Soil testing neglected practice by Irish farmers

Soil testing is the most cost effective tool to optimise the use of fertiliser and slurry and farm production. 

Yet it is one of the most neglected practices on Irish farms. A number of accredited laboratories for soil testing have been set up in recent years.

Co-ops and merchants handing out soil corers to farmers to take the samples themselves is a good idea to cut costs — but it can also be a recipe for disaster if used wrongly.