FIVE STEPS TO BETTER SOIL FERTILITY

1. 1.SOIL TESTING  

• Provides you with vital information about your soils
• • A foundation for your fertilizer plan
• • A small farm expense costing in the region of €1.25/ha/yr and is valid for 5 years
•  • A standard soil test will give the soils fertility status as follows; pH, lime requirement, phosphorus (P) and potassium (K).

1. 2.SOIL PH & LIME

• Lime improves the availability of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulphur, Calcium and Magnesium

• Lime at least every 5 years

• Ground limestone can be spread at any time

• Apply lime as per soil test report. Avoid over-liming as it can result in trace element imbalances.

FIVE STEPS TO BETTER SOIL FERTILITY

1. 1.SOIL TESTING  

• Provides you with vital information about your soils
• • A foundation for your fertilizer plan
• • A small farm expense costing in the region of €1.25/ha/yr and is valid for 5 years
•  • A standard soil test will give the soils fertility status as follows; pH, lime requirement, phosphorus (P) and potassium (K).

1. 2.SOIL PH & LIME

• Lime improves the availability of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulphur, Calcium and Magnesium

• Lime at least every 5 years

• Ground limestone can be spread at any time

• Apply lime as per soil test report. Avoid over-liming as it can result in trace element imbalances.

1. 3.TARGET INDEX 3 FOR P & K

• Index 3 is the optimum level for crop growth

• Only by soil testing will you know your P & K levels

• Index 4 soils (high fertility) are a resource - use them to save money on fertilizer

• Index 1 and 2 soils (low fertility) need additional nutrients

• Monitor your soil fertility by looking at previous analysis.

1. 4.SLURRY & MANURES

• Plan when and where slurry/manure will be best utilised

• Aim to apply slurry in spring during moist cool conditions

• Apply slurry and manures on land that requires P & K

• Take account of nutrients contained in slurry if applying chemical fertilizer to the same area

• Always observe buffer zones from watercourses and wells.

1. 5.NUTRIENT BALANCE

• Develop a fertilizer plan for your farm

• Get the best value from fertilisers and organic manure

• Enhance crop yield and animal performance

• Reduce environmental risks due to field losses of excess nutrients

• Potential cost savings when all nutrient inputs are accounted for

 

Mark Mc Connell Consultancy and Auctioneers Ltd and Your local Commissioner of Oaths.

The Glebe, Stranorlar, Lifford, Co. Donegal T/F 074 91 30772

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