40% of tillage land short of lime
The State research and advisory body revealed the findings when it announced that it is to run a special soil analysis campaign for tillage farmers during August, September and October.
It is being run against the background of growing incidences of crop problems and, in some cases, crop failures due to deficiencies of lime and trace elements.
The chief tillage adviser at Teagasc, Jim O’Mahony, said results taken from the soil analysis laboratory at
Johnstown Castle Research Centre indicated that more than one-third of the tillage land was seriously deficient in the critical trace elements, copper, zinc and manganese.
In relation to phosphorus and potash, the results show that levels are low in about a quarter of soils, while a further quarter have high levels of soil where grain crops can be comfortably grown without phosphorus and potash for a number of years.
He said the Teagasc S4 soil analysis package was tailored for the needs of tillage farmers.
And it provided vital information on lime requirement, phosphorus, potash, magnesium, copper, manganese and zinc.
Mr O’Mahony said tillage farmers who are to avail of this service during August, September and October would benefit from a special offer of six soil samples for the price of five.
The chief tillage adviser urged tillage farmers to contact their Teagasc tillage adviser or their local Teagasc office to arrange a soil examination.
