Longford farmers advised on National Liming Programme

The new National Liming Programme was launched on the 15th March by the Department of Agriculture to support farmers to deal with input costs and help reduce the demand for Artificial Fertiliser.

This programme will remain open until the 20th April. Following approval of the programme and spreading of lime, claims for payment must be submitted by the 31st October 2023.

Lime is a natural soil conditioner, which corrects soil acidity to the optimum pH. Research conducted by Teagasc, informs us that, liming not only increases soil microbial activity, but also unlocks soil phosphorous (P) and potassium (K). The research concluded in 2022 that, although soil fertility has improved nationally, it is still estimated that up to “57% of soils require lime”. Spreading 1.0t/ha lime will increase soil pH by approximately 0.3 of a unit. This programme will provide financial support to the farmer of €16/t of lime spread.

Eligibility and Requirements
· A farmer or advisor must sign up to participate in the programme through the Department of Agriculture online service.
· Applicants must indicate the quantity of lime that they intend to purchase and spread, based on soil analysis.
· Lime must be purchased directly from quarries licenced by the Department of Agriculture.
· Applicants must have submitted a Basic Payments Scheme (BPS) application in 2022, or a Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) application in 2023.
· Farmers that are in a Nitrates Derogation in 2022 or 2023, and farmers with a grassland stocking rate above 170kg nitrogen/ha prior to export are not eligible.
· Commonage land and lands under Natura 2000, and land in environmentally sensitive areas are excluded.
· Lime can only be applied where an up-to-date soil analysis is available (maximum of four years from date of purchasing the lime).
· Payment will be made on a minimum of 10t of lime and a maximum of 200t.
· Any lime purchased prior to date of submission will not be eligible for payment.
Due to the high rainfall along with crop and livestock production, our soils require liming maintenance to achieve optimum pH of 6.5. Luckily in Ireland, we will not need to import one grain of the material. This programme is an effective opportunity to improve our soil condition.

Teagasc provides a Local Advisory and Education service to farmers. They have offices based in Roscommon Town (Tel: 090 6626166), Castlerea (Tel: 094 9620160) and Longford Town (Tel: 043 3341021), You can find us on Facebook @Teagascroscommon longford, twitter @teagascRNLD and YouTube. And follow the hash-tag #RNLDwebinars for information about local farm webinars. Email; RoscommonLongford Advisory@teagasc.ie