South Laois farmers dig deep into soil health
A group of farmers from south Laois are taking a hands-on approach to improving soil health and advancing sustainable farming by participating in Teagasc’s citizen science initiative, GroundTruth, Teagasc Soil and Plant Nutrition Specialist, Dr. Veronica Nyhan tells us more.
The group is also actively involved in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s (DAFM) Knowledge Transfer (KT) Programme – a three-year initiative delivered through a network of approved KT facilitators.
The programme promotes knowledge exchange and innovation among advisors, farmers and stakeholders, helping farmers meet both current and future challenges. By engaging in GroundTruth, the group is combining practical learning with fulfilling KT scheme requirements.
Led by Teagasc and VistaMilk, and co-funded by Research Ireland and the Department of Education, GroundTruth invites farmers, students, teachers and local communities across Ireland to explore the vital world beneath their feet.
With partners including the National Biodiversity Data Centre and Airfield Estate, the project aims to raise public awareness of soil health, improve soil literacy and promote hands-on learning. It also contributes valuable data to national environmental research and soil monitoring efforts.
As part of the project, farmer participants carry out four simple soil health tests on their own land:
- Soil structure assessment (VESS – Visual Evaluation of Soil Structure)
- Earthworm count
- Underwear degradation test
- Flower-Insect Timed (FIT) count
Participants record their findings using provided result sheets and a dedicated app, with data and photos submitted to the GroundTruth research team.
This week, the South Laois Beef Discussion Group gathered on the farm of Pat and Tony Dunne, near Ballacolla, Co. Laois.
Dr. Veronica Nyhan, Teagasc Soil and Plant Nutrition Specialist, introduced the group to the project, guiding them through each of the four GroundTruth tests. A lively and informative discussion followed, covering key aspects of soil health and resilience, including soil structure, pH levels, nutrient availability and biological diversity.
As part of the visit, 100% cotton underwear was buried in two contrasting soil types on the farm – a method that offers insight into soil biological activity. The group will return during Soil Health Week (23rd–27th September) to examine the level of degradation, which serves as a simple but effective indicator of soil biological health.
“Being part of the GroundTruth project has really opened our eyes to the importance of soil health,” said Peter Doolan, facilitator of the KT group.
“We’re not just following guidelines; we’re contributing to real research and learning how to build our soil’s resilience to the impacts of a changing climate.”
Farming discussion groups interested in joining GroundTruth can contact their local Teagasc advisor or visit the Teagasc website for more information.
You can also email: groundtruth@teagasc.ie. Prizes will be awarded to the participating discussion group with the best engagement and social media presence.