The global importance of soil in these very challenging times of trying to feed more people is reflected in the fact that the United Nations has declared this to be the International Year of Soil.

Following on from that initiative, Scotland's soil is to become a more carefully nurtured asset since Dr Aileen McLeod MSP, Scottish Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform announced plans in the Scottish Parliament recently to introduce a requirement for compulsory soil testing on all improved land.

Professor Colin Campbell, director of science excellence at the James Hutton Institute, said: "Making soil testing compulsory may be met with some reticence but there are potentially real benefits all round. Scotland has good soils generally and soil is a fundamental part of the natural capital that supports our food and drink industry and underpins valued habitats and beautiful landscapes. Taking a proactive approach to build and enhance this natural capital is a very positive way of tackling known problems.

"The proposed testing could be a very useful way of promoting better soil management that will make a difference to farmer's income and help protect our environment through more efficient use of nutrients and help in reducing greenhouse gases. To the best of my knowledge this would be a first in the European context and if done properly there could be several other side benefits for agriculture and scientific research."

Meanwhile, an organic farm in Dumbartonshire was awarded the prize for Best Soil in Show at this year's Royal Highland Show. Portnellan Farm was declared the best soil winner jointly by Dr Aileen McLeod and European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan.

Portnellan Farm, which occupies about 230 acres on the south-eastern shore of Loch Lomond and has been owned by the Scott-Park family for nearly 60 years, was first announced as winner of the contest's new Organically Managed category by Chris Walton, Agricultural Advisor for Soil association Scotland, and later received the overall 2015 award from Mr Hogan and Dr McLeod.

Dr McLeod said: "Soils are one of Scotland's natural assets, a resource which provides a number of vital benefits to society and our economy; entire ecosystems depend on it and it is a key part of the success of our food and drink sector, and a crucial sink for damaging greenhouse gases. These awards demonstrate good practices in soils management."

Show results

Sheep

Suffolk: Champion (C) Stuart G Mair & Sons, Turriff; Reserve (R) W G Troup Ltd, Inverurie.

Border Leicesters: (C) Mr James W Brown & Others; (R) Mr David Walker, Girvan.

Commercial: (C) Messrs Jim & Wallace Kennedy, Maybole; (R) Mr Andrew Baillie, Lanark.

British Berrichon: (C) Mrs Francis Barbour, Newark, Sanquhar; (R) Mr Ewan Burgess.

Jacob: (C) Barbara Webster, Newburgh; (R) Mr Paul Murray, Whitehaven.

North Country Cheviot - hill sheep: (C) Mr J M Elliot, Kelso; (R) W & T Thomson, Roxburghshire.

Cheviot: (C) & (R) Mr James Common & Son, Lockerbie.

Texel: (C) Procters Farm Ltd, Clitheroe; (R) Mr John McKerrow, By Bo'Ness.

Hampshire Down: (C) E, B & S A Jones, Haverfordwest; (R) Messrs R & J McFarlane, Stirling.

Swaledale: (C) Messr Brogden (R) Mr M R Ewbank, Harrogate.

Charollais (C) & (R) Mr A gray & Son.

Hebridean: (C) J & M Cuthbert, Kinross; (R) C G & K E Heeley, Westhoughton.

North of England Mules: (C) & (R) R & F Wilson, Carlisle.

British Rouge: (C) Mr Percy Tait; (R) Mr James Kerr, Moira.

Bluefaced Leicester: (C) John Wight & Son, Biggar; (R0 Mr S McClymont & Son.

Beef cattle

Aberdeen Angus: (C) Messrs F J Fraser & Son, Forfar; (R) Messrs W & D Mclaren and H W Angus, Auchterarder.

Galloway: (R) J & S Ross, Dumfries; (R) Messrs D & R Cornthwaite, Lockerbie.

Belted Galloway: (C) B Landers & Son, Newton Stewart; (R) J & Z Kirk, Dumfries.

Highland: (C) Hyndford Fold, Ravenstruther; (R) HM The Queen, Ballater.

Charolais: (C) Major D F W H & N R Walter, Perth; (R) Messrs W K & F Drysdale, Blairgowrie.

Limousin: (C) & (R) Mr & Mrs M J Alford, Cullompton.

British Blue: (C) Mr Keven Watret, Annan; (R) Mr E C Haste, Beaworthy.

Commercial: (C) Mr Hugh Dunlop, Cumnock; (R) Mr A R Grieve, Leven.

Dairy cattle

British Red and White: (C) & (R) A & D Lawrie, Kinross.

Ayrshire: (C) Mr J Lawrie; (R) L Davidson & Sons, Castle Douglas.

Holstein: (C) Brian Weatherup & Partners, Cowdenbeath; (R) Blythbridge Holsteins, West linton.

Jersey: (C) Wellhouse Jerseys, Stranraer; (R) Nessrs S & D C Bland, Penrith.

Dairy Shorthorn: (C) Mr James Robinson, Kendal; (R) Stephen Girvan, Ballyclare.

Dairy cattle interbreed competitions

Junior interbreed: (C) Mr Jack Brewster, Glasgow; (R) Messrs S & D C Bland, Penrith.

Interbreed team competition: (C) Mr J Teasdale & Son; (R) Mr Robert Hunter.

Dairy cattle interbreed: (C) Brian Weatherup & Partners, Cowdenbeath; (R) Wellhouse Jerseys, Stranraer.