Grow Learn Express - Essentials for Soil Health

5-module course provides farmers with practical knowledge and tools to assess and improve soil health

Target audience: Farmers, farm managers, farm advisors and consultants, agri-food professionals

Price: Free

Location: Fermanagh House, Enniskillen, Northern Ireland (hybrid - Teams)

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Overview: Grow Learn Express - Essentials for Soil Health

Advantages
Description of the course
Partners

Complete the short form to access the course!

About :

Overarching Learning Objectives (OLOs)

Recognise the importance of soil health as a sustainability challenge within the broader food system.
Understand the key indicators of soil health for functioning and productive soils.
Apply critical and systems thinking to assess and adapt farm management practices to achieve optimum soil health.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

Identify the key physical, chemical and biological indicators of soil health.
Interpret and use soil data (physical, chemical, biological) to inform practical decision-making on farms.
Implement context-appropriate soil management strategies that integrate mechanical, biological, and chemical approaches.

Advantages : Participation in this course has several advantages:

Apply Practical Skills Directly to Your Farm
You’ll gain tools and knowledge you can use immediately to assess and improve your soil—tailored to your specific land and goals.
Make Smarter, Data-Driven Decisions
You’ll learn how to interpret soil test results and identify key issues like compaction or nutrient imbalances, helping you take confident, informed action.
Reduce Costs and Improve Profitability
By enhancing soil health, you can reduce input dependency, increase yield stability, and improve your farm’s long-term financial performance.
Build a Strong Foundation for Sustainable Farming
You’ll explore regenerative and climate-smart practices that future-proof your farm, align with evolving market demands, and support long-term environmental stewardship.

Description of the course : 5-module free course

This 5-module course provides farmers with practical knowledge and tools to assess and improve soil health. It combines theory with hands-on learning, focusing on structure, chemistry, biology, and effective management.
Modules:
• Structure – Understand soil structure, texture, compaction, and water movement.
• Analysis – Learn how to take soil samples, interpret test results, and apply them to nutrient planning.
• Chemistry – Explore pH, nutrient availability, and chemical imbalances that affect soil performance.
• Biology – Discover the role of microbes, organic matter, and agroforestry to enhance life in the soil.
• Management Practices – Integrate knowledge with practical interventions like sub-soiling, overseeding, and harrowing.
By the end, farmers will be able to read soil tests, identify physical and biological issues, and apply targeted practices to build resilient, productive soils.

All times in the agenda are GMT/BST.

Partners : Course delivered in partnership with Ulster Wildlife, Fermanagh Farming Group

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Career opportunities :

This course equips farmers and land managers with in-demand knowledge and practical skills that are increasingly valued in today's food system. Soil literacy is a core skill in modern agriculture. Learners will be able to interpret soil tests, identify problems (like compaction or nutrient imbalance), and take action - skills that are essential for managing productive, sustainable farms. These competencies position learners to take on greater decision-making roles within their own businesses or employer operations. As governments, supply chains, and certification bodies increasingly promote sustainable and regenerative farming, this course helps learners meet those expectations. Farmers can better participate in sustainability schemes, access grants or agri-environmental payments, or contribute to carbon farming and soil health monitoring initiatives.

By applying soil health strategies, farmers can improve profitability through more efficient use of inputs, better yields, and reduced risk - enhancing their business viability and competitiveness.

This course acts as a stepping stone to more advanced training in: 1) Regenerative agriculture, 2) Soil and crop management and 3) Climate-smart farming. This course builds confidence for engaging with net zero initiatives, farm audits, or technical advisory roles. By completing this course, learners not only improve their farm outcomes but also strengthen their profile for a changing agri-food sector - where soil health knowledge is increasingly linked to funding, market access, and leadership opportunities.