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Soil Baselines
You cannot establish species-rich grassland on soil loaded with artificial fertiliser. The baseline dictates the trajectory.
The Phosphorus Problem
Decades of intensive farming leave a legacy of high Phosphorus (P) indices. High fertility favors aggressive competitive grasses (Ryegrass, Cocksfoot) which outcompete delicate wildflowers. If you buy land with a P Index of 3 or 4, you must spend 5-10 years 'nutrient stripping' (cutting and removing silage without fertilising) before sowing seed.
| Phosphorus Index (Olsen P) | Wildflower Suitability | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Index 0 - 1 (< 15mg/l) | Excellent | Immediate sowing viable |
| Index 2 (16-25mg/l) | Poor | 2-3 years nutrient stripping |
| Index 3+ (> 26mg/l) | Toxic | 5+ years stripping or deep plough inversion |
Always demand soil test results before completion. Use the Soil Carbon Baseline Model to estimate initial carbon stocks, and the Seed Cost Modeler to budget for inoculation.
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