SOIL analyst NRM has released data from hundreds of thousands of soil samples, which suggests the stark differences seen in phosphorus levels across the UK require tailored management practices.
Ultimately, managing levels carefully is key to optimising potato crop production whilst limiting losses to the environment, the organisation claims.
NRM has been collecting soil analysis data since 1995. It has considered consolidated, anonymised data on soil phosphorus levels gathered from more than 350,000 samples analysed from June 2024 to May 2025. The company says the data can help growers design and implement management plans to help improve soil health and optimise crop production whilst transitioning towards more sustainable practices.
It’s important to get the balance right when applying fertiliser, so that crops thrive while the risk of pollution is minimised, according to NRM’s Sophie Cath.
“P losses to water pose a major environmental concern,” said Sophie. “Every year in England and Wales, around two million tonnes of soil and organic matter are lost to water. Much of it contains phosphorus, which can cause serious water quality problems when it runs off the land.
“To limit these losses to the environment, our experts suggest tailoring management practices to specific circumstances, particularly if your soils are in excess of P. Field management strategies like buffer strips and cover crops will help limit phosphorus losses, and careful nutrient planning and timing using expert analysis will help optimise crop production overall. Better decision-making informed by accurate and reliable results leads to improved soil health and compliance with sustainability objectives, both of which help to bolster the resilience of farming businesses.”
NRM’s standard soil package provides soil indices based on RB209 guidance and an analysis of crop-available phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and soil pH.
