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CAFRE

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:
DateVenueTime
Tuesday 6th May 2025The Saint Patrick Centre, DownpatrickPostponed
Monday 19th May 2025Strule Arts Centre, OmaghBooking closed
Tuesday 27th May 2025Burnavon Arts and Cultural Centre, CookstownBooking closed
Monday 2nd June 2025The Alley Arts and Conference Centre, Strabane11.30am registration, course 12pm-5pm
Thursday 5th June 2025Lagan Valley Island Conference Centre, Lisburn8.30am registration, course 9am-1pm
Tuesday 10th June 2025Portadown Town Hall, Portadown9.30am registration, course 10am-3pm
Monday 16th June 2025Newry Town Hall, Newry9.30am registration, course 10am-3pm
Tuesday 17th June 2025Limavady Arts and Cultural Centre, Limavady9.30am registration, course 10am-2pm
Tuesday 24th June 2025Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen9.30am 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.

  1. Understanding Nutrient Management
  2. 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.