September 2023 celebrates everything organic. The month brings “the benefits of organic” to the fore through acknowledging “the incredible efforts organic brands, farms and business make to support nature, wildlife and protect the planet”. This year marks the 50^th anniversary of organic certification, making Organic September 2023 even more special. With autumn incoming, as well as the UK weather’s temperamental self, it is important to understand the links between organic farming and flooding to be prepared for any risks.

Organic practises reduce farmland flooding

Peak-flooding is 30% less likely on organic farmland in comparison to more traditional farmland. Organic management of soils, such as compost use, enables soil to hold water better during infiltration as well assisting in creating greater space for deeper infiltration. Sowing cover crops also has a positive impact in flood risk reduction. Soil erosion is defended against through cover crops, whilst also enabling greater nutrients to enter the soil. Finally, organic farming’s lack of pesticide and fertiliser use causes a reduction in water pollution when excess water flows into natural bodies of water.

Flooding on organic farmland

However, organic farms can still flood! As stated by CPRE, climate change has caused “60% of England’s finest agricultural land” to be prone to great flood risk. Despite flooding likely to not impact a farm’s organic certification status, waiting for being able to replant crops can bring further monetary loss beyond the flood itself. Therefore, despite mitigation against flooding that organic farmland brings, there is still a risk that should be considered.

At Unda we can help you understand the risk of flooding to your organic farmland. We can provide you with a flood risk assessment to show the site’s flood risk and potential dangers. On top of this, Unda can provide professional advice on a Surface Water Drainage Strategy and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). Unda have previously undertaken a flood risk assessment and inspection for a seasonal flood issue, providing cost effective advice around drain restoration and reducing surface water runoff to benefit soil management.

This month we should continue to celebrate Organic September, especially in the 50^th anniversary of organic certification. Flooding can indeed be of lower risk on organic farmland sites, however, it is still a possibility. As a result, within this month of focus on organic, advice on flood risk and drainage can help prevent flooding ruining the good work on farmland. This is something Unda would be happy to help with. For more information or a free quote for your site, please get in touch today.