IFA warns department must address alarming decline in soil fertility levels

An alarming decline in soil fertility levels must be urgently addressed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, according to the Irish Farmers Association.

IFA warns department must address alarming decline in soil fertility levels

Harold Kingston, Environment and Rural Affairs chairman, said the department accepts that nutrient levels in soils are declining. Many soils are nutrient hungry, and the problem is set to rise over the next decade if it is not addressed.

“This will lead to a substantial loss in grass output and impact on farm profitability,” he said.

Mr Kingston called for the continuation of the nitrates derogation to support the growth and development of the sector. He also sought a more appropriate definition of dirty water, to allow it to be spread over the winter months.

The IFA has further called for changes to the volume of broiler litter that can be spread up to 2017.

This is needed to maximise the use of broiler litters and address the challenge of finding customer farms in close range to the poultry units.

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