Environment
Nitrogen uptake by catch crops and catch crop uptake by farmers
Catch crops, also known as cover crops or green manure, are a valuable tool for protecting soil health and water quality, explains Dr. Bridget Lynch, Senior Researcher Officer in the Teagasc Agricultural Catchments Programme.
11 May 2023
Using satellite data to monitor soil moisture on the Agricultural Catchments Programme
In Ireland, we are more familiar with soil moisture deficit (SMD) rather than volumetric soil moisture content (VSMC), but both are measuring the amount of water in the soil using different concepts.
11 May 2023
Optimising carbon storage of peat key focus of workshop
Sixty participants attended the first day of the ‘Grassland Peat Agriculture Workshop’, which was hosted by the new Teagasc Climate Centre and the ReWet (Teagasc and University of Galway) project at Gurteen College in Tipperary today, Wednesday, May 10th.
10 May 2023
Water quality trends and manure management central topics of upcoming open day
The Agricultural Catchments Programme will host a major open day in Timoleague, Co. Cork, on Friday, May 12th.
10 May 2023
Water quality investigates - the sub-catchment approach
Traditionally research into stream water quality has be carried out on large scales, such as at regional scales.
10 May 2023
The seasonality of nitrate loss to rivers throughout the year
Recent changes to regulations under the Nitrates Action Plan have reduced the amount of chemical nitrogen (N) allowed on grassland, and 'banding' of dairy cows has reduced stocking rates allowed on many farms.
09 May 2023
Signpost Series - water quality trends from the Agricultural Catchments Programme
On this episode of the Signpost Series which took place on Friday, 5 May, Mark Gibson, Head of Teagasc Outreach & Innovation Department was joined by Dr Per-Erik Mellander and Jason Galloway, Agricultural Catchments Programme (ACP), to discuss water quality trends.
09 May 2023
4th Catchment Science Conference launched
Teagasc and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine are delighted to launch Catchment Science 2023, an international conference taking place later this year.
08 May 2023
What farmers really think about the latest Nitrates Action Programme
With the new measures introduced to the fifth Nitrates Action Programme this year, do farmers feel the actions will benefit their farm and water quality?
08 May 2023
Introducing AgNav - putting climate action planning back in farmers’ hands
AgNav is a new sustainability toolkit being jointly developed by Teagasc, ICBF and Bord Bia - with the support of the Department of Agriculture - that provides farmers with accurate and verifiable data to support decision making on farm to help meet agriculture’s Climate Action
08 May 2023
Agriculture’s role in biomethane production
Biomethane is a carbon neutral renewable gas made from farm and food waste, which is produced through anaerobic digestion (AD).
06 May 2023
An introduction to Agricultural Catchments week and the Timoleague open day
The Agricultural Catchments Programme (ACP) is running a dedicated week of activities showcasing its research and advisory programme from Friday May 5th to Friday May 12th. Its theme is ‘A Living Lab Monitoring Water Quality and Gaseous Emissions.’
04 May 2023
Signpost Series - ABP's sustainability story
On this episode of the Signpost Series, Mark Gibson, Head of Teagasc Outreach & Innovation Department, was joined by Stephen Connolly, ABP Agri Sustainability Manager, to give an insight into ABP's sustainability story.
03 May 2023
4.5m tonnes of lime sought under National Liming Programme
Farmers have shown huge interest in the new National Liming Programme, with 4.5m tonnes sought by 41,000 farmers before the programme’s deadline on 20th April.
02 May 2023
Why you must use less bagged nitrogen
Farmers are being tasked with reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, but what steps can be taken at farm level to achieve this?
30 April 2023
Growing Wild: Dandelions and cowslips
Now is the time to look out for Dandelions and Cowslips, according to Catherine Keena, Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist, who takes a closer look at some of our native Irish biodiversity.
29 April 2023
Coastal nature project launched on World Curlew Day
A project that will restore some of Europe’s most unique coastal habitats and also protect vulnerable breeding waders, such as the Curlew, was launched on World Curlew Day 2023, April 21st.
25 April 2023
Summer decisions affect winter performance on organic farms
Although the differences between organic and conventional farming are numerous, one key aspect is central to both – the importance of silage quality.
23 April 2023
Hydropower on farms - going with the flow
Fiacc O’Brolchain, Hydropower Engineer Specialist, spoke to Teagasc's Barry Caslin about the option to generate electricity from hydro on farms.
21 April 2023
Teagasc Signpost Advisory Programme open to participants
Most of the actions you are being asked to implement to reduce emissions will also reduce costs, improve animal performance and increase farm profitability. It’s a win-win for your farm.
20 April 2023
Deadline for National Liming Programme applications fast approaching
The National Liming Programme, a scheme which incentivises farmers to purchase and spread ground limestone in order to maintain soil fertility, will close for applications this week.
19 April 2023
Reducing the impact of pesticides on water quality
How well are we doing in Ireland in regards to reducing the impact of pesticides on water quality?
18 April 2023
Grass margins in grass fields
Grass margins provide corridors of movement and networks for nature through the countryside, as well as habitats of high biodiversity value. Good structure is as important as species present. Lumpy and bumpy is good for associated invertebrates.
17 April 2023
Installing barn owl nest boxes
In the latest Teagasc Environment Newsletter we find out what to look out for when installing owl nest boxes
15 April 2023
ACRES dates for your diary
The Agri Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES), which replaces GLAS and REAP, is a five year scheme. Depending on location, farmers will enter the ACRES Co-operation Project (CP) or ACRES General.
13 April 2023
Red clover silage and multispecies sward measures open
Measures to promote the uptake of red clover silage and multispecies swards at farm level were today announced by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue.
12 April 2023
Watch: April assessment of clover content
Assessing the clover content of your swards now will enable you to tailor nitrogen fertiliser applications, while also allowing the identification of paddocks which may require reseeding or over sowing to increase clover content.
12 April 2023
Biomethane - an opportunity in Ireland
On this episode of the Signpost Series, Dr. Tom O'Dwyer, Head of Signpost Programme, Teagasc, was joined by JJ Lenihan, Teagasc Buildings Officer, to discuss Biomethane - an opportunity for Ireland.
10 April 2023
An opportunity to apply the 'forgotten fertiliser' in 2023
Exponential increases in the cost of farm inputs in recent times have placed farmers under a lot of pressure. With this, it has never been as important for farmers to try and maximise efficiency on the ground.
10 April 2023
Growing Wild: Lesser Celandine and Ivy berries
Now is the time to look out for Lesser Celandine and Ivy Berries, according to Catherine Keena, Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist, who takes a closer look at some of our native Irish biodiversity.
08 April 2023