Less fertiliser, lower costs

A DECLINE of almost one-third in fertiliser usage over a six-year period has brought about massive savings to farmers costs, but it has not had a knock-on effect on farm output.

Analysis of the outcome by Teagasc at Johnstown Castle Research Centre has concluded that the 30% drop in the use of P and K on soils between 1996 and 2002 has shown no decline in productivity on farms due to any change in soil fertility.

But they have found that there is a deficiency in lime on two out of every three farms under grass, and two in every five tillage farms requires more lime.