Soil and Water Certificate

Course Outline

Soil and water are two essential resources which provide the foundation for sustainable crop production systems which are both profitable and protect the wider environment. The BASIS Soil & Water Management Certificate covers all aspects of effective soil and water management which allows farmers and advisers to manage these resources in a way which maximises crop performance whilst minimising agricultures impact on the wider environment.

There is an increasing focus on the environmental sustainability of UK farming driven by changes in legislation and a requirement for the industry to be perceived in a positive light by the public. This has resulted in an evolution of farming practices, with an increased focus on soil management, greenhouse gas emissions and farm productivity.

Some of these changes include an expansion in farm size, new cultivation systems and an increased focus on soil health. Combining this with more extreme weather patterns and increasingly complex legislation means there has never been a greater requirement for knowledge in the management of soil and water.

The Soil & Water Management Certificate is one of the most practical qualifications offered by BASIS with a real emphasis on practical farm management. The content within the syllabus is extensive and successfully completing this qualification is a real achievement. Some of the topics you will cover during the course include soil erosion, soil health, climate change, soil structure and sustainable crop nutrition.You will also look at some of the more practical parts of effective soil management, for example how to produce a drainage plan, cultivation systems, soil assessments and irrigation. All aspects of this course will be taught in the context of protecting and enhancing the wider environment, with a particular focus on protecting watercourses. The Soil & Water Management course also covers all relevant areas of UK legislation to ensure that candidates follow current best practice at all times.

Who Is This Course For?

The BASIS Soil & Water Management Certificate is targeted at all advisers and farm managers who are involved in the practical management of these two essential resources. Agronomists now provide UK farmers with a holistic approach to farm advice covering all aspects of crop production, and therefore being able to effectively advise on drainage, cultivations and soil management has become an essential part of their job role. However, there are also a number of specialist advisers out who offer bespoke advice in this area; this can include both independent advisers and advisers working for organisations such as Catchment Sensitive Farming. The Soil & Water Management Certificate can also be invaluable to farm managers, who have to make decisions on cultivations, crop rotations and fertiliser inputs on a day-to-day basis. Understanding how to effectively manage soil and water can not only improve farm profitability but also ensures that farms are operating following current best practice and meeting the requirements of UK Legislation.

Course Contents

The importance of protecting our Soil, Water & Air
Impacts of soil erosion & how to mitigate them
Soil characteristics & promoting soil health
Cultivation techniques and systems
Soil water, drainage and irrigation
Sustainable crop nutrition
Maximising the benefit of organic manures for sustainable crop
Level 6 – 15 Credits BASIS Soil & Water Management is also a compulsory module in the BASIS Diploma in Agronomy

20 Multiple Choice Questions (Closed Book)
Farm Management Plan (Open Book)
2 Vivas with a BASIS Exam Chair and a Soil Scientist

Entry Requirements

There are no entry requirements for BASIS Soil & Water, however achieving the FACTS qualification before starting this course will benefit all candidates.

A network of independent BASIS Approved Trainers deliver the Soil & Water Management course through the year; each course typically involves 5-6 days of formal training.

Level 6 – 15 Credits BASIS Soil & Water Management is also a compulsory module in the BASIS Diploma in Agronomy
Plant Protection Award
BETA/Conservation Management
Crop Protection Certificate
Advanced Module / Advanced Nutrition Management Planning Module

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