Teagasc and producers highlight urgent need for soil lime
Teagasc recently joined forces with the Ground Limestone Producers of Ireland during the National Ploughing Championships to promote optimal soil health. Survey findings revealed significant gaps in spreading habits, prompting experts to encourage immediate autumn applications across Irish holdings.
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Teagasc Agricultural News
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⏱️ 1 min read
The Teagasc Signpost team recently collaborated with the Ground Limestone Producers of Ireland at the National Ploughing Championships to raise awareness about the critical agricultural benefits of ground limestone. National soil test results indicate that approximately 60 percent of drystock holdings currently feature sub-optimal soil pH levels, highlighting a widespread requirement for lime across both grassland and tillage enterprises.
During the three-day event, the Signpost programme hosted a popular competition sponsored by Grolime, attracting more than 400 entries. Lucky winners Jim Power from County Kilkenny, Myra Best from County Leitrim, and Philip Ryan from County Tipperary each secured a free load of lime to be collected from their local certified quarries. However, accompanying survey data highlighted that 40 percent of participating drystock farmers had failed to spread lime within the past five years, contrasting sharply with proactive dairy operators.
Experts emphasised that applying lime to target pH levels between 6.3 and 6.5 delivers exceptional returns, boosting grass production and increasing natural nitrogen supply while reducing reliance on costly chemical fertilisers. With recent Department of Agriculture figures showing a significant drop in lime sales this year, agricultural advisors are strongly urging farmers to review their soil reports and plan applications during the favourable autumn conditions.
During the three-day event, the Signpost programme hosted a popular competition sponsored by Grolime, attracting more than 400 entries. Lucky winners Jim Power from County Kilkenny, Myra Best from County Leitrim, and Philip Ryan from County Tipperary each secured a free load of lime to be collected from their local certified quarries. However, accompanying survey data highlighted that 40 percent of participating drystock farmers had failed to spread lime within the past five years, contrasting sharply with proactive dairy operators.
Experts emphasised that applying lime to target pH levels between 6.3 and 6.5 delivers exceptional returns, boosting grass production and increasing natural nitrogen supply while reducing reliance on costly chemical fertilisers. With recent Department of Agriculture figures showing a significant drop in lime sales this year, agricultural advisors are strongly urging farmers to review their soil reports and plan applications during the favourable autumn conditions.
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