Understanding your farm

What is the Soil MOT?

The Soil MOT is a practical, whole-farm soil assessment built around your farm’s individual needs. We give you a clear picture of where your soil stands—physically, chemically and biologically—and identify what is holding it back, before providing a prioritised action plan so you know exactly what to tackle first and why.

Every recommendation is grounded in your data and our experience working across hundreds of farms throughout the UK. We take the time to understand your farm, your rotation and your goals before we make a single suggestion.

Or call us on: 01347 844132

Terrafarmer Soil MOT

From the ground up

How it works

Our process is straightforward, thorough, and built around you. From the first farm visit to the final call, we make sure you understand what we found and what you should do about it.

1

On-farm assessment

We start with you. We go through the farm history, cropping records, inputs and any concerns before walking the farm together, carrying out spade assessments, checking drainage and building a proper picture of how your soils are performing across the whole rotation.

Soil MOT on-farm assessment

2

Soil testing and analysis

Soil samples (and where relevant, plant tissue samples) go to an accredited laboratory. We test for biological activity, nutrient balance, pH, organic matter and cation exchange capacity, giving us a complete picture before we make any recommendations.

Soil MOT testing and analysis

3

Tailored report and action plan

You receive a clear, farm-specific report setting out what we found and what we recommend. Actions are prioritised so you know what to tackle first and what can wait, all explained in plain language with the reasoning behind every recommendation.

Soil MOT tailored report and action plan

4

Follow-up consultation

We arrange an online meeting with your FACTS- and BASIS-qualified adviser to walk through the results together, answer any questions you may have, and make sure you feel confident and clear about the next steps.

Soil MOT online consultation

In-depth assessment

What we review

Our assessment covers every layer of the system, starting with the physical foundations, working through the chemistry and finishing with the biology.

Soil structure and physics

Soil structure and physics

Physical problems come first. If water and air cannot move freely through the soil profile, nothing else will work as well as it should. We look at structure, compaction and drainage before anything else.

  • Assess soil texture, structure, compaction depth and drainage across the farm using spade and penetrometer assessment.
  • Identify compaction layers, drainage bottlenecks and pore space restrictions limiting root development and microbial activity.
  • Recommend cultivation or drainage work where needed, keeping disturbance to a minimum where the soil is in reasonable shape.

Soil chemistry and nutrient balance

Getting the chemistry right is the essential second step. An out-of-range pH or significant mineral imbalance will limit the performance of everything else on the farm. We use soil and plant tissue analysis to find out exactly where you stand.

  • Test soil pH, nutrient status, organic matter content and cation exchange capacity through accredited laboratory analysis.
  • Review plant tissue results where relevant to identify in-crop deficiencies or imbalances.
  • Recommend targeted corrections, including liming, mineral inputs, FYM or composts, in a sequence that makes agronomic and commercial sense.
Applying lime to aid soil chemistry and nutrient balance
Biological activity and soil life on a farm

Biological activity and soil life

Soil biology is the engine of a productive farm. Once the physical and chemical foundations are sound, we look at what is happening biologically and advise on the management changes and inputs that will support it over the long term.

  • Benchmark soil biological activity using Solvita CO₂ burst testing and earthworm counts.

  • Assess organic matter levels and identify practical management change, such as cover crops, reduced tillage and compost, that will build biology consistently.
  • Review any biological products already in use and give an honest assessment of whether the conditions are right for them to perform.

Cultivations and rotations

How you cultivate and what you grow has a direct bearing on soil health year on year. We look at your current approach and highlight where straightforward changes could make a meaningful difference, without adding unnecessary cost or complexity.

  • Review cultivation timing, depth and frequency and their impact on soil structure, compaction risk and crop establishment.
  • Assess the rotation for soil health risks and opportunities to build organic matter and biodiversity.
  • Suggest practical adjustments that strengthen the system and support long-term resilience.
Cultivations and rotations
Will Marris, Regenerative Agronomist at Terrafarmer

Book your Soil MOT today!

(Priced at £1,250 + VAT)

Request a call back

Or call us on: 01347 844132

Every farm is different. Get in touch with the Terrafarmer team for a no-obligation chat about what your soil needs and how we can help.

Request a call back

Or call us on: 01347 844132

Why choose our service?

Benefits of the Soil MOT

Improved productivity

Healthy soil grows healthier crops. Working through the right issues in the right order builds performance that compounds from one season to the next.

Reduced input costs

Knowing what your soil actually needs means you can stop spending on inputs that are not earning their place, and put your money where it will make the biggest difference.

Long-term resilience

Soil with good structure, balanced chemistry and active biology handles difficult seasons better and gives your business a stronger foundation to build from.

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Building soil health from the ground up

Become economically and environmentally sustainable in any agricultural system.

Or call us on: 01347 844132