Soil acidity is a major limitation to the productivity of our soils, as it reduces the availability of major soil nutrients such as Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K)k, along with the uptake and efficiency of applied nutrients in manures or fertilisers.

In an era of falling N allowances, both directly or indirectly, farmers need to use all tools available to them in optimising soil pH. Liming should be the first tool out of the box. Liming acidic soils releases N supplies in the soil worth up to €80, boosting spring growth in particular and increasing grass production by c.1.ot DM/ha, on average.

An application of 5t/ha of ground limestone to correct soil pH represents a cost of €25/ha/year over five years. The return on investment from lime gives €4 to €7 worth extra grass for every €1 invested.

“Free” Phosphorus  is another benefit of correcting soil acidity; lime is effective at increasing the availability of stored soil P (from previous fertiliser and manure applications) and freshly applied fertiliser P. This makes lime essential for farmers struggling with P allowances.

Applying lime is an easy win.

Learn more about Bennettsbridge Limestone Hi-Calcium Agri Lime here.

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