Yes please! Money saving tips for Kilkenny farmers!

Teagasc has come to the aid of Kilkenny farmers with three resolutions to take on for the new year that could help save money on the farm.

The Magic of Lime
Lime can save farmers money through several mechanisms related to soil health and nutrient efficiency.

The economic return from liming is significant. For every €1 spent on lime, farmers can expect a return of between €4 and €7, depending on the type of farm (dairy or dry stock).

Lime neutralises soil acidity, which is crucial for optimal nutrient availability.
Correcting soil pH enhances the effectiveness of fertilisers, allowing farmers to use less while maintaining or improving crop yields.

By raising soil pH, lime can increase the availability of nitrogen in the soil. This can reduce the need for chemical nitrogen fertilisers, which are costly.

Getting soil pH to 6.2 and above can save up to 55 units of chemical N/acre where soil pH currently is very low.

Regular liming contributes to long-term soil health, reducing the need for corrective measures and associated costs in the future.

Applying lime can lead to a 10-15% increase in grass growth. This means more forage is available for livestock, reducing the need for purchased feed and silage. Click NEXT to continue reading the money saving tips...