Soil First: Planning Your Nutrient Strategy for 2026

Mark Plunkett from the Teagasc Signpost Programme joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast to discuss soil fertility and planning for the year ahead.

Mark outlines how only 13% of the soil on drystock farms is optimum for pH, P and K. While there has been a big rise in recent years with the amount of lime being applied, in 2026 another 500,000 tonnes are still needed.

The benefits of lime on climate and production are also explained, with Mark noting that farmers should use soil test results to prioritise where fertiliser money is spent through updating the nutrient management plan.

Slurry and nitrogen applications this spring also form the basis of the conversation, with Mark discussing a strategy to maximise efficient use, focused on targeting slurry to silage ground.

Listen in below:

For further details on the Signpost Programme, visit here.

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com, more episodes and information are available on the Beef Edge podcast show page.