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.

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.