Soil test results indicate early signs of soil fertility decline
Researchers warn action is now required to prevent the reversal of improvements achieved in recent years.
The proportion of Irish farmland at optimum soil fertility has declined by between 3% and 6% compared to 2020, as researchers warn action is now required to prevent the reversal of improvements achieved in recent years.
The recent review of soil samples taken by Teagasc in 2021 also showed that over the same year, the number of soil samples taken across all farming enterprises increased. Over this period, 62% of soil samples came from dairy farms, 25% from drystock farms and 11% from tillage farms. The overall number of soil samples increased by 13% compared to 2020, with the largest increase happening on tillage farms.
