Environment Newsletter – June 2025

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In this edition:

• Knowledge is key
  With increasing interest in environmental issues, we are all learning about new sustainable farming practices. New Teagasc research found that including ribwort plantain in grass-clover swards is a promising tool for reducing nitrate leaching losses.
• Water – Consider plantain to reduce nitrate leaching
  Nitrate pollution is a significant issue in Ireland, particularly in the south and southeast of the country, where more free-draining soils are found. It is often caused by nitrogen (N) in the form of nitrate from farms leaching down through the soil into ground water, rivers and estuaries. This can impact the ecological health of waters. New Teagasc research on five different soil types, ranging from well-draining to poorly draining, compared grass-clover swards to those with 30% plantain and 50% plantain and found adding ribwort plantain to pastures can help reduce nitrate losses.