The Government has launched a €10m pilot soil sampling programme, which provides farmers with analysis for soil on their lands. The project aims to improve soil carbon, soil health and soil fertility.
Launched by Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue, the programmes wants to develop a baseline national data at farm level and will start from October 2021.
Soil sampling will provide farmers with soil specific nutrient management advice and assist with targeted fertiliser and applications of organic manure.
Samples will be limited to 16 samples per farm to ensure maximum update across the country.
Minister McConalogue said: “Our soils will play an important role in meeting our water, air, climate and biodiversity targets of both the CAP and Green Deal.
“A healthy soil equals healthy crops and grass and this equals healthy livestock.
“Having knowledge about soils on our farms and using the knowledge to drive soil health will improve both the economic and environmental sustainability of farms.”
LSL News