Farmers could significantly boost grass yields and quality by making better use of soil and manure analysis, according to experts speaking at the Grassland & Muck Event.

Around 40 to 45 per cent of UK grassland is deficient in potash, and more than half has a pH below six, dramatically reducing the efficiency of nutrient uptake by plants.

A comprehensive soil test typically costs around £30 and will be valid for about five years, so the return on investment can be considerable.

Visitors to this year's event will be able to bring their soil problems along to discuss with ADAS experts in the Soil Management Clinic, where they can also examine soil structure and hear how to remedy common issues like compaction.

The second step to creating a nutrient management plan is to measure the nutrient content of organic manures.

Yara analysis has shown that this can vary by a huge amount- the equivalent of up to £34 per acre.

Average figures for the nutrient content of manures are published in the RB209 handbook, the new version of which will include digestate for the first time and is being released at the Grassland and Muck event.

John Williams, principal soil scientist at ADAS, said: "Slurry and muck is a hugely valuable source of nutrients worth around £270/ha in fertiliser replacement value.

"But if a soil isn’t deficient then the nutrients are of less value, and the point is to make the biggest savings possible.

“If possible, separate your slurry as most of the phosphate and organic matter will be in the solids, with most of the available nitrogen in the liquid – that way you can better target its use.

"Fresh farmyard manure is less dense than older manure, so use weigh cells or a weighbridge to calculate how much you’re applying."