SWESDG Summer Meeting
'Soil Microbiological Applications in Organic Farming Systems' 
Friday 2nd July 2010
North Wyke Research

Phil Murray (Acting Head of Site, North Wyke) and a jet-lagged Jenni Dungait (Chair SWESDG) welcomed about 30 delegates to our Summer meeting. The audience included a wide of people interested in Soil Biology and Farming Systems - a good mix of researchers, farmers and advisors which led to some interesting discussions during the day.
Liz Stockdale (Centre for Rural Economy, University of Newcastle) started the morning with a paper entitled ‘Linking soil ecology with crop health, quality and yield - can we show the benefits?' Liz has recently led some field sessions with farmers in Cornwall, and was able to talk about issues relating soil organisms and biology that chimed with many in the audience. She highlighted the impact of disturbance on soils, and suggested methods of managing soils to optimize the beneficial effects of a healthy biota.
Martin Howard (Lower Northcott Farm, Boyton, Cornwall) discussed his recent experiences with ‘Biology farming' , and illustrated his talk with some wheat samples taken from fields on his farm, showing the benefits of using mycorrhizal inoculation on root habit. For Martin, the story is simple - look after soil biology and you will have healthy soils and crops.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal-plant mutualism was the subject of Alison Bennett ‘s presentation. Alison is a research scientist at the Scottish Crop Research Institute, and talked very enthusiastically about the role of AM relationships as a method for enhancing effective rooting and nutrient uptake. She warned the audience to take care when using proprietry products, that often were not all they claimed to be!
Paul Ward (Business Management Specialist, Duchy College) finished off the morning with some pointers to how the group might funding small research projects in the SW peninsula. Given the current political and financial climate, the advice was important, as effective technology transfer needs a co-ordinated approach.
Discussion continued over lunch, which was followed by a tour of some of the field facilities at North Wyke. Particularly impressive was the sight of major drainage and ground works going on to establish the new Farm Platform Field Research Facility. Further discussion and action planning concluded the day. Attendees will be circulated with details of a follow-up field session at one of the farms belonging to an delegate. If you are interested in receiving further information about this event or the follow-up field day, please contact either Rob Parkinson or Jenni Dungait.