Our Soil and Water Management course, accredited by BASIS, is aimed at those wishing to improve their knowledge in soil and water management – both of which are essential resources for sustainable crop production systems.
Modern agriculture in the United Kingdom is progressively focusing on environmental sustainability in light of increasingly more extreme weather patterns and more complex legislation. As such, there has never been more need for knowledge in soil and water management.
Who is the course suitable for?
- farm managers who have to make decisions on cultivations, crop rotations and fertiliser inputs on a day-to-day basis
- agronomists and environmental advisers or consultants providing bespoke advice on drainage, cultivations and soil management
- those pursuing BASIS Diploma in Agronomy (this is a compulsory module)
- those responsible for soil and water management on farms
What you’ll achieve at the end of the course
You will develop your understanding of:
- soil management including soil health, soil structure, sustainable crop nutrition and threats, such as soil erosion
- practical elements of effective soil management including how to produce a drainage plan, cultivation systems, soil assessments and irrigation
- the principles of protecting and enhancing the wider environment, with a particular focus on watercourses
- all relevant areas of UK legislation that affect current best practice
You will receive a BASIS Soil and Water Management Certificate on successful completion of the course and examination.
BASIS is a charitable organisation established in 1978 by the pesticide industry, committed to raising professional standards across land management and food production with its industry-leading training.
Course content
- the importance of protecting our soil, water & air
- impacts of soil erosion & how to mitigate them
- soil characteristics & promoting soil health
- cultivation techniques and systems
- soil water, drainage and irrigation
- sustainable crop nutrition
- maximising the benefit of organic manures for sustainable crop
For more detailed information about course content, please visit the BASIS website here.
How is the course delivered?
We offer the course face-to-face on our RAU campus at Cirencester, with the examination taking place both online and in person.
The course takes place over five days, with an additional two days for the examination. The examination consists of:
- 20 multiple choice questions (closed book)
- farm management plan (open book)
- two vivas with a BASIS Exam Chair and a Soil Scientist
About the course leader
The course is delivered by an independent BASIS Approved Trainer.
Are there any entry requirements?
There are no entry requirements for this course, but BASIS state that achieving the BASIS FACTS qualification before starting this course will be of benefit.
We are pleased to offer the BASIS FACTS course. For more information visit our FACTS course page here.
Course cost
£1,550+VAT per person.
This includes tuition, lunch (whilst on campus) and the BASIS exam fee.
A 20% RAU student and Farm491 member discount is available to a limited number of students and members. Find out more about Farm491 membership here.
Stay with us
Located in the heart of the Cotswolds - we offer comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation at our Cirencester campus, with free on-site parking and sustainable catering using local suppliers. Find out more about our accommodation and book here.
Apply today
Book now on our online shop here.
Our next course is:
8 – 9 December 2026 and 14 – 15 January 2027 – course (in person), 9.00 am - 4.30 pm
8 February 2027 – course revision (in person)
9 February 2027 – part one of examination (online)
10 February 2027 – part two of examination (in person)
If you have any queries, please get in touch via our continuing professional development enquiry form or call +44(0)1285 889850.
Bespoke course options
We understand that organisations have unique needs when it comes to continuing professional development.
We can:
- deliver this course specifically to your organisation
For more information, visit our Bespoke Continuing Professional Courses webpage here.
Ready to upskill your staff?
Please get in touch via our continuing professional development enquiry form or call +44(0)1285 889850 to discuss your bespoke continuing development course requirements with our CPD team.
Funding options
If you are looking at grants to cover the cost of attending our course, you may meet the requirements for Gloucestershire Disability Fund's well-being grants which can fund education and training for adults. For more information, visit the Gloucestershire Disability Fund website here.
Additionally, you may meet the requirements for funding from The Morley Agricultural Foundation. For more information, visit The Morley Agricultural Foundation website here.
Terms and conditions
Read our terms and conditions for short courses and CPD training here.
Please read these carefully before booking.