Lime makes a resurgence

Up to 50 per cent of livestock farms are deficient in soil content

DESCRIBED last year as the “forgotten fertiliser” in a Teagasc report, the application of lime in this country has almost doubled since 2019.

A cheaper alternative to the general fertilisers, lime generally costs in the region of €20 to €25 per tonne. So, this is very prudent in 2022.

Calcium and magnesium are the two main types of ground limestone in Ireland, with calcium lime the most readily available.

Henry Walsh is a farmer in Oranmore, and is Galway IFA’s Environmental Representative. He applies lime to his holding.

“I’m speaking from the perspective of a farmer. I’m not giving advice on behalf of Teagasc,” said Henry.

“Over the last three years, it’s quite clear there has been a massive increase in the amount of lime used in the country. It’s around double from what it was in 2019.

“Based on the figures, there was around 700,000 tonnes spread nationally in 2019. In 2021, that figure was over 1.3 million tonnes nationally.

“In Galway in 2019, there was between 35,000 to 40,000 tonnes spread. That has gone up to 70,000. It’s a very substantial and important increase. It is absolutely crucial to the well-being of the soil ...

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