Soil Test Results

Report and Results 2024

Teagasc Soil Fertility Report 2024 (pdf)

National Soil Fertility Trends

In 2024, Teagasc analysed a total 69,471 soil samples, of which 92% represented grassland samples. For dairy farms, 21,093 soil samples were analysed, a decrease of 21% on the number analysed in 2023. 42,944 soil samples from drystock farms were analysed, an increase of 5% on the previous year. On tillage farms 4,747 soil samples were taken, which represents 31% decrease compared to 2023.In 2024, Teagasc analysed a total 69,471 soil samples, of which 92% represented grassland samples. For dairy farms, 21,093 soil samples were analysed, a decrease of 21% on the number analysed in 2023. 42,944 soil samples from drystock farms were analysed, an increase of 5% on the previous year. On tillage farms 4,747 soil samples were taken, which represents 31% decrease compared to 2023.

National Highlights (All Soil Samples)

The overall number of soil samples analysed dropped by 7.5% on 2023 with the decrease coming from the dairy and tillage sample set
A slight improvement in soil fertility on 2023 with soils at optimum fertility increasing to 17% (+2%)
Soil pH saw an improvement with 47% of soils analysed testing with >pH 6.2 (+2%)
Soil P levels at Index 1 & 2 decreased to 49% (-1%)
Soil K levels remain similar with a slight decrease (-1%) in soils at K index 1 &2

Enterprise Highlights

Dairy

24% of soils have optimum pH, P & K (5% increase)
61% of soils with a soil pH >6.2 (9% increase)
37% of soils at P index 1 & 2 (9% decrease)
38% of soils at K Index 1 & 2 (6% decrease)

Drystock

11% of soils have optimum pH, P & K (1% decrease)
38% of soils with a soil pH >6.2 (2% increase)
53% of soils at P index 1 & 2 (1% increase)
47% of soils at K Index 1 & 2 (2% increase)

Tillage

20% of soils have optimum pH, P & K (no change)
62% of soils with a soil pH >6.5 (1% increase)
55% of soils at P index 1 & 2 (1% increase)
33% of soils at K Index 1 & 2 (6% decrease)

Report and Results 2022

Teagasc Soil Fertility Report 2022 (pdf)

National Soil Fertility Trends

In 2022, Teagasc analysed a total 38,134 soil samples comprising of dairy, drystock and tillage enterprises. Soil sample numbers increased by 13% in 2022 which is the same as the increase in 2021. There was 30,082 grassland soil samples (+12%). For dairy farms – 23,322 soil samples (+11%), on drystock farms 10,062 soil samples (+19%). On tillage farms 4,325 soil samples, which represents a 14% increase in soil samples in 2022. Overall soil sample numbers have increased on all farming enterprises. This increase is primarily driven by the significant increase in the cost of N, P and K fertilisers, in addition changes to soil sample requirements as per nitrates directive. The following is a summary of the main changes for soil pH, phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in 2022.

National Highlights (All Soil Samples)

All farm enterprises took more soil samples in 2022 (+13%)
Soil fertility has improved with 18% of soils with optimum soil fertilty (+2%)
Soil pH is relatively stable with 53% of soils with a pH >6.2 (-1%)
Soil P levels at Index 1 have decreased (-7%), soils at Index 3 & 4 increased (+7%)
Soil K levels at Index 1 & 2 decrease (-5%), soils at Index 4 increase (+5%)

Enterprise Highlights Dairy

20% of soils have optimum pH, P & K (4 % Increase)
53% of soils with a soil pH >6.2 (No change)
21%of soils at P index 1 (8% decrease)
28% of soils at P Index 4 (6 % increase)
39% of soils at K Index 1 & 2 (9% decrease)

Drystock

13% of soils have optimum pH, P & K (No change)
43% of soils with a soil pH >6.2 (4% decrease)
31%of soils at P index 1 (5% decrease)
43% of soils at P Index 3 & 4 (4% increase)
53% of soils at K Index 3 & 4 (No change)

Tillage

19% of soils have optimum pH, P & K (1 % Increase)
61% of soils with a soil pH >6.5 (No change)
52%of soils at P index 1 & 2 (5% decrease)
23% of soils at P Index 4 (4% Increase)
29% of soils at K Index 2 (7% Increase)
30% of soils at K Index 4 (8% decrease)

Soil Fertility Data 2021

Teagasc Soil Fertility Report 2021(pdf)

All Soil Results & Enterprises 2021 (pdf)

County Specific Data:

Carlow 2021, Cavan 2021, Clare 2021, Cork 2021, Donegal 2021, Dublin 2021, Galway 2021, Kerry 2021, Kildare 2021, Kilkenny 2021, Laois 2021, Letrim 2021, Limerick 2021, Longford 2021, Louth 2021, Mayo 2021, Meath 2021, Monaghan 2021, Offaly 2021, Roscommon 2021, Sligo 2021, Tipperary 2021, Waterford 2021, Westmeath 2021, Wexford 2021, Wicklow 2021