The current spell of mild, dry weather that most of the country is experiencing is keeping ground conditions in good order.
In many parts of the country, land is dry enough to facilitate a lime application on areas of their farm which require it.
Despite the first half of 2024 being a challenging year in terms of weather conditions, the autumn to date has been more favourable in terms of milder temperatures, lower rainfall levels and better than usual ground conditions.
Often farmers have great intentions of spreading lime on grazing or silage ground during summer months, but between ground stopped for grazing or silage and slurry being spread on ground after cutting or grazing, the opportunity can be often missed.
Ground conditions remain exceptional for the time of year across the country, so farmers with ground dry enough may now have an ideal opportunity to apply ground limestone to their farm.
Most farmers have taken soil samples in the past two years, as it is a requirement for all farmers in the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) and for farmers stocked over 130kg N/ha.
Farmers should consult these most recent soil sample results to identify the area of the farm which most requires a lime application.
Where farmers identify an area of the farm for spreading lime, it is advisable to first access ground conditions and if dry weather conditions are promised, contact the lime-spreading contractor to arrange a suitable date for spreading lime.
Where a lorry load containing 20t of lime is being ordered and with a guideline maximum application rate of 2t/ac at any one time, a minimum 10ac of suitable land would ideally be needed for a lime application.
Teagasc recommends a maximum lime application of 7.5t/ha (3.0t/ac) but many farmers have a preference to apply a maximum of 2t/ac or approximately 5t/ha.
While spreading nutrients (excluding parlour washings) is now prohibited, lime can be spread at any time of the year.
The ideal soil pH for grass growth on mineral soils is 6.3-6.5. Where the soil samples have identified fields with a soil pH below this, lime should be applied.