Soil
Sulphur: deficiency, potential to boost growth and advice
Sulphur: deficiency, potential to boost growth and advice 0 Type Media Article There is potential for Sulphur (S) to boost grassland yields. There is onging research in Johnstown Castle on how to optimise this potential. Patrick Forrestal, Claire Aspel and Mark Plunkett have more information and some advice regarding silage and grazing What […]
2 June 2020
Improved understanding of soil biology to reduce GHG emissions
Improved understanding of soil biology to reduce GHG emissions Type Media Article Soil microbes are the key drivers of N transformations. Their activity determines to a large extent whether N is retained in a plant available form within soil, or lost to either air or water. Researchers Coline Deveautour and Fiona Brennan […]
31 May 2020
Optimal soil phosphorus reduces greenhouse gas emissions
Optimal soil phosphorus reduces greenhouse gas emissions Type Media Article Environment research in Johnstown Castle investigated the effect of long term P fertilisation on emissions of the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide in a number of laboratory experiments by Karl Richards and Rosie O’ Neill For decades farmers have been applying phosphorus […]
30 May 2020
Phosphorus Use on Peat Soils
Phosphorus Use on Peat Soils Type Media Article Peat soils behave differently to mineral soils for certain nutrients such as phosphorous. What is the best approach to take to ensure fertiliser P applications get utilised by the grass or crop? Fiona Doolan, ASSAP Advisor Kildare/Laois has some advice A recent analysis conducted […]
29 May 2020
Chemistry without chemicals? Can we use light to measure lime requirement in soil?
Chemistry without chemicals? Can we use light to measure lime requirement in soil? Type Media Article There are a number of methods to measure the lime requirement in soil. Many of these need chemical reagents, and extraction or titrations to be carried out. An alternative using no chemicals is spectroscopy or ‘green […]
27 May 2020
Soil pH – What is it and how do we measure it?
Soil pH – What is it and how do we measure it? Type Media Article Soil pH is a measure of hydrogen ion (H+) activity in the soil solution. Maintaining the soil pH at the optimum level increases the microbiological activity of the soil and results in better soil nutrient recycling/availability. Brendan […]
26 May 2020
Soils – the multifunctional resource
Soils – the multifunctional resource 0 Type Media Article Soil is no longer considered only the media for food production. It is also a resource for a range of ecosystem services including nutrient cycling; carbon sequestration and climate regulation; water purification; and a habitat for biodiversity. Researchers Giulia Bondi and Lilian OSullivan give […]
9 May 2020
What happens to your soil sample when it comes into a lab?
What happens to your soil sample when it comes into a lab? Type Factsheet Soil is a major source of nutrients needed by plants for growth. How is the soil sample sent into a lab tested for the three main nutrients NP & K. Jason Naughton, Brendan Healy and Karen Daly from […]
29 April 2020
Steps to improve land drainage capacity
Steps to improve land drainage capacity Type Media Article Drainage systems need to be maintained. A maintenance plan should be put in place for both in-field and open drains, focusing on areas susceptible to blockages. Researchers Patrick Tuohy and Owen Fenton give some advice. Maintenance Every drainage scheme is only as good […]
26 April 2020
Spreading the benefits – Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS)
Spreading the benefits – Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS) Type Media Article David Wall, Teagasc, CELUP, Johnstown Castle, Co Wexford Increase the returns from slurry applications and the sustainability of dairy farms Slurry is an important source of N, P & K and its effective use on farms can help to balance […]
15 April 2020