Soil
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
Teagasc Tillage Update
Teagasc Tillage Update Type Media Article TILLAGE: The weather is improving allowing sowing to take place. Get some tips on planting beans. If you are planting spring cereals. plant wheat, oats and malting barley first. Watch the winter barley update and P & K requirements for winter cereals. In these unprecedented times […]
25 March 2020
Spread accurately and evenly
Spread accurately and evenly Type Media Article By Dermot Forristal, Teagasc Oak Park Today’s fertiliser spreaders are increasingly complex with advanced control systems often coupled with on-board weighing and GPS control. But whether a spreader has complex electronic or simple mechanical controls, its setting and adjustment to ensure accurate and even spreading […]
25 February 2020