§ Dr. David Clarkasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research has been undertaken into the effects of present agricultural and silvicultural systems on soil erosion and changes of soil fertility in the United Kingdom.
§ Mrs. FennerMuch research on soil erosion has been undertaken overseas, where it is a major and extensive problem. In the United Kingdom my Ministry, the Agricultural and Food Research Council, universities and polytechnics have undertaken surveys and investigations on soil erosion. The factors influencing erosion risk are well known; the most important are on soil stability, slope, cover crop and intensity of rainfall. The Agricultural and Development Advisory Service gives advice to farmers on measures to combat soil erosion where this problem exists.
A wide range of research has been and is currently undertaken to investigate the effect of agricultural practice on soil fertility in the United Kingdom.