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 €35/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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A Proven Formula for Cleaner, Healthier Cubicles

Bennettsbridge Limestone’s Cubicle Lime is a unique disinfectant blend made from superfine limestone powder and hydrated lime. The hydrated lime delivers exceptional killing power, effectively destroying harmful bacteria on contact. Combined with the superfine limestone powder, this carefully balanced formula provides all the antibacterial strength of hydrated lime in a mild, super-absorbent blend that helps inhibit bacterial growth and reduce somatic cell counts (SCC) for cleaner, healthier cubicles.

The product is available in four blends, all supplied in convenient one-tonne bags:

• Superfine Regular Lime
• 15% Hydrated Blend
• 30% Hydrated Blend
• 50% Hydrated Blend

The superfine texture ensures high surface coverage and maximum absorption, keeping cows cleaner and drier for longer — and helping maintain teat health for easier milking.

How It Works

Cubicle Lime raises the pH of treated areas above 12.5, successfully deactivating E.coli, Salmonella and mastitis-causing bacteria such as Staphylococcal and Streptococcal.
“Our Cubicle Lime is formulated using superfine limestone powder and hydrated lime sourced from the makers of White Rhino in Carlow,” explained Eoin O’Carroll of Bennettsbridge Limestone. “The stronger the hydrated lime blend, the longer it sustains high pH levels in treated areas, providing lasting protection for animals.”

Best Practice for Application

For best results:

• Stir, agitate and aerate the product before use to achieve a light consistency.
• Apply 300–500g per cubicle daily (actual usage may vary by farm).
• Clean cubicles twice daily and scrape passages regularly to minimise moisture buildup.
• Always wear eye protection, gloves and a dust mask during application.

Cubicle design also plays a big role in maintaining hygiene. The brisket board should sit on or just above the mat to stop cows lying too far forward — keeping the rear of the cow off the back of the mat and improving overall cleanliness.

On-Farm Success Stories

“Mastitis is down to a minimum” – The Houlihan Farm, Kilkenny

Brian Houlihan, a dairy farmer from Dunmore, Co. Kilkenny, has used Bennettsbridge Limestone’s 30% Hydrated Blend for almost a decade.

“It works really well for our cows; it keeps them comfortable and leaves their teats in great condition,” said Mikey Butler, who works on the Houlihan farm.

“We’ve seen a big reduction in somatic cell count, and cases of mastitis are down to a minimum. Plus, delivery is always prompt – if you order on Monday, the lime is with you by Wednesday, and there’s no minimum order.”
“A win-win all round” – The Cotter Farm, Cork
In Castlelyons, Co. Cork, Emma Cotter has been using Cubicle Lime for over 12 years.
“The cubicles are cleaned each morning and evening when the cows are dry and milking,” she explained. “We hand-apply lime to every cubicle, and the cows are noticeably more comfortable afterward. Our automatic scraper runs every two hours to keep passages clean.”

Thanks to consistent use, the Cotters’ SCC has dropped to 84, with fewer mastitis cases and healthier cows overall.

“We first met the BBL team at the National Ploughing Championships,” Emma recalled. “Since then, we’ve had excellent service from Sales Rep Joey Ryan and the entire team. Deliveries are quick – usually within two days – and the drivers are always great to deal with.”

Added Value for Farmers

In addition to on-farm health benefits, farmers can recover up to 50% of the cost of Cubicle Lime as a source of agricultural lime. “Through its high neutralising value, our Cubicle Lime also improves slurry quality and stays in suspension, providing additional benefits to farmland,” added Eoin O’Carroll.

Reliable, Proven, and Delivered Nationwide

From mastitis prevention to improved cow comfort and milk yield, Cubicle Lime from Bennettsbridge Limestone works – and it’s backed by satisfied farmers across Ireland.
Bennettsbridge Limestone provides nationwide delivery, on time, every time.

For further information, contact us here. 

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As cows rest, their body heat transfers to the cubicle surface, where bacteria can thrive and multiply. Dairy cows are particularly vulnerable to infection during this period, as their teat canals remain open for a few hours each day, unlike those of dry cows. Cows nearing calving are also at higher risk. To reduce these risks, most farmers rely on cubicle lime to raise the pH of cubicle beds and prevent bacterial growth.

Preventative approach to reducing mastitis

One such farmer is Richard Barron, who milks 240 cows on a 400ac platform in Co. Waterford. Watch the video below to hear Richard explain how Bennettsbridge Limestone’s cubicle lime has played a key role in reducing bacterial build-up, supporting him with the prevention of mastitis.

Richard explained: “I’ve stayed away from sawdust blends because they just don’t work in my yard. I wanted a product with hydrated lime in it for its killing power.

“To try and avoid any mastitis developing, we lime the cubicles twice a day – morning and evening – to keep the cows’ teats dry and in good order.”

Richard uses Bennettsbridge Limestone’s 15% Hydrated Lime Blend, which provides extra protection while maintaining cow comfort.

Keeping cubicles, teats, and udders dry is crucial for cow hygiene and preventing bacteria. The Co. Waterford farmer added: “Bennettsbridge Limestone Cubicle Lime soaks up moisture and keeps the bed really dry.

“When the cows come into the parlour, their teats are in good condition and their udders are dry, immediately reducing the risk of mastitis.

“We don’t need to wash or draw cows; we just cup them on straight away. A well-limed teat means we also have a hugely reduced prospect of any bacterial transmission crossing over.”

Richard keeps his liming routine simple and effective – filling a container with lime and using a scoop to apply an even layer to each cubicle.

“When you’re dealing with numbers of stock, you want to keep things as straightforward as possible,” he explains in the video.

Alongside this routine, Richard also pays close attention to cubicle design.

“We have a good brisket board on the front, which makes the cow sit back a bit so, generally, the beds never get overly dirty in terms of cowpats – it’s usually just milk stains which get scraped off before fresh lime is applied and that dries up the bed really well.” Richard said.

Bennettsbridge Limestone Cubicle Lime for healthier herds

According to Eoin O’Carroll, “At Bennettsbridge Limestone, we understand how important it is to keep cows clean, dry, and comfortable.”

“That’s why our cubicle lime is uniquely formulated using hydrated lime and a superfine limestone powder, produced at our state-of-the-art blending and bagging facility in Bennettsbridge Quarry, Co. Kilkenny.

He explained that the unique formulation of the lime inhibits the growth of bacteria, aids in the prevention of mastitis, and keeps cows comfortable. The finely ground lime ensures high surface area coverage and maximum absorption, helping to maintain a clean, dry environment for longer.

By raising the pH above 12.5, it successfully deactivates harmful bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella, and mastitis-causing bacteria like staphylococcal and streptococcal.

Bennettsbridge Limestone offers a full range of Cubicle Lime Blends:

“The stronger the hydrated lime blend, the longer it will sustain pH levels in treated areas for lasting animal protection,” Eoin explained.

High-quality products backed by exceptional customer service

Richard Barron has been using Bennettsbridge Limestone on his farm for some time and has built up a strong relationship with Joey Ryan, his Bennettsbridge Limestone technical sales representative. Richard appreciates not only the quality of the products but also the personal service he receives. He said Joey is always helpful, gives great advice, and makes sure Richard has everything he needs – that personal touch, combined with reliable deliveries and high-quality lime, is what really sets Bennettsbridge Limestone apart.

“Deliveries are always prompt – it’s just a matter of texting an order and it’s here within two days – the service is second to none.”

“I’m very happy with Bennettsbridge Limestone and wouldn’t hesitate in recommending them to another farmer based on how effective I’ve found both their Cubicle Lime and Agri Lime, along with the back-up I get from them,” Richard said

Eoin O’Carroll of Bennettsbridge Limestone said: “We deliver on a nationwide basis to our customers – and there’s no minimum order.

“For example, if a customer makes an order on a Monday, generally, they’ll receive their delivery by Wednesday.

“For anyone interested in purchasing Cubicle Lime from Bennettsbridge Limestone or seeking technical assistance from Joey Ryan, our Technical Sales Rep, please pick up the phone and give us a call in the office.”

For further information, contact us here. 

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The 2022 Young Hurler of the Year, who was also named as right corner-back in the PWC GAA/GPA All Star selection in his debut senior campaign, works on Brian Houlihan’s farm on Bleach Road, Dunmore, County Kilkenny.

On pivoting between his work and inter-county commitments, the O’Loughlin Gaels clubman commented: “I love my job, I love hurling and they both get my full focus. It’s all about balance and over the past year and a half, I’ve got into a good rhythm between farming and hurling.”

Mikey added: “We run 180 cows on this farm, mostly Holstein Friesian and we calf from the start of January to the end of April. To grow as much grass as possible, we soil test regularly to keep our nutrient management plan up to date.

“Over the past four to five years, we’ve prioritised getting our lime out and maintaining our soil pH at 6.5, which we’ve in place across most of the farm.

“We get our calcium lime from Bennettsbridge Limestone and we’ve a very strong relationship with Joey Ryan in sales and his colleague John Donnelly. In turn, their contractors who spread the lime are also very reliable and do a top-class job for us”, said Mikey.

Bennettsbridge Limestone’s Hi-Calcium Agri Lime

Bennettsbridge Limestone’s Hi-Calcium Agri Lime, sourced from our high purity calcium quarry in Kilkenny, is ground in a modern automated plant on site.

This high calcium carbonate content with a Total Neutralising Value (TNV) of 98%, is essential to restore the soil’s lime status back to the desired pH for optimum fertility, while ensuring improved soil structure and drainage.

The more finely ground a lime is, the greater a surface area it has, which makes it more available to react with the acidity in the soil to neutralise it. We place a major emphasis on agri lime fineness, consistently manufacturing lime with 33% more powder than the currently stated Department of Agriculture specification.

Bennettsbridge Limestone proudly belongs to Grolime, the exclusive agricultural lime quality assurance programme in Ireland. This membership guarantees that farmers receive lime of the utmost quality and adhering to the highest standards.

We recognise that farmers have a very short window of opportunity to apply lime when it’s required, so we work with a group of dedicated lime spreading contractors to ensure you get your lime when and where you want it.

“We’re definitely growing more grass,” said Mikey. “We’ve grown 13 tons of dry matter per hectare this year. As a result of using lime, we’re also getting better graze outs. Our grazing season has been extended at both ends of the year due to a better soil structure as a result of calcium in the lime. We reseeded 20 acres this year and lime was a key part of ensuring the establishment of a new pasture. We also include clover in all reseeds and it takes very, very well.”

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Q- What is the National Liming Programme?

The €16/t subsidy is a very welcome incentive which will provide great opportunities for farms that are currently below optimum soil fertility levels.

The aim of the programme is to incentivise farmers to purchase and spread Calcium ground limestone/Magnesium ground limestone, in accordance with the lime requirement stated in the soil analysis report.

Q- Are all farmers eligible to take part?

Farmers that availed of a Nitrates Derogation in 2022 or 2023 and farmers with a grassland stocking rate above 170kg livestock manure nitrogen/ha prior to export in 2022 are ineligible to participate in this programme.

The following land categories are excluded:

• Commonage land
• Forestry
• Lands under Natura 2000, NHA/pNHA designation
• Annex 1 grassland and environmentally sensitive permanent grassland

Herdowners who are participating or intend to participate in the 2023 Eco-Scheme practice relating to soil sampling and liming are not eligible to participate in this programme.

Q- What are the minimum and maximum amounts of lime that can be included under the programme?

The payment will only be made on valid claims relating to a minimum of 10t of ground limestone and a maximum of 200t. Farmers must not exceed a maximum application rate is 7.5t/ha. Note: Lime should only be applied in accordance with up-to-date soil tests.

Lime application is possible all year round, however, there are specific times of the year where liming is more beneficial. For example, once fields have been grazed off, following first and second cut silage, and also at the time of reseeding. For more advice on lime application, click here.

The payment will only be made on valid claims relating to a minimum of 10t of ground limestone and a maximum of 200t.

Q- What are the criteria when it comes to the Basic Payment scheme (BPS) and Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS)?

Applicants are eligible to apply if they submitted a Basic Payment scheme (BPS) application in 2022 and/or a Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) application in 2023.

Q- Is soil sampling mandatory?

Farmers who are participating in the programme must have up-to-date soil tests (max. of 4 years old from the date of purchasing the lime), however, you do not need the soil test to apply for the programme, they can be done afterwards.

Soil testing is the best indicator of how much lime is needed to reach the target soil pH. On mineral grassland soils, the target pH level is 6.3 and up to 6.8 on grass clover swards. For tillage crops, there is a target soil pH of 6.5 for cereals and up to 6.8 for legumes and beet.

The best time of the year to take soil samples generally tends to be from September to March.

Q- Where to source agri lime?

To qualify for the National Liming Programme, lime can only be purchased directly from quarries licenced by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) to manufacture and market liming materials.

Bennettsbridge Limestone is a member of GROLIME, Ireland’s only agricultural lime quality assurance scheme. We undergo independent twice-yearly testing for TNV, moisture value and grading.

Our Hi-Calcium Agri Lime has a consistent Total Neutralising Value (TNV) of 98%, which is a measure of how effective a lime is at neutralising the acidity in the soil.

We also place a large emphasis on lime fineness, consistently manufacturing lime with 33% more powder than the Department of Agriculture specification.

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

Q- When will payments be issued?

Payments will be made towards the end of 2023 after BISS areas have been finalised.

Q- How to apply for the National Liming Programme?  

Applicants must complete an Application Form on www.agfood.ie by the closing date of April 20^th 2023. Approved applicants must upload the invoices showing the date, the quantity of lime purchased and the cost per tonne. Claims for payment must be submitted by 31st October 2023.

The Bennettsbridge Limestone team are available to assist with any questions you may have on the National Liming Programme, contact us today.

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September is the ideal month to start planning lime and fertiliser applications to maximise the potential of the soils on your farm. In this article, we outline the key tasks that should be undertaken on farm over the coming weeks:

Soil Sampling:

Now is a good time to ensure that you have up to date soil samples. According to Teagasc, the 2021 soil fertility results indicate that soils with optimum pH, Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) fertility decreased between 3 to 6 % compared to 2020. Results in 2021 now show that 47% of dairy farms had soil pH below the optimum of pH 6.3. In the other enterprises, soil pH was below optimum in 53% and 39% of soil samples taken on drystock and tillage farms, respectively.

For farmers to recognise the nutrient requirements of their soils, it is important to test soils on a regular basis (every 3 to 5 years) to determine requirements. Nutrient advice is based on sampling soil to a depth 10 cm of soil. This is particularly important for grassland soils as P is immobile and tends to stay in the top few centimetres of soil.

For tillage soils that are ploughed, soil sampling depth is not as critical as there is more uniform nutrient status in the top 15 to 20 cm of soil. Sampling the top 10 cm will be critical for reliable measure of soil P levels in min-till / low-till crop establishment systems.

2021 soil fertility results indicate that soils with optimum pH, Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) fertility decreased between 3 to 6 % compared to 2020.

Lime Application:

Applying lime is something that every farm should implement on a continual basis as it is a simple and cost effective way to improve tillage soils and grassland productivity on farm.

Although it is not subject to a farming calendar, now is a good time to consider lime application as it will encourage growth in the coming spring by releasing organic Nitrogen and Phosphorus from the soil and encouraging earthworm and microbial activity over the winter. Rain over the winter will also help dissolve and move the lime down through the soil, with the finest portion of the lime working on correcting the soil pH firstly.

Additional tips when applying lime

• Always base your lime applications from recent soil analysis.
• Don’t exceed 7.5t/Ha in a single application. Where more lime is recommended, apply 50% now and the remainder 2 years later.
• If spreading slurry on fields that have recently received lime and where there has not been sufficient rainfall to wash the lime into the soil, up to 50% of the available N in the slurry can be lost. To minimise these losses, Teagasc recommends applying the slurry first, followed by the lime 7 – 10 days later.
• There is no problem spreading CAN-based fertiliser and/or CAN-based compounds with lime. There is also no need to leave a gap between lime and protected urea as the protection on the urea reduces N losses as ammonia gas.
• For Derogation Farmers, a liming programme must be four years in duration with a minimum of 25% of lime spread in year one, and the balance applied over the remaining three years, where necessary.

Bennettsbridge Limestone is a member of GROLIME, Ireland’s only agricultural lime quality assurance scheme. Learn more about our Hi-Calcium Agri Lime.

Fertiliser and Organic Manure (Don’t forget the deadlines):  

Slurry, farmyard manure and chemical fertilisers are prohibited from being spread over the winter period to comply with the Nitrates Directive. Farmers therefore need to take advantage of fertiliser and slurry applications prior to the deadlines which are fast approaching for each of the three zones in the Republic of Ireland.

Zone A:

• Chemical fertiliser: September 15 to January 26;
• Slurry: October 8 to January 12;
• Farmyard manure: November 1 to January 12.

Zone B:

• Chemical fertiliser: September 15 to January 29;
• Slurry: October 8 to January 15;
• Farmyard manure: November 1 to January 15.

Zone C:

• Chemical fertiliser: September 15 to February 14;
• Slurry: October 8 to January 31;
• Farmyard manure: November 1 to January 31.

Need help or advice?

For further liming advice or to learn more about our Hi-Calcium Agri Lime, click here.

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In a year of high input costs, soil acidity correction and agri lime application will be key to achieving a maximum response from fertiliser applied. Maintaining soils at the correct soil pH will increase the release of soil N and improve the availability of soil phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) after application.

When liming, it is important to follow the 4 w’s of applying lime to help achieve maximum fertiliser response in the soil. 

1. What lime to apply?

Both Calcium Lime and Magnesium Lime are excellent at correcting soil acidity. In the South- East, most soils are predominately high in Magnesium and deficient in Calcium. If your soil is deficient in Calcium, this impacts on grassland productivity, and ultimately, animal performance.

Calcium ground limestone is the most common. Its fast acting, it has a rapid pH adjustment, and it improves soil structure and drainage.

Our Hi-Calcium Agri Lime is comprised of 98% Calcium Carbonate, which is essential to restore the soils lime status to the desired pH for optimum soil fertility and ensure improved soil structure and drainage. The calcium content is also essential for healthy plant and animal growth.

Magnesium (Dolomitic) ground limestone is a good source of magnesium for soils with low levels. Compared to calcium ground limestone, it is slower to react and does not have the same positive effect on soil structure.

Granulated Lime is fine limestone powder reformed into a granule, that is available to the soil immediately. It is recommended to apply as maintenance product where soil pH is in the optimum range.

2. When to apply lime?

Lime application is not subject to a farming calendar, however waiting until the end of the year can be risky due to poor weather and un-trafficable soil conditions.

Instead, it is recommended to apply lime in the spring and summer to ground that has been recently grazed or has recently had silage harvested so that covers are low to also reduce the risk of lime residues on the grass. With silage season in full swing, the next few weeks will present ideal spreading conditions.

Don’t forget, if you wish to spread slurry on fields that require lime, apply the slurry first followed by the lime 7 to 10 days later. Spreading slurry after applying lime where there hasn’t been sufficient rainfall to wash away the lime can result in losses of up to 50% of the available N in the slurry.

It is recommended to apply lime in the spring and summer to ground that has been recently grazed or has recently had silage harvested.

3. Where to apply lime?

For farmers to recognise the nutrient requirements of their soils, it is important to test soils on a regular basis (every 3 to 5 years) to determine lime requirements.

Lime should only be applied on the basis of a recent soil test report (1 to 3 years old). Typical lime requirements are 2.5 to 5.0 tonnes per ha, every 3-5 years. Apply a maximum of 7.5t/ha (3.0t/ac) in a single application, however on very acidic soils with a high lime requirement, apply 50% now and remainder in 2 years’ time.

4. Why apply lime?

Increased grass and grain yields of at least 1.5 t/ha are common when optimum soil pH is achieved. This represents a 7:1 return on investment; €7 in additional grass yield for each €1 invested in lime. Applying agri lime regularly releases up to 80kgs of N/ha/Year and unlocks P and K from organic soil reserves, reducing the need for applied fertilisers.

Earthworms and other soil organisms are sensitive to soil acidity, maintaining a neutral soil pH allows them to thrive and breakdown plant residues, animal manures and release nutrients. Applying agri lime regularly will help condition the soil, which in turn, will improve soil structure and drainage and allow for better root development and nutrient uptake.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Bennettsbridge Limestone is a member of GROLIME, Ireland’s only agricultural lime quality assurance scheme. For further liming advice or to learn more about our Hi-Calcium Agri Lime, click here. 

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Implications of unhygienic cubicles

Scraping and liming cubicles daily can reduce the risk of infection. According to Jack Kennedy from the Irish Farmers Journal, cows teat canals can be open for 2-3 hours per day while they are still lactating. As cows approach the point of calving, they are particularly susceptible to infection as many cows leak milk for a few days prior to calving. The most common type of mastitis associated with housing in environmental mastitis is caused by bacteria such as E.coli and Strep Uberis.

Most cases of environmental mastitis are seen in the period before calving when a cow’s immune system is suppressed. In addition to the build-up of faeces, urine and even leaked milk, the cow is transmitting her heat onto the cubicle, making it the perfect environment for bacteria to live and multiply.

Prevention of environmental mastitis involves minimising levels of faeces and mud in the cubicle. Using lime as both a physical barrier and to increase the pH to inhibit the growth of bacteria is an effective measure.

While cows are still lactating, hygiene in the cubicle shed is key.

Best practice for liming cubicles

Before the housed period, inspect cubicles and assess if any repair or replacements of broken or loose cubicles and mats are required. Ensure scrapers are operating correctly in the shed.

The cleaner the housing facilities, the less likely bacteria will enter the teat canal. Cubicle beds should be cleaned and limed twice a day and it is recommended to run scrapers 6 to 8 times per day to reduce the volume of dung being brought onto the cubicle bed. As a general guide, apply 300g – 500g per cubicle per day, however usage rates can vary widely across dairy farms.

Hydrated cubicle lime is recommended as a cubicle disinfectant as its pH of 12.4 is above the tolerance threshold for streptococcal and staphylococcal bacteria, which are two of the most common causes of mastitis. Cows teats can be sensitive to the hydrated lime so a cautious approach to introducing the stronger hydrated lime blends is recommended.

Any type of cubicle lime can be damaging to your health, therefore it is essential to follow the below guidelines:

• Wear a pair of safety goggles and a face mask when spreading it to avoid lime getting into your eyes and inhaling it.
• Milking gloves will protect your hands and help avoid the lime coming into contact with your skin.
• Use a scoop or a handheld container to lime the cubicles.

As a general guide, apply 300g – 500g per cubicle per day

Why choose Bennettsbridge Limestone?

Bennettsbridge Limestone’s cubicle lime is a unique disinfectant product, that combines all the antibacterial benefits of hydrated lime in a mild super absorbent blend which will inhibit the growth of bacteria.

It is formulated using hydrated lime and very fine limestone powder. The lime is finely ground to maximise absorption and surface coverage, all while ensuring a dry, clean and comfortable environment for cows.

Bennettsbridge Limestone offers a full range of cubicle lime blends, available in 1 tonne bags. The stronger the hydrated lime blends, the longer it will sustain pH levels of treated areas for lasting animal protection.

Bennettsbridge Cubicle Lime Range:

• 15% Hydrated Lime Blend
• 30% Hydrated Lime Blend
• 50% Hydrated Lime Blend
• Superfine Regular Lime

For more information:

Bennettsbridge Limestone offer a nationwide delivery service. For more information on cubicle lime or to place your order, contact us today.

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Trials have shown that by increasing soil pH from 5.5 to 6.3, increased grass production of at least 1.5t DM/ha/year can be achieved, which represents a 7:1 return on investment; €7 in additional grass yield for each €1 invested in lime.

Correcting soil pH allows for more efficient use of Nitrogen (N) fertilisers, meaning less N will be required to grow the same amount of grass. A regular application of lime releases up to 80kgs of N/ha/year and unlocks phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) from organic soil reserves, which reduces the need for applied fertiliser.

Regular liming will also be a key requirement where clover swards are being established as clover has shown to have a lower tolerance for pH when compared to ryegrass.

Now is the time to lime

Unless you have plans to take a 3rd cut of silage, now is a great opportunity to act on your soil samples and spread lime. August and September are particularly good months for spreading on grazing grounds while rotations extend and ground conditions remain good.

• To reduce the risk of lime residues, apply lime to low grass covers and when rain is forecast. If the lime has been washed off the leaf by rain, animals may be let back in to graze again.
• If applying lime to a grass reseed, apply after ploughing and incorporate into the seedbed to increase the availability of nutrients (NPK) and maximise germination and establishment.
• There is no problem spreading CAN-based fertiliser and/or CAN- based compounds with lime. There is also no need to leave a gap between lime and protected urea as the protection on the urea reduces N losses as ammonia gas.
• If the slurry is applied first, allow it to wash into the soil for 7-10 days, and then apply lime. If lime is applied first, wait three months to spread slurry.
• If spreading urea before lime, leave 10 days between applications. If spreading lime first, avoid applying urea for 3 months.
• Apply a maximum of 7.5t/ha (3.0t/ac) in a single application. Where more lime is recommended, apply the balance after two years.

Unless you have plans to take a 3rd cut of silage, now is a great opportunity to act on your soil samples and spread lime. 

Lime Type

No two farms are the same, therefore it is essential to soil test every 3-5 years to identify the rate of lime required for your individual farm. Soil testing regularly and liming as per soil test is the best approach to maintaining soil pH and achieving long-term benefits.

It is also important to select the correct type of lime. Both calcium lime and magnesium lime are excellent at correcting soil acidity. Calcium ground limestone is the most common form of lime spread. It is readily available in most parts of the country and is fast-acting and gives rapid pH adjustment.

In the Southeast, most soils are predominately high in magnesium and deficient in calcium. Where soil magnesium is low (<50ppm), applying magnesium limestone to correct both soil pH and Mg levels is most efficient. If your soil is deficient in calcium, this impacts on grassland productivity, and ultimately, animal performance.

Applying calcium in the form of calcium carbonate will raise the level of calcium in the soil, which in turn will help condition the soil, improve soil structure and drainage, and allow for better root development and nutrient uptake.

Lime Quality

The importance of a good-quality lime product cannot be underestimated. Minimum standards for ground limestone include:

• The product must have a Total Neutralising Value (TNV) greater than 90 percent.
• 100% must pass through a 3.35 mm sieve (very coarse limestone is less effective at increasing pH due to lower reactivity and needs additional time to break down and dissolve).
• At least 35% must pass through a 0.15 mm sieve (finely ground).
• The moisture content must be less than 3.0%.

Here at Bennettsbridge Limestone, we undergo independent twice-yearly testing for TNV, moisture value, and grading.

Hi-Calcium Agri Lime

Bennettsbridge Limestone is a member of GROLIME, Ireland’s only agricultural lime quality assurance scheme. We undergo independent twice-yearly testing for TNV, moisture value and grading.

Our Hi- Calcium lime has a consistent Total Neutralising Value (TNV) of 98%, which is a measure of how effective a lime is at neutralising the acidity in the soil. Using lime with a high TNV will result in a large cost saving for the user as less material will be needed to adjust the soil pH.

At Bennettsbridge Limestone, we also place a large emphasis on lime fineness, consistently manufacturing lime with 33% more powder than the Department of Agriculture specification.

Need help and advice?  

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For farmers to recognise the nutrient requirements of their soils, it is recommended that they regularly undertake soil testing which will identify the soil pH level and any nutritional deficiencies that may be present. Soil testing is recommended every 3 – 5 years, which allows for any issues to be rectified before another analysis is completed.

Efficiency is key

To efficiently use Nitrogen (N), it is essential that soil pH is correct. According to Mark Plunkett, Teagasc’s soil and plant nutrition specialist, “We can double our N efficiency by correcting soil fertility (pH, Phosphorous (P) and Potassium (K)), thus reducing fertiliser N use and reducing costs.” This means that by incorporating lime into a fertiliser application plan, your fertiliser use is both more efficient and more cost-effective.

The most recent Nitrates Directive has stated that farmers in Derogation must include between 0.6kg and 1kg of clover per acre when reseeding. To optimise the growth of the clover, the soil pH must be as close to 6.3 as possible. Therefore, any soils with suboptimal pH levels must have lime applied before reseeding to increase the survival and productivity of the clover and any ryegrasses within the sward.

The incorporation of Agri Lime into your fertiliser plan is crucial in increasing the sustainability efforts of Irish agriculture while also improving your soil fertility and overall grassland production.

Timing your application

It is best practice to apply lime when weather conditions are favourable as lime application is not subject to a farming calendar. Although traditionally, lime would have been applied towards the end of the year, this tends to be the wettest period. Therefore, it is recommended to apply lime in the spring and summer to ground that has been recently grazed or has recently had silage harvested so that covers are low to also reduce the risk of lime residues on the grass.

If spreading slurry on fields that have recently received lime and where there has not been sufficient rainfall to wash the lime into the soil, up to 50% of the available N in the slurry can be lost. To minimise these losses, Teagasc recommend applying the slurry first, followed by the lime 7 – 10 days later.

Benefits to soil organic matter

Bennettsbridge Limestone’s Agri Lime is comprised of 98% Calcium Carbonate. This high calcium content is essential to restore the soils lime status to the desired pH for optimum soil fertility and to ensure improved soil structure and drainage. The calcium within our Agri Lime is also essential for healthy plant and animal growth.

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Bennettsbridge Limestone is a member of GROLIME, Ireland’s only agricultural lime quality assurance scheme. For further liming advice or to learn more about our Hi-Calcium Agri Lime, click here.

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