Efficient use of fertiliser will be the key focus of a new short video series that is being produced by the Fertiliser Association of Ireland (FAI).
Set to be rolled out over the coming months, this series has been described as a “key tool” for farmers and advisors by the FAI, with the first video (below) focusing on the importance of taking good soil samples.
The next video produced by the fertiliser association will look at the first steps in starting the fertiliser planning process.
The videos will cover choosing the right fertiliser product and applying it at the right rate, at the right time and in the right place on the farm.
Video 1: Taking soil samples
The coming weeks mark an ideal time to take fresh soil samples as a basis for planning lime and major nutrient applications in 2021, the FAI says.
Dr. David Wall of the FAI discusses the keys steps when taking soil samples with dairy, beef and tillage farmer Michael Doran in south Co. Wexford.
Soil sampling is the first step to establishing soil fertility levels on a field-by-field basis. Tim Sheil of the FAI said:
“Using the correct procedure for taking soil samples will ensure that the results will be accurate and representative and provide a solid foundation to build both lime and fertiliser plans for the soils on your farm.”
- Have a farm map with each field clearly numbered;
- Avoid sampling fields that received phosphorous (P) or potassium (K) in the last three months or lime in the last two years;
- Classify soils as either mineral or peat soils;
- Avoid unusual areas (gate ways / dung paths etc..) and sample to 10cm every time;
- Soil sample labels should correspond to fields numbers on the map.
In addition, representative samples should be taken in a “W pattern” moving across the field. Samples should be taken at a depth of 10cm; one should take 20 soil cores per soil sample.
Dr. Wall explained: “Good soil test results will provide up-to-date information on the soil fertility status in each field and will show how soil fertility has changed over the last three to four years.
“As farmers begin to plan for the 2021 growing season, soil test results will indicate where lime applications are needed and how much lime should be applied to correct soil pH.
“In addition, soil test results will identify suitable fields on the farm where the targeted applications of nutrients in cattle slurry or FYM [farmyard manure] can be maximised, such as building soil P and K levels or replenishing nutrients where silage or other crops have been harvested.
When these soil test results are developed into a farm fertiliser plan the recommended rates and timings of nitrogen (N), P K and sulphur (S) will be specified for each field and crop and a fertiliser shopping list and tonnage required can be developed.
“This will help farmers maximise the investment in fertilisers on their farms while protecting the environment around them,” Dr. Wall concluded.