FACTS Northern Ireland - Basis

CONTENTS 

Page 

General Information 

Introduction 3 

FACTS Scheme - Objectives 5 

Composition of the FACTS Management Committee 6 

Terminology and definitions relating to the scheme 7 

The Certificate of Competence in Fertiliser and Nutrient Management 

Advice for Field Sales and Advisory Staff 9 

Your Questions Answered 10 

Exam Structure 12 

FACTS Pre-Training 13 

The National Training Syllabus - FACTS Northern Ireland 

Modules 

% TOTAL TIME 

1. The soil in relation to plant nutrition 15% 15 

2. Organic nutrient sources 15% 17 

3. The nature and properties of fertilisers 5% 19 

4. Crop nutrients in plants and the factors influencing 20% 20 

nutrient management planning 

5. Use of fertilisers on the main crop groups in the UK 15% 22 

6. The transport, storage and handling of fertilisers 10% 23 

7. Application of fertilisers 5% 24 

8. Code of Good Agricultural Practice and legal and 15% 25 

other requirements to protect the environment 

Sample multi-choice questions for the FACTS Examination 26 

Sample Scenario question for the FACTS Examination 27 

Reference materials 29 

Useful website and publications 30 

The BASIS Diploma in Agronomy 32 

BASIS/FACTS Approved Trainers 35 

1

2 

© BASIS (Registration) Ltd 

BASIS is a trade mark of BASIS (Registration) Limited. All rights reserved. 

Registered in England No.: 1365343 Charity No.: 1077006 VAT Reg No.: 242/5497/56

FACTS SYLLABUS & INFORMATION 

Introduction 

FACTS is an independent non-statutory certification Scheme for advisers in plant nutrient management. It 

was established in 1993 following discussions with the trade associations connected with the industry and 

BASIS® (Registration) Ltd. At the present time there is no legal requirement for advisers and sellers to be 

certificated; however it was considered that setting up such a scheme was the responsible action to take in 

light of the environmental pressures and increasing technical requirements. The Scheme and initiative are 

fully supported by Defra and the Environment Agency. 

The FACTS Scheme is administered on behalf of the industry by BASIS® (Registration) Ltd which has 

administered a similar scheme for the pesticides industry since 1978. FACTS is controlled by a 

Management Committee that is chaired by an independent chairman with representatives of trade 

associations from the industry, including representatives from (AIC) Agricultural Industries Confederation. 

ADAS, the Association of Independent Crop Consultants (AICC), the Department for Environment Food and 

Rural Affairs (Defra), the Environment Agency (EA), the National Farmers Union (NFU), National Association 

of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC), the National Association of Principal Agricultural Education Officers 

(NAPAEO) and the Potash Development Association (PDA). 

Whistle Blowing Policy 

BASIS (Registration) Ltd is committed to the highest standards of openness and accountability. Therefore, 

we expect employees, candidates and others who work with BASIS who have serious concerns about any 

aspect of our work voice those concerns. 

To this effect BASIS has a whistle Blowing Policy. This procedure is designed to allow concerns of a public 

interest kind within BASIS to be raised, investigated and where appropriate, acted upon. Complaints may 

be any member of staff, candidates or those contracted to provide services to BASIS. 

To view the full Whistle Blowing Policy go to: 

http://www.basis-reg.co.uk/media/documents/430/index.html 

Dyslexia Policy 

BASIS (Registration) Ltd allows students diagnosed with Dyslexia to request special examination 

arrangements. Proof of dyslexia is required a minimum of 4 weeks before the exam date so that BASIS can 

provide special examination arrangements if required. 

For a full copy of our Dyslexia Policy please go to: 

http://www.basis-reg.co.uk/media/documents/TM%2015%20BASIS%20Dyslexia%20Policy%20- 

%20Sept%202011.pdf 

BASIS® is a registered trademark of BASIS® (Registration) Limited. All rights reserved. 

3

The FACTS Annual Scheme, (including the FACTS Information Service) and membership of the BASIS® 

Professional Register, which FACTS-registered advisers can join, have been devised in response to several 

pressures: 

Most people who take an interest in agriculture appreciate that if soil fertility is to be maintained then 

nutrients taken off in the crop or lost to air or water must be replaced. However, many of these people are 

also concerned about the actual or potential environmental impact that these losses can cause and they 

look to those involved to do what they can to minimise them. This is one of the pressures to which those 

advising farmers on nutrient management and fertiliser use must respond and was a driving force behind 

the establishment of the FACTS scheme. It allows farmers to identify those competent to advise them on 

all aspects of nutrient management including the requirements of the law. 

There is also political pressure to respond to environmental problems either by regulation such as Nitrate 

Vulnerable Zones (NVZ’s) or by other restrictive policies. These may be unwelcome but if action towards 

environmental improvement is not forthcoming, proposals for the more stringent measures will increase. 

Voluntary measures, such as FACTS, encourage the adoption of best nutrient practices and offer those 

involved in agriculture the opportunity to demonstrate that they are able to manage environmental 

pressures while helping their farmer clients optimise inputs. FACTS is based on the principles of Integrated 

Farm Management (IFM) promoted by LEAF – (Linking Environment And Farming) - and training is 

compatible with Integrated Crop Management training courses. 

There is also a need for advisers to continue their personal development. Life-long learning and Continuing 

Professional Development (CPD) are modern themes and for good reason. CPD is important to advisers for 

a number of good reasons and can help an individual keep abreast of: 

• Changes in the economics of agriculture 

• Climate change both short term and in the long term 

• Changes to equipment and products available 

• New research findings and subsequent recommendations 

• Changes in the public perception of agriculture and its effect on the environment and food quality 

It is increasingly down to individuals rather than employers to manage their careers. This means advisers 

must keep up-to-date and be able to offer evidence to their clients that they can be relied upon to have 

the necessary competences. Gaining a FACTS qualification is only the start. It needs to be followed by an 

application to either join the BASIS Professional Register and / or subscribe to the FACTS Annual Scheme to 

fully keep up-to-date and remain on the register of current FACTS Qualified Advisers. In the years ahead 

we can increasingly expect assurance schemes and crop production protocols to require advisers to be 

members of one or both of these schemes. Such initiatives also represent the most effective response 

from agriculture to its critics and, it is to be hoped, they may in time result in a reduction in the impact of 

nutrient losses. 

The FACTS Management Committee 

4

FACTS SCHEME - OBJECTIVES 

The overall aim of the Scheme is to ensure a high standard of proficiency of all those giving fertiliser and 

plant nutritional advice to end users, having due regard for the protection of the environment. 

To achieve these objectives the Management Committee will: 

a] develop and promote a certification scheme for those selling fertilisers to farmers and/or advising 

on the use of nutrients; 

b] establish and maintain a National Training Syllabus for those giving fertiliser and plant nutritional 

advice; 

c] identify and liaise with recognised training centres and those providing in-house training which 

provide instruction on the National Training syllabus; 

d] establish and monitor appropriate examination provision for trainees, whether trained by BASIS®- 

Approved Trainers, by in-house training or by home-study; 

e] approve a level of competence which candidates for certification should reach; 

f] maintain a Register of those certificated as competent to advise on fertiliser and plant nutrition 

products; 

g] gradually raise the general level of competence of advice given by the fertiliser and plant nutrition 

industry and others and keep under continuous review the standards of the Scheme, including the 

status of exemption holders; 

h] liaise closely with UK Government and the EU in order to have the registration scheme recognised 

and accepted by both UK and other EU Governments. 

5

COMPOSITION OF THE FACTS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 

Independent Chairman 

Nominated by trade associations in 

conjunction with BASIS and DEFRA 

• 2 Nominated Members from the AIC Fertiliser Manufacturers' Committee 

• 2 Nominated Members from the AIC Fertiliser Distributors Committee 

• 1 Nominated Member from ADAS 

• 1 Nominated Member from the Association of Independent Crop Consultants (AICC) 

• 1 Nominated Member from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) 

• 1 Nominated Member from the Environment Agency (EA) 

• 1 Nominated Member from Land Based Colleges Aspiring to Excellence (LANDEX) 

• 1 Nominated Member from the National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) 

• 1 Nominated Member from the National Farmers' Union (NFU) 

• 1 Nominated Member from the Potash Development Association (PDA) 

• The Managing Director (or senior management representative) of BASIS® will be eligible to attend the 

meetings. 

* In addition an officer from the AIC and the FACTS Information Service attend the Committee by 

invitation. 

6

FACTS TERMINOLOGY AND DEFINITIONS RELATING TO THE FACTS SCHEME 

TERM 

FACTS 

FACTS Qualified 

Adviser 

FACTS Annual 

Scheme 

FACTS Certificate / 

Exemption 

FACTS Training 

Syllabus 

FACTS Exam Passed 

FACTS Turf and 

other specialised 

FACTS qualifications 

Regional Training 

Centres 

FACTS Information 

Service (FIS) 

FACTS Member 

FACTS Workshops/ 

Seminars 

FACTS Management 

Committee 

Field Sales and 

Advisory Staff (FSAS) 

DEFINITION 

Fertiliser Advisers Certification and Training Scheme. An independent nonstatutory 

certification scheme for professionals providing advice and information 

on the management of plant nutrients and fertiliser materials. 

Member of the BASIS Professional Register with the FACTS qualification or a 

member of the FACTS Annual Scheme.. 

An annual subscription service available to professionals who have passed the 

FACTS exam or hold a FACTS exemption certificate. Benefits: membership card, 

entry on the FACTS Register and access to benefits of FACTS Information Service 

(FIS). 

A certificate of basic competence in fertiliser and plant nutrient advice for Field, 

Sales and Advisory Staff. Experienced advisers working with fertilisers for at least 

5 years prior to 1993 were awarded the certificate on the basis of their 

accumulated knowledge. 

The national standard on which all candidates will be assessed whether training 

takes place at recognised training centres, in-house or elsewhere. 

Recognised non-statutory qualification (multiple choice exam plus written 

recommendation exercise paper and viva) for those providing plant nutrient 

advice 

Specific qualification for advisers on amenity turf – other specific qualifications 

include FACTS Horticulture, FACTS Agriculture and FACTS Veg. 

Approved training centres that have agreed to run training courses based on the 

FACTS Training Syllabus. Approved Trainer details can be found at the rear of this 

booklet. 

FACTS Information Service provided by ECOPT as part of the FACTS Annual Scheme 

subscription. Provides four newsletters per year and access to free and impartial 

plant nutrient information via a Helpline and email contact 

Member of the FACTS Annual Scheme. 

Events organised by the FACTS Management Committee. Open to all FACTS 

Members with a small attendance fee. 

Committee responsible for determining FACTS policy and maintaining the financial 

viability of the Scheme. 

Those employed by manufacturers, distributors, independent consultants, agents 

and Government bodies who are involved in selling and/or giving advice on 

fertilisers and nutrient management to end users. 

7

Office and Depot 

Staff 

Administrative 

means 

Direct Supervision 

Staff employed by manufacturers, distributors or agents who are office based and 

are permitted to take counter orders and telephone orders from end-users, 

provided no technical advice is given and the services of a current FACTS Qualified 

Adviser are available. This may be operated by "administrative means”. 

Un-qualified staff should have ready access to a qualified member of staff by 

means of telephone, email or fax. It is not necessary that there is a current FACTS 

Qualified Adviser available on the premises at all times. A list of current FACTS 

Qualified Advisers should be available at the depot giving telephone numbers and 

a contact point. 

Direct supervision of un-certificated staff should always take place except in the 

case of field staff training for certification where supervision, after initial training, 

may be exercised remotely on a daily basis. Such trainees are required to sit an 

examination for certification within three years of starting the job. Trainee staff 

will have received induction training by the company and will have been 

accompanied by a qualified member of staff on several farm/horticultural visits. 

All subsequent unaccompanied visits for sales and advice should be monitored by 

a qualified member of staff until such time as the trainee obtains the FACTS 

qualification. 

8

THE BASIS® DILPOMA IN AGRONOMY 

Both the BASIS® qualification and the FACTS qualification are now a requirement for the BASIS® Diploma. 

Details of the BASIS® Diploma can be found on page 32, at the end of this booklet. 

THE CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE IN FERTILISER AND PLANT NUTRITION ADVICE FOR FIELD SALES AND 

ADVISORY STAFF 

Courses are offered by the BASIS® Approved Trainers listed in this book. These centres are prepared to run 

courses based on the national training syllabus enabling candidates to prepare themselves for the FACTS 

Certificate of Competence. 

The course is based on at least five days of training, including examination. The national syllabus gives 

candidates an outline of the training requirements. 

All advisers who give advice on fertiliser and crop nutrient use are strongly recommended to obtain a 

Certificate of Competence within three years of entering the industry, during which time they should be 

working under the supervision of a qualified member of staff. 

9

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED 

• DO I NEED TO TAKE A TRAINING COURSE IN ORDER TO SIT THE FACTS EXAMINATION 

Not necessarily, if you have enough technical knowledge and in-field experience already. However, 

candidates should ensure that they have been trained satisfactorily, either in-house or externally, and 

have had sufficient supervised field experience prior to entering for the examination. Following the 

introduction of the new NVZ regulations candidates should be able to understand and explain the new 

rules and will be examined in both written and verbal examination. They should have read and 

understood NVZ Guidance Leaflet No. 1 and Section 1 of RB209 (Principles of nutrient management and 

fertiliser use) before presenting themselves for the course and exam. It is important that, where 

necessary, the candidate should prepare in this way for the course - the course alone is unlikely to raise 

a candidate from minimal knowledge of nutrient use and relevant regulations to success in the exam. If 

they do not know these regulations they will not pass. 

• WHAT IS THE STANDARD OF THE COURSE 

The overall aim of the course is that at the end of training, coupled with previous practical experience, 

candidates will have a basic understanding of fertilisers and plant nutrition to enable them to give 

advice to farmers and growers which is both economically and environmentally sound. The emphasis 

will be on practical knowledge applicable when advising farmers and growers. 

• WHAT FORM DO THE TRAINING COURSES TAKE 

Normally a one-week residential block (at least 5 days) with an assessment on completion of the 

course. Day release or short blocks may be offered, depending on regional requirements. 

• WHERE ARE TRAINING COURSES HELD 

At selected training centres within the United Kingdom and also at other venues, both in the UK and 

abroad, organised by local training groups; a list of current Approved Trainers can be found on page 35. 

• HOW DO I APPLY TO TAKE A TRAINING COURSE 

Contact the Approved Trainer of your choice. Complete a training course application form and send it 

to the centre. 

• IS IT POSSIBLE TO USE CORRESPONDENCE COURSES OR EVENING CLASSES 

Not currently. 

• WHEN AND WHERE ARE EXAMINATIONS HELD 

They are currently held at each of the centres listed at the end of this book. Examinations are held 

when there are sufficient numbers to make them viable. 

• HOW DO I APPLY TO SIT THE EXAMINATION 

Complete an examination application form and return it to the centre of your choice. You will be 

notified when an examination is to take place. (Those attending a training course will automatically be 

entered for the examination and so do not need to apply separately.) 

• IF I FAIL THE EXAMINATION, CAN I RE-SIT 

Yes you can re-sit the exam; however, BASIS examinations are accredited on the Higher Education 

qualifications framework. One consequence of this is that we need to ensure procedures are in place 

to improve candidates’ chances of success in subsequent examinations following a previous failure. 

Where candidates have been examined unsuccessfully on two occasions, they will be required to 

retrain before attempting the exam for a third time. 

Candidates and trainers will be required to complete a form to confirm that they have retrained, 

particularly covering areas that were identified as ‘areas of weakness’ at previous exams. 

10

The form should be presented to the exam Chairman at the third exam attempt. Failure to confirm that 

retraining has taken place will result in a refusal to conduct the viva examination and subsequent ‘no 

result’ for the exam. 

Please help us to help you by asking your training provider to evaluate your training needs and 

undertake the training required to ensure you can pass the exam. 

Those candidates wishing to go forward for the ‘BASIS Diploma and later the HAUC Diploma in 

Agronomy with Environmental Management should be aware that only four attempts at any 

examination will be permitted if that course is included as a qualification module for the diploma(s). 

• WHAT DOES THE EXAMINATION ENTAIL 

Candidates will be required to sit an exam in 2 parts: 

 

 

60 multi-choice questions (no books / notes allowed) 

A scenario question for which candidates may use their text books and notes (ie. open book 

exam) 

The questions will be based on the national syllabus. This will be followed by a viva panel, involving 

two people from industry (fertilisers and plant nutrition) and chaired by a representative of BASIS 

acting on behalf of the FACTS Management Committee. The purpose of this is to enable the panel to 

make a final assessment of the candidate as a competent adviser in the fertiliser industry; the decision 

of the panel will be final. 

• WHAT IS THE NATIONAL TRAINING SYLLABUS 

The standard and content of training which needs to be attained to enable trainees to prepare for the 

FACTS Certificate. Details can be found from page 14 onwards. 

• IF I APPLY FOR A JOB WITHIN THE FERTILISER INDUSTRY DO I HAVE TO HOLD THE CERTIFICATE OF 

COMPETENCE OR HAVE EXEMPTION FROM IT 

At present the Scheme is non-statutory. However, if you have not previously been employed in the 

fertiliser industry it is recommended that you become qualified within three years of entering the 

industry. During that time you are strongly advised to work under the supervision of a current FACTS 

Qualified Advisor. 

• WHAT IS MEANT BY "WORKING UNDER SUPERVISION" 

All responsible companies will require new personnel to have an initial period of training, accompanied 

by a qualified member of their staff. There will come a time when the company will have to allow the 

representative to work without supervision. Until such time that he/she becomes qualified, all sales 

and advice given by the new representative should be monitored by a qualified person. 

• IS IT A REQUIREMENT IN LAW TO HOLD A CERTIFICATE 

The Scheme is at present non-statutory. However, the EU is looking at standards of competence 

relating to fertiliser advice and therefore the industry is setting a standard prior to any legislation, in 

order to meet public concerns that the industry is attaining the highest professional standards and to 

guide any legislative moves. 

• WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY EXAMINATION RESULTS 

We aim to issue results and feedback within 4 weeks from the date of examination. Please note results 

will not be given over the telephone. 

11

The examination is comprised of 3 elements: 

FACTS EXAMINATION STRUCTURE 

 

 

 

Written – 60 multi-choice questions (no books / notes allowed) 

Completion of a scenario question - incorporating a nutrient planning exercise – open book exam 

(text books and notes allowed) 

Viva – involving the chairman and two people from the fertiliser industry. Elements of both the 

multi-choice and scenario papers may be included in the viva discussions. 

EXAMINATION TIMING 

08.15 am Coffee / meet Independent BASIS appointed Chairman 

08.30 - 

08.45 am Examination begins and consists of: 

60 multi-choice questions 75 mins 

10.00 am Short break 10 mins 

10.10 am 1 scenario question (open book) 45 mins 

11.00 am Viva Examinations 15-20 mins per person 

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the FACTS office, c/o BASIS® (Registration) Ltd, St 

Monica’s House Business Centre, (37-39) Windmill Lane, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 1EY Tel: 01335 

340857 / 340854 (Fax: 01335 346488) e-mail training.courses@basis-reg.co.uk web site: www.basisreg.com 

12

Pre-FACTS Training 

Before taking a FACTS training course, some background reading will be extremely helpful for the more 

experienced advisers and essential for those with little on-farm experience. It is highly unlikely that a four 

or five day course alone will raise knowledge to the level needed for success in the exam. 

The preparatory reading material outlined below will cover the main issues in every module of the syllabus. 

The documents should be used as required to improve knowledge before formal FACTS training. A key 

document is the Defra Fertiliser Manual/RB209 that can be downloaded from the Defra web site 

www.defra.gov.uk. Although developed for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, this document covers 

the principles of crop nutrition and some sections will be helpful in Scotland. Additional information for 

Scotland is in Prevention of Environmental Pollution from Agricultural Activity (PEPFAA) that can be 

downloaded from www.scotland.gov.uk and in Technical Notes that can be downloaded from 

www.sac.co.uk. Most of these are available without charge. 

Module 1. The soil in relation to plant nutrients 

1. Fertiliser Manual (RB209) Section 1 

2. A Guide to Better Soil Structure (from National Soil Research Institute, Cranfield at 

www.soil-net.com/legacy/downloads/resources/structure_brochure.pdf) 

3. thinksoils from Environment Agency (£8.50 from EA web site www.environment-agency.gov.uk, 

enter ‘thinksoils’ in search box) 

Module 2. Organic nutrient sources 

1. Fertiliser Manual (RB209) Section 2 or, in Scotland, Prevention of Environmental Pollution from 

Agricultural Activity (PEPFAA) Section 4 

(from www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2005/03/20613/51366) 

2. Managing Livestock Manures (series of four booklets by ADAS/IGER/SRI, from 

www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/landmanage/land-soil/fertilisers.htm#2) 

Module 3. The nature and properties of fertilizers 

1. Mineral Fertiliser Manufacture (from the AIC web site www.agindustries.org.uk, in the Fertiliser 

section, select Publications for farmers and advisers) 

Module 4. Crop nutrients in plants and the factors influencing nutrient management planning 

1. Fertilizer Manual (RB 209) Section 1 or, in Scotland, SAC Technical Notes 

2. Managing Livestock Manures, a series of four booklets by ADAS/IGER/SRI, (from 

www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/landmanage/land-soil/fertilisers.htm#2) 

3. Understanding Nitrogen and its Use in Agriculture, Understanding Phosphorus and its Use in 

Agriculture and Understanding Potassium and its Role in Agriculture, a series of three booklets 

(from www.efma.org) 

Module 5. Use of fertilisers on the main crop groups in the UK 

1. Fertilizer Manual (RB209) Sections 3, 4 and 7 or, for Scotland, relevant SAC Technical Notes 

Module 6. The transport, handling and storage of fertilisers 

Farm Storage and Transport Requirements for AN-based Fertilisers (from the AIC web site 

www.agindustries.org.uk, in the Fertiliser section, select Publications, Health and Safety) 

1. Security of fertilisers on farms. Northern Ireland version of the ‘Ten Point Plan’ available at 

www.secureyourfertiliser.gov.uk/documents/fertliser leaflet NI.pdf 

13

Module 7. Application of fertilisers 

1. Fertiliser Spreaders Manual (from the AIC web site www.agindustries.org.uk, in the Fertiliser 

section, select Publications for farmers and advisers) 

Module 8. Code of Good Agricultural Practice and legal and other requirements to protect the 

environment 

1. Code of Good Agricultural Practice (available from DARD web site at 

www.dardni.gov.uk/index/publications/pubs-dard-environmental/contentcodeofgoodagripractice.htm) 

2. Nitrate and Phosphorus Regulations 2006 - guidance document (available from DARD web site at 

www.dardni.gov.uk/index/publications/pubs-dard-environmental/publications_environmentnitrates-guidancedoc.htm) 

14

THE NATIONAL SYLLABUS 

The overall aim of the course is that at the end of training, coupled with previous practical experience, 

candidates will have a basic understanding of fertilisers and nutrient management to enable them to give 

advice to farmers and growers which is economically and environmentally sound. The emphasis will be on 

practical knowledge applicable when advising farmers and growers. Following the introduction of the new 

NVZ regulations candidates should be able to understand and explain the new rules and will be examined 

in both written and verbal examination. They should have read and understood NVZ Guidance Leaflet No. 

1 and Section 2 of RB209 (Principles of nutrient management and fertiliser use) before presenting 

themselves for the course and exam. It is important that, where necessary, the candidate should prepare 

in this way for the course - the course alone is unlikely to raise a candidate from minimal knowledge of 

nutrient use and relevant regulations to success in the exam. If they do not know these regulations they 

will not pass. 

In the syllabus, each of the eight sections is divided into: 

Aims 

Competence 

Performance Criteria 

Essential Knowledge and Skills 

At the examination candidates will need to satisfy the examiners on all eight sections of the syllabus. 

Aim 

MODULE 1 - SOIL MANAGEMENT IN RELATION TO PLANT NUTRITION 

To understand the basis of soil fertility in supporting plant growth, the ways that nutrients are held in the 

soil and the management of the inter-relationships between soil, water and air. 

1.1 Competence 

Candidates should appreciate the principles of crop nutrient requirements using a knowledge of the 

biological, physical and chemical conditions of the soil. 

1.2 Performance Criteria 

Candidates must be able to: 

• assess the soil properties, growing conditions and yield potential associated with a particular site and 

determine that they are suitable for purpose, taking into account the state of the soil and the 

surrounding environment 

• predict the likely supply of macro and micro nutrients from a soil to the growing crop 

• appreciate the principles of supplying nutrients or lime to a soil to supplement soil supply and/or 

replace crop removal 

• describe and interpret major nutrient cycles (N, P, K, Mg, S) 

• recognise situations which may lead to the loss of nutrients from a soil and identify any environmental 

as well as economic implications and recommend actions to remedy any concerns 

• understand how to assess erosion and run-off risk factors and understand “Cross Compliance” 

requirements (GAEC 1) 

15

1.3 Essential Knowledge & Skills 

Candidates must have the ability to: 

• determine soil type, texture and structure 

• make an assessment of soil drainage conditions and rooting depth 

• take representative soil and tissue samples and interpret the results 

• explain the establishment of the SNS index for a field and assessment of crop N requirements 

• explain the interpretation of P, K and Mg soil indices and assessment of crop nutrient requirement and 

nutrient removal rates 

• make an assessment of crop requirements for sulphur, sodium and micronutrients 

• show understanding of the role of soil organic matter in the supply and retention of nutrients 

• make an assessment of soil pH and show understanding of the impact of pH on the availability of 

nutrients and crop growth 

• plan a liming policy for a rotation 

• make an interpretation of the neutralising value of liming materials 

• interpret soil maps and land drainage plans 

15% of total time 

16

Aim 

MODULE 2 - ORGANIC NUTRIENT SOURCES 

To understand the role, value and nature of organic nutrient sources. 


Candidates must be able to describe the different types of organic nutrient sources, the storage, handling 

and spreading properties and understand the issues involved in measuring the nutrient contribution of the 

materials. 



• appreciate the characteristics, analysis, and the short and longer term availability of nutrients 

contained in 

a) farm yard manures 

b) poultry manures 

c) sewage sludge/cake 

d) liquid manures/slurries 

e) composted organic materials 

f) green manure crops and other organic materials 

when related to specific cropping situations 

• appreciate factors influencing the nutrient value and plant availability of the above organic materials 

• understand how to prepare a manure management plan and to calculate manure/slurry storage 

requirements. 

• demonstrate an awareness of spreading techniques and pollution hazards arising from utilising organic 

materials 



• explain the methods/devices for measuring the nutrient content of organic nutrient sources and 

application of the materials to land 

• interpret an analytical report for an organic nutrient source and explain the difference between total 

and readily available nutrients 

• explain the main options for improving the management of organic nutrient sources to optimise 

nutrient uptake by crops and grass (eg. timing and method of application) 

• describe the different methods for applying organic nutrient sources and explain their relative benefits 

• describe the pathways through which nutrients may be lost to water or the air during storage and 

before/after application of organic nutrient sources 

• demonstrate competence in advising on rates and timing of applications in relation to soil type and 

prevailing patterns of rainfall distribution 

17

• explain the possible problems of potentially toxic elements (PTE’s) in the application of human/animal 

waste products 

• demonstrate familiarity with the relevant statutory requirements and codes of practice in relation to 

pollution, including: The Code of Good Agricultural Practice, Sludge (Use in Agriculture) Regulations and 

Control of Pollution (silage, slurry and agricultural fuel oil) Regulations. 


18

Aim 

MODULE 3 - NATURE AND PROPERTIES OF FERTILISERS 

To understand the properties and forms of manufactured fertilisers 


Candidates should be able to advise customers on the most appropriate fertiliser form for their specific 

requirements. 



• describe the various chemical and physical properties of fertiliser types including 

a) granules 

b) prills 

c) blends 

d) compounds 

e) organo-mineral/semi-organics 

f) organic-based 

g) chelates 

h) pellets 

i) pastilles 

• advise on appropriate forms for given situations 

• understand the measurement units of nutrient declarations and ratios 

• calculate unit costs and undertake cost comparison of different products 



• appreciate the range of products and formulations 

• appreciate the agronomic implications of the different forms of fertilisers 

• demonstrate awareness of fertiliser legislation and correct labelling (cf Section 6) 

• understand the agronomic implications of fertiliser declarations on bags and labels (the relevance of 

total and soluble nutrient contents) 


19

Aim 

MODULE 4 - CROP NUTRIENTS IN PLANTS AND THE FACTORS 

INFLUENCING THE AMOUNT OF FERTILISER REQUIRED 

To understand the principles of integrated crop nutrient management and the various factors which, 

together with fertiliser and organic nutrient application, can be used to satisfy crop requirements. 


Candidates must be able to estimate the nutrient requirements of a particular crop and appraise a range of 

nutrient sources available to clients, prior to constructing nutrient and fertiliser plans and to make fertiliser 

recommendations to meet crop requirements and have due regard to the environment. 



• explain the role of all plant nutrients 

• calculate typical rates of uptake and removal of nutrients by different crops 

• indicate typical symptoms of deficiencies of major and micronutrients 

• explain the use of soil analysis as a basis for nutrient recommendations 

• interpret the ‘Law of Limiting Factors’ 

• interpret nutrient response curves and the effect of the "Law of Diminishing Returns" 

• use a response curve to calculate an approximate break-even rate for a major nutrient, eg nitrogen in 

cereals and explain how economic changes can affect the nutrient recommendations 

• distinguish between "economic" and "maximum biological yield" 

assess and appraise the effects of crop rotation, farming practices and crop quality specifications on 

nutrient availability and requirement 

• interpret situations suitable for "maintenance applications" in maintaining soil nutrient reserves and 

ensuring effective crop response 

• understand and interpret the main units in which advice is given and convert between the different 

units giving advice in metric with imperial conversions 

4.3 Essential Knowledge and Skills 


• explain keywords: locking up, immobilisation, mineralisation, nitrification, de-nitrification, leaching, 

volatilisation, uptake 

• demonstrate an understanding of how to approach diagnosis of nutrient deficiencies, eg take soil and 

plant samples, use pH kits 

• demonstrate interpretation of soil and tissue analysis results and their limitations, prior to drawing up 

recommendations 

• demonstrate an ability to diagnose nutrient disorders in the context of other crop disorders 

• convert between metric and imperial units and, where liquids are used, between weight/weight and 

weight/volume declaration 

20

• demonstrate an awareness of market requirements in certain crops and the effect nutrients may have 

on them: 


a) grain protein for bread quality 

b) grain N for malting barley quality 

c) non-protein N for sugar beet quality 

d) DM content of processing potatoes 

21

MODULE 5 - USE OF FERTILISERS ON THE MAIN CROP GROUPS IN THE UK 

Aim 

To be able to give advice on the nutritional requirements of specific crops based upon a sound 

understanding of needs and variables, and environmental considerations. Candidates will be expected to 

be fully conversant with crops in at least one of the following groups and competent in one other: 

Main Arable Crops 

Vegetable Crops 

Grass/Fodder Crops 

Horticultural (including fruit) Crops 


Candidates should be able to apply the principles in Section 1 to advise an appropriate nutrient 

recommendation plan for a given crop. 


Candidates must be able to evaluate a given field/horticultural situation in making appropriate objective 

recommendations for the application of fertiliser and lime for a particular crop’s needs. 



• understand the influence of local climatic and geographic factors on fertiliser quantity and timing for a 

given crop 

• demonstrate an interpretation of a soil analysis report and application of the information to a given 

crop fertiliser regime 

• show how the influence of previous cropping impacts on the fertiliser recommendation for a following 

crop 

• understand the role of organic nutrient sources in crop nutrition and identification of the extent to 

which a given crop fertiliser regime should be modified to take account of this 

• show how the influence of placement methods and fertiliser formulation can affect the quantity and 

timing of fertiliser for a given crop 

• show how the qualitative aspects to fertiliser use in a given crop can affect the quantity, form and 

timing of fertiliser applications 

15% total time 

22

Aim 

MODULE 6 - THE TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND HANDLING OF FERTILISERS 

To ensure awareness of the regulatory requirements for the safe, secure and efficient transport, storage 

and handling of fertilisers. 


Candidates should have a general knowledge of the statutory requirements and principles of safe transport 

and handling methods for fertilisers in order to advise customers with respect to fertiliser security, health 

and safety and the environment. 


Candidates must be able to specify the criteria for safe transport, storage and handling for different 

fertiliser types and show an awareness of the source and location of further references to the appropriate 

regulations and industry assurance standards. 



• understand the principles of safe handling of fertilisers in IBCs 

• understand the potential hazards to humans and the environment from spillages and contamination of 

water courses 

• understand the detailed requirements of storage which may help reduce the hazards of flammability / 

combustibility 

• demonstrate an awareness of the legal requirements with regard to transport and handling, including: 

Health and Safety and COSHH requirements, Carriage of Dangerous Goods Regulations, ADR and DGSA. 

• demonstrate awareness of the requirements for safe, short and long term, storage of fertilisers, with 

regard to siting, pollution and fire risk and be aware of the relevant Industry Codes 

• demonstrate knowledge of the authorities which should be notified when planning to store nitrogen 

based fertilisers (NISHH) and the Dangerous Substances (Notification And Marking Of Sites) Regulations 

1990. 

• Understand the principle requirements and importance of the Fertiliser Industry Assurance Scheme 

(FIAS), in particular those elements relating to national fertiliser security 

• Understand the particular security requirements for storage of ammonium nitrate-based fertilisers 


23

Aim 

MODULE 7 - APPLICATION OF FERTILISERS 

To ensure awareness of the economic and environmental importance of accurate spreading of fertilisers 

and of the requirements for achieving accuracy. 


Candidates should be able to advise on the correct use of spreaders for solid and fluid fertilisers and 

organic nutrient sources to ensure accurate and efficient spreading of nutrients. 



• identify spreader types and appreciate the principles of their maintenance, calibration and effective 

operation 

• understand the economic and environmental consequences of inaccurate nutrient spreading / 

application 



• demonstrate awareness of the separate (but combinable) effects of applying the wrong rate of 

nutrients and of uneven spreading on crop yield, profitability and the environment 

• demonstrate awareness of the need to avoid nutrient application to non-crop areas, especially field 

margins and water courses 

• demonstrate the ability to identify the different types of spreader and to describe the principles of 

their operation 

• demonstrate awareness of the main wearing parts in spreaders that will affect application rate or 

evenness of spreading 

• demonstrate an understanding of the principles of spreader calibration for correct application rate 

• demonstrate an understanding of the use of tray tests for evenness of spreading 

• demonstrate an ability to identify a fertiliser type and to select appropriate spreader settings from an 

instruction book 

• demonstrate an understanding of how to calculate an application rate at a variety of bout widths and 

forward speeds 

• demonstrate awareness of the effect fertiliser quality can have on spreader performance and of 

appropriate fertiliser quality assessment schemes 


24

Aim 

MODULE 8 - CODE OF GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE AND LEGAL 

AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT. 

To increase awareness and technical competence relating to the handling, storage and use of fertilisers in 

agriculture and improve the ability to manage those nutrient interactions with the environment. 


Candidates should be able to advise merchants, transport operators, clients, farmers and storage 

controllers on the legal and environmental issues relating to all forms of fertilisers, prior to, during and 

post application periods. 


Candidates must be able to give integrated soil and nutrient management guidance and advice to all 

purchasers, handlers and users of fertilisers and organic nutrient sources in line with legislation and 

environmental concerns as well as market requirements. 



• understand current UK and EU environmental legislation concerning nutrient management, application 

and storage of fertiliser and organic nutrient sources, relevant to the advice required 

• demonstrate awareness of other legislation and Government advice, particularly current guidelines in 

the Code of Good Agricultural Practice and the requirements of Nitrate and Phosphorus Regulations 

• describe the statutory requirements for, and constraints on, nitrogen andf phosphate use 

• demonstrate awareness of the requirements to keep records in respect of fertiliser use and crop 

protocols in particular 

• demonstrate awareness of the main objectives of the Water Framework Directive. 


25

SAMPLE MULTI-CHOICE QUESTIONS FOR THE FACTS EXAMINATION 

The following sample questions give a guideline of the type and presentation of questions candidates will 

have to answer when taking the FACTS examination. They are purely intended as a guide as it is not 

possible to publish old examination papers since, once these have been published, questions cannot be 

used again. 

The written examination is followed by a viva. 

1. Which of the following is not an essential plant nutrient 

a) Molybdenum 

b) Sulphur 

c) Phosphate 

* d) Cadmium 

2. Which of the following type of fertilisers are made by rolling a dry slurry in a rotary drum 

a) Prills 

* b) Granules 

c) Pellets 

d) Crystals 

3. A recommendation is for 60 kg/ha of nitrogen. Convert to units/acre. 

* a) 48 

b) 75 

c) 148 

d) 24 

4. The potassium index of a soil is estimated from: 

a) Soil type 

b) Potential yield of crop 

* c) Laboratory analysis 

d) Previous cropping history 

5. If field heaps are used for the storage of poultry manure, what is the minimum distance which must 

separate them from water-courses, ditches and field drains 

a) 5m 

b) 25m 

c) 15m 

* d) 10m 

6. Which of the following is true 

a) no more than 170 kg N/ha of manufactured fertiliser-N can be applied to any crop 

b) manufactured nitrogen fertilisers cannot be applied to fields with shallow or sandy soil 

c) manufactured nitrogen fertilisers cannot be spread within 60m of a farm borehole 

* d) farmers must keep records of all applications of manufactured nitrogen 

fertilisers 

Question in bold is considered more demanding on candidates. Question selection for multiple-choice 

papers ensures a proportion of questions are in this category. 

26

SAMPLE FERTILISER SCENARIO 

The following scenario is an example of the type of question which will be asked in future FACTS exams. 

The questions which follow are an example of the type which could be asked. 

The exam paper will include a number of similar questions to those listed here which are designed to test 

the candidates’ ability, using the available information in RB209 the Soil Nitrogen Supply Index and/or a 

Nutrient Management Plan for the crop. 

The number of questions asked will reflect the time given for candidates to complete the paper. 

Pass mark will be 70% 

SAMPLE FERTILISER SCENARIO 

The farm is on a sandy clay loam soil. Mean annual rainfall is 620mm and average excess winter 

rainfall is 165mm. 

Soil analysis for the field is: pH 6.7, P 2 (20mg/l), K l (90mg/l), Mg 2(75 mg/l) 

The farmer has a supply of farmyard manure from a beef enterprise sufficient to apply to one crop in 

the rotation each year at a rate of approximately 25t/ha. 

The rotation for the farm is: 

Year 1 

Year 2 

Year 3 

Year 4 

Year 5 

Year 6 

Winter wheat 

Winter wheat 

Potatoes – Estima (maincrop) irrigated for ware (115 days) 

Winter wheat 

Winter wheat 

Winter oilseed rape 

The farm typically achieves 9 t/ha on first wheats and 8 t/ha on second wheats. First wheats are sold 

for milling and second wheats sold for feed. All cereal straw is baled for use or sale. Typical yields 

for potatoes and oilseed rape are 50 t/ha and 3.5 t/ha respectively. The farm routinely samples in 

the spring following the potato crop. SMN levels at this time (early February) are typically 85 kg 

N/ha to 90 cm. 

a) What is the Soil Nitrogen Supply (SNS) Index for the wheat crop following potatoes based on 

the field assessment method 

Soil Nitrogen Supply (SNS) Index = 

b) What is the Soil Nitrogen Supply Index using the Soil Mineral Nitrogen (SMR) analysis 

method for the wheat crop following potatoes. State any assumptions that you made in 

finding the SNS Index. 

Soil Nitrogen Supply (SNS) Index = 

Assumptions:- 

c) Using the SNS Index calculated by the SMN analysis method in (b) and the soil analysis for 

the field given above, what would be the fertiliser recommendation for nitrogen, phosphate 

27

and potash for the winter wheat crop following potatoes 

SNS index = P index = K index = 

Winter wheat following potatoes Kg N/ha = Kg P 2 O 5 /ha = Kg K 2 O/ha = 

d) What would be the approximate timings by date or growth stage that you would apply the 

fertiliser 

Nitrogen 

Phosphate 

Potash 

e) If the farmyard manure was applied before the potato crop, what would be the adjusted 

fertiliser recommendation taking into account the available nutrients in the manure 

Estima potatoes SNS index = P index = K index = 

Fertiliser recommendation for Estima 

potatoes 

Kg N/ha = Kg P 2 O 5 /ha = Kg K 2 O/ha = 

Available nutrients in the FYM (see (f) 

below) 

Adjusted fertiliser Recommendation 

f) State any assumptions that you made in calculating the available nutrients in the farmyard 

manure. 

Assumptions:- 

28

REFERENCE MATERIALS 

The following list of reference books may be helpful to candidates intending to take training and the examination for the FACTS 

Certificate. Candidates are not expected to obtain all of the publications listed, many may already be held in company's own 

libraries. Having access to the publications will be sufficient. They are in any event only required for reference material unless 

marked * when they are essential tools. GENERAL AGRICULTURE 

Crop Husbandry – Lockhart and Wiseman, Woodhead Publishing Ltd 

The Agricultural Yearbook, (latest edition) Ed. R J Soffe, Blackwell Science 

SOILS/FERTILISER REFERENCES 

Fertiliser Manual (RB209) 8 th Edition (2010) The Stationery Office (www.tso.co.uk) 

Tried and Tested Nutrient Management Plan, AIC, FWAG, LEAF, NFU, CLA 

(www.nutrientmanagement.org.uk) 

Phosphorus in Agriculture and in Relation to Water Quality, AE Johnston, CJ Dawson (2005) 

(www.agindustries.org.uk) 

Code of Good Agricultural Practice. Available from DARD web site www.dardni.gov.uk. 

Diagnosis of Mineral Disorders in Plants – Vol 1: Principles – C Bould, E J Hewitt, P Needham MAFF/ARC 

HMSO 

Farming, Fertilisers and the Nitrate Problem - T M Addiscott, A P Whitmore, D S Powlson IACR Rothamsted 

Guidance Booklet for Northern Ireland farmers on the requirements of the Nitrate Action Programme 

(Northern Ireland) regulations 2006 and the Phosphorus (Use in Agriculture) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 

2006. Available from DARD web site www.dardni.gov.uk. 

The Fertiliser Directory – Dr I Richards, Context Publications (www.contextproducts.co.uk) 

Principles of Plant Nutrition – Konrad Mengel and Ernest A Kirkby 

Fertiliser Spreaders, Choosing, Using and Maintaining, AIC (www.agindisturies.co.uk) 

Manual Handling – Guidance on Regulations L23, The Stationery Office, 1992 (www.tso.co.uk) 

Soil Management - D B Davies, D J Eagle and B Finney, Farming Press 

Security of fertiliser storage on farms. Available from www.secureyourfertiliser.gov.uk/documents/fertliser 

leaflet NI.pdf. 

29

USEFUL WEBSITES 

www.agindustries.org.uk 

www.aglime.org.uk 

www.adlib.ac.uk 

www.basis-reg.co.uk 

www.dardni.gov.uk 

www.doeni.gov.uk/niea 

www.fertiliser-society.org 

www.factsinfo.org.uk 

www.pda.org.uk 

www.secureyourfertiliser.gov.uk 

www.hbci.com/~wenonah/min-def/list.htm 

REGULATIONS 

Candidates must be familiar with the regulations but are not expected to be authoritative. 

Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1999 SI No 743 

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1994, SI No 1657 

Dangerous Substances (Notification and Marking of Sites) Regulations 1990, SI No 304 

Explosives Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1972, as amended, SI No 118 [not for mainland] 

Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, SI No 2793 

Planning (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 1992, SI No 656 

The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations, 2004 

(CDGTPE) SI No 568 

The Fertilisers Regulations 1991, as amended, SI No 2197 

Copies of all the above can be obtained from the Stationery Office, 

at http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/legislation/uk.htm 

30

BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE FROM: 

Landsmans Bookshop Limited 

Buckenhill 

Bromyard 

Hereford 

HR7 4PH 

Tel/Fax: 01885 483420 

Defra PUBLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FROM: 

Also available from: 

The Stationery Office 

PO Box 29 

NORWICH 

NR3 1GN 

Online bookshop at www.tso.co.uk 

Defra Publications 

Admail 6000 

LONDON 

SW1A 2XX 

AIC PUBLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FROM: 

The Agricultural Industries Confederation 

East of England Showground 

Peterborough 

PE2 6XE 

Tel: 01733 385230 

Fax: 01733 385270 

Website: www.agindustries.org.uk PDA LEAFLETS ARE AVAILABLE FROM: 

The Potash Development Association 

PO Box 697 

YORK 

YO32 5WP 

Tel/Fax: 01904 492009 

Website: www.pda.org.uk 

Email: info@pda.org.uk 

31

THE BASIS DIPLOMA IN AGRONOMY 

The FACTS Management Committee and BASIS (Registration) Limited have finalised the requirements for 

the BASIS Diploma in Agronomy and both the BASIS qualification and the FACTS qualification are now a 

requirement for the BASIS Diploma. 

THE BASIS DIPLOMA IN AGRONOMY 

NECESSARY 

QUALIFICATIONS / 

MODULES 

= 

BETA / 

CONSERVATION 

MANAGEMENT 

PLANT 

PROTECTION 

AWARD 

ADVANCED or NUTRITION 

CROP MODULE MANAGEMENT 

PLANNING 

SOIL & 

WATER 

ENTRY 

REQUIREMENTS 

= 

BASIS CERTIFICATE IN CROP PROTECTION 

& 


TOPICS COVERED 

ADVANCED CROP MODULE / 

NUTRITION MANAGEMENT 

PLANNING 

BETA / CONSERVATION 

MANAGEMENT 

PLANT PROTECTION 

AWARD (PPA) 

SOIL & WATER 

Weed, Pest & Disease Control, Crop Protection 

Programmes, Marketing, Food Industries, Crop 

Assurance, Nutrient Management 

Environment, Biodiversity, EIS’s, CPMP’s, ICM, 

Climate Change 

Systems & Society, Formulation, Mode of Action, 

Application, Health & Safety 

Cultivation Types and Properties, Cropping Systems, 

Water Quality, Drainage, Pollution/Waste, Plant 

Nutrition 

For the PPA and the Advanced Crop Module the prior achievement (by examination, exemption or 

validated certificate) of the BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection is an entry requirement. For the Nutrient 

Management Planning Course the prior achievement of the FACTS qualification is required. 

32

The FACTS qualification (by examination, exemption or validated certificate) is a requirement for successful 

completion of the BASIS Diploma and strongly recommended for those wishing to train for the Soil and 

Water Management certificate. 

Prior qualification of the BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection (or exemption or validated certificate) or the 

Crop Protection Management and or POWER Certificates are required for the BETA examination. In some 

circumstances, it may be possible for other types of prior qualification to be taken into account for BETA 

examination eligibility. BASIS Approved Trainers must ensure that in such cases, the prospective candidate 

is capable of assimilating the knowledge imparted during the BETA course to enable them to pass BETA 

examination. 

It is strongly recommended that candidates should have had at least two years experience of on-farm 

practical agronomy before attempting any of the modules which contribute towards the BASIS Diploma in 

Agronomy, but in particular before taking the Plant Protection Award. 

BASIS CPD points are available for training and certification in all modules of the BASIS Diploma. 

The accreditation process for our qualifications has enabled BASIS to demonstrate a high standard of 

training and certification for our BASIS courses. The BASIS Diploma comprises a number of modules and 6 

are required to complete the qualification. 

A further consequence of accreditation by HAUC and the Higher Education qualifications framework has 

been the development by HAUC of a Graduate Diploma in Agronomy with Environmental Management. 

This is a 120 credit graduate level qualification. 

BASIS courses have all been awarded a number of credits based on the time spent on the course (Targeted 

Learning Hours). This is a recognised formula including face to face tuition time, research, reading and 

experiential learning. The credits are awarded at a level that reflects the intensity / difficulty of the 

learning materials, for example A-level equivalent or 1st, 2nd or final year honours degree etc. 

The qualifying BASIS courses with credits and levels awarded are shown below: 


Credit Value 15 

Level 

Intermediate 

SOIL & WATER 


Level 

Honours 

BASIS CROP PROTECTION 


Level 

Honours 

BASIS PLANT PROTECTION AWARD 


Level 

Honours 

BASIS ADVANCED MODULES / NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PLANNING 


Level 

Honours 

33

BETA / CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT 


Level 

Intermediate 

Intermediate = 2 nd or 3 rd year of university degree qualification. 

Honours level – final year university degree. 

Eg. FACTS 15 credits = 150 hours notional teaching time 

The six modules required for the BASIS Diploma add up to 105 credits. In order to qualify for the HAUC 

Graduate Diploma in Agronomy with Environmental Management, candidates will need to accumulate 120 

credits (ie one extra 15 credit module in addition to the BASIS Diploma). This can be any of the Advanced 

Crop Modules or the Nutrient Management Planning Course. 

Further details of the BASIS Diploma in Agronomy can be obtained from the BASIS office or by e-mail to 

training.courses@basis-reg.co.uk. 

34

CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE IN FERTILISER ADVICE 

The following Colleges, Trainers and Training Providers are successfully running FACTS examinations and 

have been accepted as BASIS Approved Trainers for FACTS. 

CAFRE Greenmount Campus 

Contact: Kevin O’Donnell 

22 Greenmount Road Tel: 02894 426631 

ANTRIM 

email: kevin.o’donnell@dardni.gov.uk 

Co Antrim 

Web: www.cafre.ac.uk 

Northern Ireland, BT41 4PU 

Chelmsford & West Essex Training Group 

Contact / Trainer: Debbie Wedge 

2 Salisbury Cottages, Maldon Rd Tel: 01245 381193 

Hatfield Peverel 

email: debbiewedge@aol.com 

CHELMSFORD 

Essex, CM3 2HS 

DJL Agronomics 

Contact / Trainer: Dr Jim Lewis 

Highgrove House Tel: 01507 363698 

Cassbrook Drive 

email: jim.lewis@fsmail.net 

Fulstow 

Web: www.djlag.co.uk 

LOUTH, LN11 0XR 

Dorset Training Ltd 

Contact: Amanda Smith 

PO Box 5002 Tel: 01305 263125 

DORCHESTER 

email: dorsettraining@btinternet.com 

DT1 2WD 

Web: www.dorsettraining.org.uk 

Fieldfare Training Ltd 

Contact / Trainer: Peter Hoey 

9 The Holme Tel: 01642 712239 

Great Broughton 

email: peter.hoey@farming.co.uk 

MIDDLESBOROUGH 

TS9 7HF 

Hampshire Training Providers Ltd 

Contact: Jenny Lewis 

C/o Hampshire Grain Ltd Tel: 01962 774430 

Overton Road, Micheldever Station 

email: jenny@hampshire-training.co.uk 

WINCHESTER, Hampshire 

Trainer: Julian Lewis 

SO21 3AN 

Harper Adams University College 

Contact: Lisa Chapman / Emma Welch 

Edgmond Tel. 01952 815300 

NEWPORT 

email: lchapman@harper-adams.ac.uk 

Shropshire 

ewelch@harper-adams@ac.uk 

TF10 8NB 

Web:www.harper-adams.ac.uk/shortcourses/ 

35

James Christian-Ilett 

Contact / Trainer: James Christian-Ilett 

8 Painshall Close Tel: 01673 860925 

Welton Fax: 01673 860925 

LINCOLN 

email: christian.ilett@btinternet.com 

Lincolnshire, LN2 3NU 

Landbased Training 

Contact: Linda Bower 

c/o Garth Training Tel: 01944 758379 

Garth Cottage 

email: linda@landbased-training.com 

Wintringham 

Web: www.landbased-training.com 

MALTON 

North Yorkshire 

YO17 8HX 

Mid Kent Training 

Contact: Dianne Quested 

Kempes Corner Farm Tel: 01233 813688 

Boughton Aluph Fax: 01233 813533 

ASHFORD 

email: info@mkt.uk.net 

Kent, TN25 4EN 

Royal Agricultural College 

Contact: James Foster 

Stroud Road Tel: 01285 889873 

CIRENCESTER 

email: rsc@rac.ac.uk 

Gloucestershire 

Web: www.rac.ac.uk 

GL7 6JS 

Scottish Agricultural College 

Contact: Janice Harris 

Ferguson Building Tel: 01224 711221 

Craibstone Estate 

email: janice.harris@sac.co.uk 

Bucksburn 

Web: www.sac.ac.uk 

ABERDEEN, AB21 9YA 

The Training Association (East) 

Contact: Jayne Parsey 

57 Low Road Tel: 01485 600225 

Grimston 

email: jayne@traineast.co.uk 

KINGS LYNN 

Web: www.traineast.co.uk 

Norfolk, PE32 1AF 

Trainer: Dr Jim Lewis 

University of Lincoln 

Contact / Trainer: Dr Simon Goodger 

Riseholme Park Tel: 01522 895295 

LINCOLN Fax: 01522 895457 

Lincolnshire 

email: sgoodger@lincoln.ac.uk 

LN2 2LG 

Web:http://www.lincoln.ac.uk/riseholmecollege/_courses/fe-short_courses/agriculture/sc_facts_new.asp 

The Vale Training Group 

Contact: Kate Mason 

Marsh Hill Farm Tel: 01296 612201 

Marsh 

email: kate@valetraining.co.uk 

AYLESBURY 

Web: www.valetraining.co.uk 

Buckinghamshire, HP17 8ST 

36

The following Colleges, Trainers and Training Organisations have expressed an interest in running some, 

or all, of the training modules and / or the FACTS examination. 

Boston & North Wash Training Group 

Contact: Margaret Dawson 

Kiln House Tel: 01205 480898 

West Fen 

email: dawsonm@dialstart.net 

Stickney, BOSTON 

Lincolnshire 

PE22 8BH 

Cambridge Area Training Ltd 

Contact: Christopher Gage 

1 Lodge Cottages Tel: 01728 747844 

Letheringham 

email: enquiries@cambridgeareatraining.co.uk 

WOODBRIDGE 

Web: www.cambridgeareatraining.co.uk 

Suffolk 

IP13 0NA 

Duchy College 

Contact: Kath Strang 

Stoke Climsland Tel: 01579 372222 

CALLINGTON 

email: kath.strang@duchy.ac.uk 

Cornwall 

Web: www.cornwall.ac.uk/duchy 

PL17 8PB 

Trainer: Alex Stephens 

Earthcare Ltd 

Contact / Trainer: Dr Audrey Litterick 

11 The Riddings Tel: 07785 796670 

Canley Gardens 

Email: Audrey@earthcaretechnical.co.uk 

COVENTRY 

Web: www.earthcaretechnical.co.uk 

Warkwickshire 

CV5 6AT 

East Riding Training Group 

Contact: Michelle Brumfield 

Furrows Farm Tel: 01964 550080 

York Road 

email:brumfield@furrowsfarm.fsnet.co.uk 

Cherry Burton, BEVERLEY 

East Yorkshire. HU17 7RU 

North Cheshire Training 

Contact: Carolyn Hewitt 

The Bothy Tel: 0161 9283120 

Dunham Town Gardens 

email: hewittcarolyn@btconnect.com 

Dunham Massey 

ALTRINCHAM 

Cheshire 

WA14 4SH 

North Wiltshire Training Group 

Contact: Jan Barratt 

Somerford Farm Cottage Tel: 01666 860847 

Brinkworth 

email: nwtraining@btinternet.com 

CHIPPENHAM 

Wiltshire 

SN4 9PF 

37

The Training Association (West) 

Contact: Jo Bruce 

Northfield Tel: 01366 500050 

The Row 

email: jo@traineast.co.uk 

Wereham 

KINGS LYNN 

Norfolk PE33 9AY 

Writtle College 

Contact: Henry Matthews 

Lordship Road Tel: 01245 424200 

Writtle 

email: henry.matthews@writtle.ac.uk 

CHELMSFORD 

Essex 

CM1 3R 

20 June 2012 

38

FACTS Northern Ireland - Basis

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?