Warning as soil pollution incidents almost double

Farmers in the regions of Devon and Cornwall have been urged to take more serious steps to prevent soil erosion, as the number of pollution incidents has nearly doubled recently. The Environment Agency reported that in January, there were 25 cases where heavy rain caused soil to wash off fields and into rivers, roads, or even homes. This is almost double the number of incidents that were reported during the same month last year. The agency is concerned about this increase and is calling on farmers to take immediate action. They have pointed out that some traditional methods of preventing soil erosion are no longer effective due to the changing climate. Farmers are being asked to assess the risks on their land and implement new measures to stop soil run-off from reaching properties and watercourses. Soil erosion can lead to significant losses for farmers, including the loss of crops, topsoil, organic matter, and essential nutrients. This not only affects their harvests but also has financial implications, as they may need to re-cultivate and re-sow their fields. Laura Bentley, a project officer with the Environment Agency, explained that the dry periods in autumn are becoming too short for farmers to establish crop cover before the winter rains arrive. She noted that practices such as reduced tillage and minimal soil disturbance are no longer suitable for the conditions in Devon and Cornwall. The soil often remains bare and compacted, making it vulnerable to erosion. To better prepare for the winter weather, the agency has provided several recommendations for farmers. They suggest digging a hole to check for soil compaction and determining how deep it goes. If compaction is found, farmers should use the appropriate cultivation equipment to address it. Additionally, having access to a variety of cultivation tools that can work the soil at different depths is essential. The agency also encourages farmers to use their Alert system to assess the risk levels of their land, focusing on the areas that are most at risk for cultivation and drilling. It is also important for farmers to have a backup plan in case their cover crops and winter cereals do not establish properly. The Environment Agency is committed to providing advice and guidance to farmers, but they also emphasize that they will issue formal warnings and take enforcement action when necessary. Residents who notice discolored water running off farm fields that could pose a threat to roads, rivers, and properties are encouraged to report it to the Environment Agency's 24/7 incident hotline at 0800 807060.