The first stakeholder meeting for the Isle of Purbeck case study will take place on Wednesday, 11th February 2015 in Harmans Cross Village Hall.
The intended participants are people whose work and activities have an impact on soils and land management within the Isle of Purbeck. During the meeting, we will discuss soil threats and conservation measures that are in place within the Isle of Purbeck. Our objective is to initiate dialog and common understanding of sustainable land management from different points of view.
Anyone who wishes to attend the meeting may get in touch with Joanna Zawadzka at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register and receive more information.
The major soil threat on the Isle of Purbeck is a loss of soil biological function linked to depleted biodiversity due to persistent physical and chemical manipulation of the land. Large scale manipulation of soil pH for competing agriculture uses has led to heavy lime application for arable land use and subsequent intense sulphur application to reverse such previous alkalinisation for low intensity grazing land. This treatment of the soil has led to a clear loss in microbiological function. Further degrading activities have included extensive recreational use, military disturbance and quarrying. These have all contributed to a loss of biodiversity in the soil to different degrees
The RECARE project will assess the soil functions that have been lost and explore possible interventions, such as inoculation, modified tillage, modified nutrient management and phyto-remediation to reintroduce biodiversity to the soil. On-farm, long-term trials of potential remedial measures will be used be used as demonstration sites during field visits and open days with stakeholders.
