Lime
Delivering and spreading lime at affordable prices across all our branches. The benefit of liming Irish soil is well known and was one of the earliest soil management practices that farmers adopted to improve the productivity of soils. It is no different today, as managing soils to keep them in the optimum soil pH, through regular soil testing offers many benefits. Only 12% of Irish soils are at an optimal level for soil pH, P & K. The benefits of lime are;
- Increased production
- Release up to 80kg/N/ha/year
- Unlock soil phosphorous (P) and potassium (K)
- Increase the response to freshly applied N, P & K
- Liming gives a 7:1 return on investment
As you can see from the diagram below, the top 6 nutrients required for plant growth are most available in the pH range from 6.0-7.5.
 |
Which lime to use?
The most common ground lime used in Ireland is calcium lime, however the importance of a broad spectrum soil test is critical on choosing which lime to use. Drummonds provide a concise accurate soil test carried out by your local advisor, giving back useful and practical advice on how to correct your soil analysis. A desired calcium : magnesium ratio of 10:1 is required for optimal grass growth and up to 14:1 in tillage soils. Use magnesium lime where magnesium deficiencies need correcting.
In soils where there are high levels of magnesium, use calcium limestone to balance to the desired ratio. Applying calcium limestone will increase calcium and reduce magnesium. Even if the pH looks OK you can still apply calcium lime in this situation. This opens up the soil allowing it to breathe, soil biology to flourish and water to drain down through the soil profile more easily
 |
Lime facts
Lime needs to be applied on a regular basis as it is continuously leached from the soil, mainly through drainage water. The use of N fertilisers and the removal of crops and livestock also remove lime from the soil.
Drummonds have always provided a top quality soil testing service and practical advice, which can be carried out by your local branch / advisor. Drummonds are now taking soil analysis to the next level where we will provide a full soil test analysis as well as providing Drummond’s Ground Lime delivery and Spreading at affordable prices. Both methods of soil sampling can be carried out. Whether it be a standard W- Shaped test or a full field mapping service consisting of variable pH, P and K levels. Current regulations require one soil sample per 5 hectares and are valid for 4 years. Aim to test 20% of your farm annually.
Your local branch will organize a representative to carry out a soil test for analysis. We provide both standard and broad spectrum analysis and liaise with the farmer providing professional advice on how to correct your soil result.
| |
Drummonds also offers a lime and variable rate lime spreading service through our branch network. We will organize ground lime deliveries and an accurate spreading service provided by our local contractor.
For further information Speak to your local Drummonds Agronomist.