Soil & Slurry (Manure) Analysis Framework

This framework contract is to deliver soil and slurry/manure nutrient analysis in order to provide farmers and the Catchment Sensitive Farming project with soil condition and organic nutrient information. The successful contractor will be asked to analyse samples on a call-off basis. The successful contractor will be offered a two year framework contract with options to extend by 2 x 12 months. These results will be an advice and training tool for the Catchment Sensitive Farming project to inspire farmers to undertake voluntary action to help improve water quality, where agriculture has been identified as part of the issue. Catchment Sensitive Farming Officers (CSFOs) or Delivery Advisers (DAs) will collect the samples, as described within appendices 2, 3 and 6 of RB209, Defra’s Fertiliser Manual, 2010. These samples will be compiled and sent to the winning contractor in an efficient method as agreed at inception meeting. The laboratory will complete the suite of analyses required and email the results on a Catchment Sensitive Farming template to the CSFO or DA, plus other named contacts, whose details will be provided as and when a new contract is set up. The winning contractor will maintain a record of all of the soil and manure samples analysed (in an appropriate database or spreadsheet)