of the soil, our soil stations include localised weather data that enhances our understanding of naturally-occuring moisture.

Rediscovering biodiversity in our farms with Paul-Tech

Including biodiversity in our farms may be the most difficult and complicated issue today. Though widespread change is needed for a greener earth, if implemented locally your fields and crops will be grower and grow healthier crops.

1. Diversified cropping: Real-time data on soil health encourages the adoption of crop rotation and intercropping, enhancing biodiversity and reducing pest and disease risks.
2. Habitat conservation: By optimising land use and reducing the need for agricultural expansion, Paul-Tech soil stations help preserve natural habitats and protect wildlife.
3. Mindful tilling & chemical reduction: Reducing our input of non-natural nutrients, minimising the disruption of our soil, and implementing efficient practices gives nature the reigns and promotes natural regrowth. 

You’re not alone! Paul-Tech soil stations come with a simple, intuitive dashboard on mobile and desktop. You’ll receive meaningful, action-worthy suggestions from our team based on your farm’s real-time data. 

Make your farm an environmental positive with Paul-Tech

Modern farming practices have significant negative impacts on the environment. But soil erosion, fertiliser misuse, water mismanagement and biodiversity loss don’t have to be a part of it. 

Paul-Tech soil stations offer a way to mitigate these risks. By providing real-time data on soil health, you’ll be able to make informed decisions that promote sustainable agriculture. Transform your risk management. Give the environment a breath of fresh air and save money doing it. 

Find out how Paul-Tech can revolutionise your farming practices by scheduling a demo today.