Soil management helps reduce fertiliser costs

The latest analysis of soil test results from around the country showed an increasing percentage of low fertility soils (Index 1 and 2) on beef farms, from 2008 to 2011.

The percentage of more productive soils (Index 3 and 4) continued to decline.

Some 55% of soils are low in phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), while 60% of fields need lime. The benefits of having soils at the correct P and K levels and pH are clear. Soils maintained at Index 3 for P and K will produce 1.5t/ha of dry matter per year; and soils maintained at the correct soil pH (6.3) will release 60-80kg of nitrogen per hectare per year (worth €75-100/ha).