Analysing soils for pH levels is one of the most worthwhile investments arable growers in Pembrokeshire can make. Farmers attending an arable conference in the county were told that getting the pH level right can lead directly to improved yields and establish precisely the fertiliser needs of the land. When a pH level drops from 6.5 and 6, it can reduce wheat yields by a quarter of a tonne, says CCF Ltd's arable manager, Richard Carlisle. And at a level of 5.5, only half of any phosphate applied to the land is taken up by the crop. "At today's cereal and fertiliser prices it makes financial sense for every farmer to get their soils tested. If I was farming I would have a pH test done every year, it's invaluable,' says Mr. Carlisle. Hundreds of tests recently analysed by CCF Ltd revealed pH levels of between 4.5 and 5. "These were for farmers who wanted to grow arable crops but they shouldn't even consider it unless the soil has a pH level of 6 or above,' says Mr. Carlisle. The conference, hosted by CCF Ltd, was designed to better inform Pembrokeshire's arable growers in a climate of volatile grain and fertiliser markets. One of the speakers, Yara agronomist, Mark Tucker, says farmers must make every kilo of inputs count. A huge upturn in demand for fertiliser but no increase in production capacity, coupled with rising energy costs and export tariffs to protect domestic supply, will continue to impact on cost and availability, according to Mr. Tucker. He says farmers should establish exactly what inputs are necessary to avoid wasteful over- application - and also consider a single application of nitrogen, potash and phosphate in the spring to save on fuel costs. But he warns against cuts in nitrogen inputs. "The best returns will come from applied nitrogen so farmers should avoid cutting back on this,' he recommends. He says farmers should consider other sources of NPKs, such as manure and slurry. Another speaker, Simon Borthwick, of Witney Grain, says 2008 will be a very profitable year for arable growers because they bought inputs at last year's prices and grain prices have remained firm. But prices have dipped since February and few farmers are willing to sell at £130/t because they expect the price to rise. Mr. Borthwick advises against complacency. "We can't be complacent about markets going up because they can come down just as quickly,' he says.