Soil Nutrient Health Scheme
The objective of the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme (SNHS) is to test all, or the vast majority, of the 650,000 fields used for farming in Northern Ireland, in order to help farmers manage their nutrient applications.
Training is now available for farmers who have received their Soil Nutrient Health Scheme soil analysis results. Taking part in the SNHS Nutrient Management Plan training will:
- – enable you to fully utilise the information provided in your SNHS soil analysis report,
- – maximise the nutrient potential of your soils and
- – allow you take a planned approach to nutrient applications to benefit your business and protect the environment.
Participation in the SNHS is a condition for the receipt of the new Farm Sustainability and Farming with Nature Payments. This requires both registering for SNHS and completing the training course. Failure to complete both elements may affect your future payments.
There are three ways to access CAFRE SNHS training:
1. Sign in/register to complete Soil Nutrient Health Scheme Training online, and complete the course materials at a pace and when convenient for you.
To access CAFRE Online Training, you will be required to:
- – sign in or register for either a nidirect or Government Gateway account and
- – register and verify your account details with DAERA.
If you recently undertook some or all of your training and your training progress has not been updated, please contact us by emailing: kt.soilnutrient@daera-ni.gov.uk with your name and Business ID.
2. Contact your local DAERA Direct Office. Staff can help you access online training if you have a poor internet connection, or require assistance with using a computer.
3. For farmers unable to undertake online training, in-person training is now available for booking. Dates are:
| Date | Venue | Time |
| Tuesday 6th May 2025 | The Saint Patrick Centre, Downpatrick | Postponed |
| Monday 19th May 2025 | Strule Arts Centre, Omagh | Booking closed |
| Tuesday 27th May 2025 | Burnavon Arts and Cultural Centre, Cookstown | Booking closed |
| Monday 2nd June 2025 | The Alley Arts and Conference Centre, Strabane | 11.30am registration, course 12pm-5pm |
| Thursday 5th June 2025 | Lagan Valley Island Conference Centre, Lisburn | 8.30am registration, course 9am-1pm |
| Tuesday 10th June 2025 | Portadown Town Hall, Portadown | 9.30am registration, course 10am-3pm |
| Monday 16th June 2025 | Newry Town Hall, Newry | 9.30am registration, course 10am-3pm |
| Tuesday 17th June 2025 | Limavady Arts and Cultural Centre, Limavady | 9.30am registration, course 10am-2pm |
| Tuesday 24th June 2025 | Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen | 9.30am registration, course 10am-3pm |
Click below to book your place
Pre-registration for these events is essential. Photographic ID must be shown at event.
Alternatively, to book a place contact Ai Services on 02890833123
About Soil Nutrient Health Scheme Training
Training is provided in two phases.
- Understanding Nutrient Management
- Completing a Nutrient Management Plan
PHASE ONE – UNDERSTANDING NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT
The first stage of training will be a series of interactive online videos:
– Importance of soil analysis
– Understanding soil fertility
– Reading your soil analysis report
– Online map viewer overview
– Sources of nutrients
– Nutrient management
– The role and importance of carbon on farms
– Protecting and enhancing carbon in your soils
PHASE TWO – COMPLETING A NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PLAN
The second stage of training can only begin when phase one has been completed. This training will show you how to use the CAFRE Crop Nutrient Calculator to create a Nutrient Management Plan.
Both sessions need to be completed
Booking Terms and Conditions
CAFRE Booking terms and conditions are available by clicking here.
Privacy Notice
The Soil Nutrient Health Scheme privacy notice is available by clicking here.