Soil Results

In 2017 Teagasc analysed a total 45,227 soil samples comprising of dairy, drystock and tillage enterprises. 41,869 soil samples were from grassland farms with 25,729 from drystock enterprises (Beef & Sheep), 16,140 soil samples from dairy enterprises and 3,358 from tillage enterprises. The following is a summary of the main changes for soil pH, phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in 2017.

Dairy

37% of soils with a soil pH <6.2 (20% decrease)
60%of soils at P index 1 & 2 (1% Increase)
59% of soils at K Index 1 & 2 (6% Increase)

Drystock

53% of soils with a soil pH <6.2 (15% decrease)
67%of soils at P index 1 & 2 (3% Increase)
62% of soils at K Index 1 & 2(5% Increase)

Tillage

70% of soils with a soil pH <6.2 (17% decrease)
56%of soils at P index 1 & 2 (No Change)
44% of soils at K Index 1 & 2(No Change)

Soil pH levels have improved on both dairy and drystock farms in 2017 which is a reflection of the increase in the average lime usage in the last 5 years. Since 2013 the average lime applications nationally was 930,000 which is a 25% increase on the previous 10 years (2003 to 2012) of an average of 740,000 tonnes.

Soil P levels continue to decline and the percentage of soils at index 1 are increasing which is quite a concern as soil fertility declines productivity levels will also be reduced over time. Soils at K index 1 and 2 have increased by 9% and 7% on dairy and drystock farms, respectively. This may be due to surplus grass cut as bale silage on the grazing areas and sufficient K levels not returned to replenish soil K levels.

Overall grassland soil samples tested show that only 12% (2% improvement) of soils have optimum pH, P and K to maximise grass production despite the improvement in soil pH levels. The continued decline of soil P levels and now the rapid increase in soils at K Index 1 halt the improvement in soil fertility. 88% of soil samples tested in 2017 are sub optimal and have a requirement for lime, P or K or a combination of all 3.

For tillage soil samples there has been a very good improvement in soil pH levels with 70% of soils now with a soil pH >6.5. Soil P and K levels have remained stable in 2017 (no change), possibly indicating that maintenance levels of P and K are applied for tillage cropping.

Soil Fertility Data 2018

All Soil Results and Enterprises 2018(PDF)

County Specific Data:

Carlow 2018- Cavan 2018- Clare 2018- Cork 2018- Donegal 2018- Dublin 2018- Galway 2018- Kerry 2018 - Kildare 2018- Kilkenny 2018- Laois 2018- Leitrim 2018 - Limerick 2018- Longford 2018 - Louth 2018- Mayo 2018-Meath 2018- Monaghan 2018- Roscommon 2018- Sligo 2018-Tipperary 2018- Waterford 2018-Westmeath 2018- Wexford 2018

Soil Results

Soil Fertility Data 2018

Soil Fertility Data 2017

Soil Fertility Data 2016

Soil Fertility Data 2015

Soil Fertility Data 2014