FARMERS across Devon are being urged to take action by the Environment Agency (EA) as soil pollution incidents double.

Reports of rain washing loose soil off farm fields has nearly doubled compared to the same period last year, the EA has said.

As such, the EA is urging farmers to adopt better measures to manage soil erosion.

January saw 25 incidents of heavy rain carrying loose soil running from fields – nearly double the number of incidents reported the same time last year – with EA’s officers making 14 visits to farms, with a further 11 visits planned.

Land management project officer with the Environment Agency, Laura Bentley, said: ‘The windows of dry weather in autumn can be so short that large farms don’t have time to get around all their land when soil conditions are right, to establish crop cover ahead of the winter rains.

‘Employing reduced tillage – minimal disturbance of the soil - and drilling seed into compacted earth no longer works in Devon and Cornwall in this changed climate.

‘Winter cereals and cover crops aren’t taking, and bare, compacted soil is exposed to the elements and prone to run-off.’

Farmers are losing crops, top soil, organic matter and nutrients to run-off incidents plus the costs of recultivating and resowing fields, time, fuel, seed and fertiliser, the EA says.

Run-off can result in action being taken if it breaches the Farming Rules for Water and Environmental Permitting Regulations.

The Environment Agency says it will give advice and guidance, but it will issue formal warnings and take enforcement action where needed.

Residents who see discoloured water running off farm fields which could threaten roads, rivers and properties can report it to the Environment Agency’s 24/7 incident hotline – 0800 807060.