Much like no two farmers are the same, the land and soil they work is equally unique. Today, December 5, marks World Soil Day and the GroundTruth team visit Gillian O’Sullivan in Co. Waterford, who’s farming very much with the soil in mind.
Across Ireland, soils vary from townland to townland and parish to parish, the soils growing your crops/grass can vary significantly from those of your neighbours. Very much aware of these differences is Gillian O’Sullivan, who milks 90 dairy cows outside Dungarvan with her husband Neil and four children.
Shaped by elevations running from 650 feet above to 200 feet above sea level and a sandy-natured soil, Gillian and Neil have both returned to the classroom to seek knowledge on the actions they need to undertake to farm with the soil, not against it. Both have completed courses, allowing for learnings and actions to be implemented on their farm overlooking Dungarvan.
Their hillside farm dries out quicky, featuring shallow and sandy soils that allow water to percolate rapidly or exit via overland flow before the soil has a chance to hold it.
“We have to be very conscious of how we interact with the soil,” Gillian explained, “retaining as much water as possible is absolutely key.”
Understanding rooting depth, species diversity and the role of organic matter has changed their management approach.
“Organic matter is the sponge within the soil,” Gillian says, “and it gives the soil the ability to hang on to greater levels of moisture.” Building it has become a key focus.
Additionally, sward species have also changed. Chicory, ribwort plantain, yarrow, red and white clover and ryegrass have been added to swards, offering improved intakes, animal health, nitrogen fixation from clovers, a varied root profile and a more biologically active soil.
This biological activity is exactly what Gillian looks for: “We want to see those dung pats breaking down, earthworms taking dung from the surface and drawing those nutrients back into the soil.”
Summing up their approach to soil management, Gillian O’ Sullivan said: “What we’ve learned has changed our whole approach…Putting soil health front and centre and trying to harness the growth capacity of the soil year-round has made all the difference.”
For further insights, watch the full video from the GroundTruth Programme below: