View article

Soil degradation, specifically soil compaction and soil erosion can have significant impacts in some parts of England. The southwest of England is particularly vulnerable to soil erosion and compaction due to the region's erodible soils. This paper discusses the soil degradation problems, the policies addressing these problems and the stakeholders involved in the Parrett and Axe catchments. Key informants, including farmers, farm advisors and policy makers, were interviewed on their perceptions on soil degradation and soil mitigation measures, and the effectiveness of agricultural policies to encourage sustainable soil management. Until recently, mitigating soil degradation has been indirectly addressed through various agricultural and environmental policies, such as the cross‐compliance regulations that accompany the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and agri‐environment schemes. Recent initiatives, in …