Warning as soil pollution incidents almost double

Farmers have been asked to take further measures to prevent soil erosion

The Environment Agency has called on farmers in Devon and Cornwall to take action against soil erosion after pollution incidents almost doubled.

The agency said there were 25 incidents of heavy rain washing off farm fields into rivers, roads or homes in January, nearly double the number of incidents reported during the same period in 2024.

It said some previously used methods of preventing erosion no longer work and the window for taking action had become shorter due to climate change.

Farmers are being asked to risk assess their land and install measures to prevent run-off reaching property and watercourses.

The agency said soil erosion causes farmers to lose crops, top soil, organic matter and nutrients.

It also hits them financially as they have to re-cultivate and re-sow fields.

'Changed climate'

Laura Bentley, a land management project officer with the Environment Agency, said the windows of dry weather in autumn can be too short to establish crop cover ahead of the winter rains.

"Employing reduced tillage, minimal disturbance of the soil and drilling seed into compacted earth no longer works in Devon and Cornwall in this changed climate," she said.

"Winter cereals and cover crops aren't taking and bare, compacted soil is exposed to the elements and prone to run-off."

The agency said farmers could better prepare for winter weather by:

• Digging a hole with a spade and looking to see if there is compaction and how deep it goes

• Removing it with the correct cultivation kit

• Having access to a range of cultivation equipment, capable of working the soils at different depths

• Risk assessing land using the agency's Alert system - prioritising the highest risk areas for cultivation and drilling

• Having a Plan B if cover crops and winter cereals fail to establish

• Installing measures to prevent run-off from reaching property and watercourses

The agency said it would give advice and guidance but it would also issue formal warnings and take enforcement action where needed.

Residents who see discoloured water running off farm fields which could threaten roads, rivers and properties can report it to the Environment Agency's 24/7 incident hotline – 0800 807060.