Thomas Lyons 
Farmers are being reminded that the deadline for applications to the National Liming Programme is tomorrow, Thursday, April 20. The programme was introduced by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) to incentivise the use of lime. Those who have submitted a Basic Payment scheme (BPS) application in 2022 and/or a Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) application in 2023 are eligible to apply. Claims for payment must be submitted by October 31, 2023.
The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) is reminding farmers that liming can improve the response to freshly applied nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potash (K), while providing a valuable source of calcium. Trial results have also indicated that increasing soil pH to optimum levels leads to a significant reduction in nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions while simultaneously increasing grass and other crop yields.
According to the DAFM, up until last Friday (April 14), 11,080 farmers around the country had applied for the €8 million National Liming Programme. The scheme aims to incentivise the use of ground limestone, a natural soil conditioner, which corrects soil acidity by neutralising the acids present in the soil. Farmers will be able to avail of a payment of €16/t for lime spread, to offset part of the cost of applying calcium ground limestone (CaCo3) or magnesium (dolomitic) ground limestone (CaMg (CO3)2).
Teagasc research estimates that 57% of Irish soils require lime. It should also be noted that farmers with a nitrates derogation in 2022 or 2023 and those with a grassland stocking rate above 170kg livestock manure nitrogen/ha prior to export in 2022 are not eligible to take part in the programme.
The National Liming Programme is an important initiative for Irish farmers, offering support for the use of lime to improve soil quality and crop yields. With the deadline for applications approaching, farmers are being urged to apply as soon as possible to take advantage of this opportunity. By applying, farmers can benefit from a payment of €16/t for lime spread, helping to offset the cost of using this valuable soil conditioner. With research indicating that 57% of Irish soils require lime, this programme has the potential to make a significant impact on the agricultural sector in Ireland.
The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) is also highlighting the benefits of liming, which can improve the response to nitrogen, phosphorous, and potash, while also providing a valuable source of calcium. Trial results have shown that increasing soil pH to optimum levels can lead to a significant reduction in nitrous oxide emissions, while also increasing crop yields. With these benefits in mind, the National Liming Programme is an important opportunity for farmers to improve the quality of their soil and increase the productivity of their crops.
It is important to note that farmers with a nitrates derogation in 2022 or 2023 and those with a grassland stocking rate above 170kg livestock manure nitrogen/ha prior to export in 2022 are not eligible to take part in the programme. However, for those who are eligible, the National Liming Programme offers a valuable opportunity to improve the quality of their soil and increase their crop yields. With the deadline for applications approaching, farmers are being urged to apply as soon as possible to take advantage of this important initiative.
