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 2017
- All Soil Results and Enterprises 2017 (PDF)
- County Specific Data:
Carlow 2017 - Cavan 2017 - Clare 2017 - Cork 2017 - Donegal 2017 - Dublin 2017 - Galway 2017- Kerry 2017 - Kildare 2017 - Kilkenny 2017 - Laois 2017- Leitrim 2017 - Limerick 2017 - Longford 2017- Louth 2017- Mayo 2017 - Meath 2017- Monaghan 2017 - Roscommon 2017 - Sligo 2017- Tipperary 2017 - Waterford 2017 - Westmeath 2017- Wexford 2017 -
Soil Fertility Data 2016
- All Soil Results and Enterprises 2016
- County Specific Data:
Carlow 2016 - Cavan 2016 - Clare 2016 - Cork 2016 - Donegal 2016 - Dublin 2016 - Galway 2016 - Kerry 2016 - Kildare 2016 - Kilkenny 2016 - Laois 2016 - Leitrim 2016 - Limerick 2016 - Longford 2016 - Louth 2016 - Mayo 2016 - Meath 2016 - Monaghan 2016 - Offaly 2016 - Wicklow 2016
Soil Fertility Data 2015
- All-Soil-Results-Enterprises
- County Specific Data:
Carlow2015 - Cavan2015 - Clare2015 - Cork2015 - Donegal2015 - Dublin2015 - Galway2015 - Kerry2015 - Kildare2015 - Kilkenny2015 - Laois2015 - Leitrim2015 - Limerick2015 - Longford2015 - Louth2015 - Mayo2015 - Meath2015 - Monaghan2015 - Offaly2015 - Roscommon2015 - Sligo2015 - Tipperary2015 - Waterford2015 - Westmeath2015 - Wicklow2015 - Wexford2015