idfmarketing – Bennettsbridge Limestone

Dispelling the myths of spreading agri lime

idfmarketing — Thu, 04 Oct 2018 09:34:02 +0000

Over the last two decades, the spreading of agricultural lime has decreased dramatically; less than half the average from the 1980’s. As a result of this, Teagasc have said following research, that on average, 65% of all soils have a lime deficiency. So why has lime spreading dwindled?

The benefits of lime use include:

Increased yields
Better grass species and clover survival
More microbial activity
More nutrient uptake by grass

Regaining value from the land

Further more, from having an incorrect pH in the soil will result in the value of fertiliser being lost on the land. In order to get your pH right and get value from your land, soil samples need to be taken every 3-5 years and following the results, corrective action must be taken. Contrary to common beliefs, lime can be applied at any time of the year, with mid-summer and autumn being the most ideal times.

The most cost-effective form of lime is ground limestone, which will begin to work almost immediately. Once it has been washed into the soil, adjusting the pH of the soil in the first three months. The maintenance of the pH levels follow in the next 12-36 months.

Calculating ROI

Similar to any other business, ensuring that there will be a return on investment is of great importance. Once the pH of the soil is optimised, the output of the grass can be increased by 1tDM/ha according to Teagasc.

Bennettsbridge Limestone are producers of Hi-Calcium Agri Lime and are members of GROLIME, Ireland’s only agricultural lime quality assurance scheme.

To order your Hi-Calcium Agri Lime, click here

The post Dispelling the myths of spreading agri lime appeared first on Bennettsbridge Limestone.

Benefits of Cubicle Lime in the Prevention of Mastitis

idfmarketing — Sat, 15 Sep 2018 10:34:54 +0000

For dairy herds, the biggest risk of infection indoors is when cows are lying on cubicles; their udders and teats come into contact with the surface, potentially introducing bacteria which can cause infection. The cleaner and drier the cubicle bed, the less bacteria will grow, therefore less mastitis.

The group most at risk of mastitis are milking cows, as their teat canals are open for 2-3 hours per day in comparison to dry cows, according to Jack Kennedy of the Farmer’s Journal. Cows close to calving are also at risk at they can leak milk for a few days before calving down.

The Purpose

Essentially, the purpose of cubicle lime is to increase the pH on the cubicle bed, inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Cubicle lime soaks up the moisture, also preventing the growth of bacteria. The more difficult the conditions are, the harder it is for the bacteria to survive and multiply.

Daily Routine

In order to maintain a clean, dry cubicle bed, high levels of hygiene are essential. It is recommended that passageways, cubicles and yards are scraped at least twice a day and that cubicles are also cleaned down and limed twice daily.

Hidden Benefits

The use of cubicle lime gives the farmer the opportunity to recover 50% of the cost of cubicle lime as a source of agri lime. 125kg per ha of granulated lime may be considered equivalent to 370kg per ha of standard limestone according to Teagasc.

Bennettsbridge Limestone introduced a disinfectant-style products in 2012, following feedback from farmers with regards to mastitis control methods. The blend consists of 30% Hydrated Lime and 70% Limestone Flour. The product combines all the antibacterial benefits of hydrated lime in a mild, super-absorbent blend.

Now, Bennettsbridge Limestone are proud to say that we have a full range of cubicle lime to satisfy every farmer’s needs:

30% Hydrated Lime Blend
20% Hydrated Lime Blend
10% Hydrated Lime Blend
Limestone Flour Cubicle Lime

To discuss your lime requirements, contact us here

The post Benefits of Cubicle Lime in the Prevention of Mastitis appeared first on Bennettsbridge Limestone.

Planning is the barrier to spreading lime

idfmarketing — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 10:35:05 +0000

On many farms around the country, the spreading of lime has fallen dramatically in the last 30 years. In fact, 65% of farms in Ireland have a soil deficiency according to Teagasc.

Optimising Lime

For the majority of farmers, they are not optimising lime due to the lack of knowledge around soil testing and pH levels. Similar to any business, it is important to ensure that your farm is achieving a positive return on investment. By optimising the pH of soils, farmers can increase their annual grass output by up to 1tDM/ha.

Planning

One of the biggest reasons for the fall in spreading of lime is the lack of planning; it is essential that farmers put together a pH plan as the application of lime can have a positive impact on grass growth. Although many farmers believe there are specific times lime can be applied, it can actually be spread year-round with mid-summer and autumn, following silage cuts, are the optimal times.

In order to put together a pH plan, farmers must first soil sample the farm to identify the pH requirements for specific soils. Following this, soil sampling must occur every 3-5 years in order to maintain the correct pH levels in the soil.

Bennettsbridge Limestone is a member of GROLIME, Ireland’s only agricultural lime quality assurance scheme.

To view our full range of agricultural lime products, click here.

The post Planning is the barrier to spreading lime appeared first on Bennettsbridge Limestone.