MasterSoils is a practical one-day workshop designed to help grassland and arable farmers better understand their soils and make informed management decisions to improve soil health, productivity and resilience.
Through a mix of classroom learning, discussion and hands-on field activity, the workshop will explore the physical, chemical and biological aspects of soil health. Farmers will gain the knowledge and confidence to assess soil condition on their own farms and identify practical actions to address issues such as compaction, nutrient imbalance, poor structure or low organic matter.
Who should attend?
The workshop is suitable for farmers from dairy, beef, sheep and other grassland-based systems who want to improve their understanding of soil management. While the focus is on grassland soils, the content can also reflect wider farm systems where relevant, including arable, habitat grassland, pigs or poultry.
What will the workshop cover?
- Soil health principles: understanding what drives soil properties, resilience and behaviour, including a practical hand-texturing activity using soil samples brought from participants’ own farms.
- Soil chemistry: exploring pH, NPK management, fertilisers, manures, minor elements and trace elements, with a practical nutrient planning exercise.
- Soil structure: field-based assessment of soil physical properties, including soil pits, soil profiles, infiltration tests, bulk density cores, causes of damage and management options.
Soil biology and organic matter: understanding biological activity, soil organic matter, carbon storage, flood resilience, habitat benefits and practical approaches to building and maintaining healthier soils.
Workshop format
The day will run from 9:30am to 5:00pm and will include interactive learning, practical exercises, time outdoors on-farm and a review session to help farmers identify actions they can take back to their own farming systems.
Apply to attend
Places are limited with a maximum of 18 spaces available. Farmers interested in improving soil health, nutrient use, grassland productivity and long-term farm resilience are encouraged to apply to attend the MasterSoils workshop. The CPD hours gained during this workshop will count towards 6 hours of CPD for the SFS' UA4, pending you are registered with Farming Connect, and an eligible member of the farm business attends.
Before applying, please ensure that you are able to attend the location most suited to you on the dates listed below. The workshop will also include a farm visit to a neighbouring farm, therefore please be aware that you will need to bring suitable clothing with you for a farm visit, and drive from the location listed below to the farm visit. We also require you to bring a sample of your own soil with you where possible.
Date | Location |
16th September 2026 | Canolfan Congl Meinciau, Botwnnog, Gwynedd, LL53 8RA |
23rd September 2026 | Llechryd Coracle Hall, Llechryd, Cardigan, SA43 2LH |
Meet the tutor...
Chris Duller
Chris Duller is an experienced independent grassland specialist and consultant, with a strong background in soil science, nutrient management and grass-based livestock systems. A Fellow of the British Society of Soil Science, he is widely recognised for providing practical, evidence-based advice to farmers on improving pasture productivity, forage quality, grazing management and soil health. Chris has worked extensively with dairy, beef and sheep producers across Wales and beyond, helping businesses make better use of grass, slurry and forage resources to improve efficiency, resilience and profitability.
Click on the link below to complete the application form.