Farmers soiling their undies for good grass in Cornwall

Release date: 

Thu, 25/01/2018 (All day)

Main image: 

Summary: 

Farmers in West Cornwall have been burying their underpants to help with their grassland management. Cotton underpants are made from organic matter, so an attractive feast for soil microbes and earthworms. Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s farm advisers, working on South West Water’s Upstream Thinking project, have encouraged eight farmers to bury pants under their grass. After two months, the holiness of the underpants gives an indication of soil health.

This enterprising idea came from the Canadian Soil Association as a #soilmyundies challenge but is more than just a bit of fun. Biologically active soils grow better grass for beef and dairy herds because microbes and earthworms help to break down plant and animal matter which releases essential nutrients. Worms also bring nutrients up to the soil surface, where they are more available for grass growth. Their burrows create pores, improving aeration and drainage which makes for more fertile soil.

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from Cornwall Wildlife Trust http://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/news/2018/01/25/farmers-soiling-their-undies-good-grass-cornwall
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