大象传媒

Robin Markwell takes a closer look at a pilot project to measure the benefits of not digging the soil. He meets Ed Bonn who is conducting this scientific trial on seven acres of land next to the Royal Agricultural University near Cirencester in Gloucestershire. Ed tells Robin it's the largest trial scheme of its kind in the country. Ed believes that overlaying his new beds with alternate lengths of compost and woodchip will help promote the growth of fungal networks. He says that will then improve the soil health and boost productivity. Now he wants to prove it using science!

As part of the project run by Zerodig Earth and The Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG), vegetables at the site will be grown using the "Zerodig" method, a form of regenerative horticulture designed by Christopher Upton and Dr Mario Peters. Students will help tend the site during term-time and the local community will pitch in during the holidays. Robin also hears from the landowner Lord Bathurst and his land agent Tristan Chippendale as well as Dr Karen Rial-Lovera from the Royal Agricultural University and Jenny Phelps from FWAG.

It's hoped the project will eventually become a commercially viable fruit and vegetable business, supplying produce to the local community.

Presented and produced by Robin Markwell.