For generations, Irish farmers have been spreading lime. The countryside is scattered with old lime kilns dating back hundreds of years, confirming that there was an understanding of the benefits of lime application back to at least the mid-1700s. While it was also used for whitewashing, its beneficial effects on soil fertility were well understood, even then. In the last century, lime spreading peaked in 1982 when 1.75 million tonnes were spread. That figure is acknowledged as the optimum maintenance requirement for Ireland’s agricultural land base. This was confirmed at Teagasc’s open day at Johnstown Castle last month. Also confirmed is the fact that currently, one million tonnes are spread annually, a shortfall of three quarters of a million tonnes on the amount needed to keep soils at optimum pH. There are regular discussions around productivity and whether we can sustainably produce more food from our farms. If the liming deficiency were rectified, then we would surely be able to increase productivity at minimal cost. So certain were the Teagasc staff at the open day of the benefits of increased lime application in deficient soils that they were handing out a pseudo-cheque to attendees to emphasise how cost-effective liming is to grass or grain production. Clearly, despite the emergence of new technologies, AI and innovative research findings, tried and tested science, dating back at least 300 years, is still fully applicable – if you’ll pardon the pun.
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