Great Opportunity to Lime Your Farm in 2023

Damien Gibbons, Walsh Scholar, Teagasc Ballinrobe

Farmers have been placed under a lot of pressure in recent times as a result of the exponential increases in the cost of farm inputs (feed, fertiliser etc.) It has never been as important for farmers to try and maximise efficiency on the ground especially when profitability is hard to achieve. Fertiliser is a core component but also a significant cost on many farms, but, input levels can be reduced through a targeted liming approach.   

The benefits of liming have been known for years, but, unfortunately for years on Irish farms lime has most definitely been the forgotten fertiliser. Lime is a cost-effective natural soil conditioner which neutralises soil acidity, increases the activity of soil microbes (e.g. earthworms) and most notably increases the availability of soil Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) reserves. All coupled together leads to improved yields from grass and crops which is a win for all farming enterprises irrespective of scale.

Soils that are lacking lime (acidic) will not respond optimally to applied fertilisers. Soils that have sufficient liming levels (pH 6.3-6.5) will give rise to full utilisation of applied fertilisers (straights or compounds) for grass & crop growth, ensuring farmers get better value for their money. Liming can release up to 80kg N/ha/year and can increase overall grass production by up to 2.0 tonne/DM/ha. It is very inexpensive (approx. €25-30/tonne delivered & spread) when compared to artificial fertilisers.

Application rates are determined by soil analysis reports. If the lime requirement is greater than 7.5t/ha or 3 t/ac, it should be split into two dressings. Note, it is now too late to apply lime to silage fields.  Instead lime these fields after silage is cut. In order to minimise Nitrogen losses, slurry and urea need to be applied at least 7-10 days prior to an application of lime.

National Liming Programme 2023:

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine recently launched an €8 million National Liming Programme on the 15^th of March. This is a welcome initiative and is good news for many farmers. The main aim of the programme is to incentivise farmers to apply ground limestone in order to maintain soil fertility. While lime application has increased over the last two years– results from the Teagasc National Soil Fertility Report in 2022 indicated that 57% of drystock soils still have a liming requirement. With this in mind it would be advisable for all eligible farmers to consider applying for the scheme as there is a financial contribution of €16 / tonne available for successful applicants for any lime applied in 2023. Like all schemes there are a few key requirements in order to avail of this subsidy:

• Applications are to be made on AgFood either by the farmer or his/her advisor – indicating the intended quantity to purchase and spread
• Lime can only be purchased from licenced quarries approved by the DAFM – list of quarries can be seen on DAFM website
• Minimum of 10 tonne and maximum of 200 tonne to be subsidised
• Lime cannot be spread on the following: commonages, forestry, Natura 2000 designated lands (SAC, SPA, NHA), Annex 1 grassland or environmentally sensitive permanent grassland
• Applicants must have a submitted a 2022 BPS application and a 2023 BISS application
• Applicants must have up-to date soil analysis reports indicating there is a liming requirement on the farm & application rates are to follow the recommendations in the soil analysis report
• Closing date for applications is 20^th April 2023 and claims for payment (submission of invoices) must be made by 31^st October 2023

While most farmers will be able to apply, unfortunately some farmers will not be eligible for the following reasons:

• Farmers that availed of a Nitrates Derogation in 2022 or 2023 and farmers with a grassland stocking rate above 170kg livestock manure nitrogen/ha prior to export in 2022
• Herdowners who are participating in the 2023 Eco-Scheme practice relating to soil sampling and liming

The National Liming Programme is an attractive initiative which should be considered by farmers. The benefits that ensue from liming are significant and when there is a subsidy available it makes it all the more attractive. If you require any further information on the programme or liming contact your local Teagasc office.