Soil samples taken in 2015 indicate optimum pH on 19%, 35% and 19% of dairy farms in Kerry, Limerick and Clare. Low soil pH reduces the release of N from the soil, the availability of nutrient from applied fertilisers, soil biological activity and ultimately the amount of grass grown. Kerry Agribusiness and Teagasc launched a soil fertility campaign in 2015 offering soil sample analysis at a reduced rate and 342 farmers availed of this. These farmers were also eligible to win a load of lime and the North Kerry winner was Anne Maria and Patrick Cotter, Lacca East, Kilmorna, Duagh. Based on the results of the soil tests Anne-Marie and Patrick applied 80t of lime last year and this week another 40t is being applied.

Kerry Agribusiness and Teagasc have also published a lime brochure which outlines the financial proposition for applying lime, addresses some common myths, explains the interactions between lime and other fertilisers and also profiles two farmers’ experiences on applying lime recently.