The Farmers' Union of Wales today welcomed efforts by the Environment Agency Wales to work closer with farmers following the extension of a programme providing free soil testing in North Wales.
For the past two years the free soil testing programme was run for farms in the Afon Clwyd catchment area but this has now been extended to farms in other catchment areas where issues with water quality are thought to be linked to agriculture.
The new catchment areas for the scheme are the Wen, near Chwilog; Ystrad, near Denbigh; Hiraethlyn, near Eglwysbach; Afon Bach, near St Asaph; Goch in the City Dulas area; Dolfechlas Brook in the Rhosesmor area, and farms around Llyn Coron on Anglesey.
"This is an excellent initiative by the Environment Agency Wales that has proved very popular among farmers. Rolling it out to further catchment areas in North Wales is a very welcome move," said FUW land use and parliamentary committee chairman Richard Vaughan.
"With the ever-rising price of fertiliser putting financial strain on farmers, it is essential that the correct nutrients are applied at the right time to save money and to avoid any runoff. Soil testing allows a more precise approach to nutrient management.
"This scheme is a win-win situation for all involved and we look forward to it being rolled out across the whole of Wales in the future," added Mr Vaughan.
Nichola Taylor, from Environment Agency Wales, said: "The samples we take are tested for soil pH, phosphorous, potassium and magnesium so we can work out exactly what each field needs in terms of nutrients and liming.
"We are working with farmers to find simple solutions that help the environment but, more importantly for them, to help boost their profits."
Farmers in these areas interested in free soil testing and fertiliser planning should contact Nichola Taylor on 01248 484174 to register their interest. Testing will start in the autumn.