The Irish Farmers Journal carried out a cost survey of lime-spreading contractors for 2019.

Most contractors are charging €23/t to €24/t to supply, deliver and spread lime on land.

The cost can increase to €25/t to €26/t where small quantities are being purchased or half loads are being spread on marginal ground.

Lime-spreading charges have not varied significantly since last year, according to our survey results.

Soil pH

According to Teagasc, lime spreading has been increasing on Irish farms, with 1m tonnes of lime being spread annually. Lime application is the best way to increase soil pH.

A review of national soil sample results showed that in 2017 and 2018, just over half of Irish soils tested were at the optimum soil pH range for grassland (pH 6.3 or more).

This compares to just 37% in 2014 to 2016. Maintaining the soil pH in the optimum range will increase the biological activity of the soil, encouraging earthworms to thrive, and will increase nutrient availability such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

It improves soil structure, which is beneficial for aeration and drainage and increases crop production.

Weather

Favourable weather conditions since autumn last year have helped encourage farmers to spread more lime.

John Russell from Roscrea, Co Tipperary, says there was a huge upswing in his area for lime spreading.

I have had customers who spread part of their farm last year and are back this year to do the rest because they can see the positive results

“Since November, there was big demand for lime with weather conditions ideal for spreading,” he explained.

“I have had customers who spread part of their farm last year and are back this year to do the rest because they can see the positive results,” John said.

In Bruff, Co Limerick, contractor Eddie Gardiner said that demand for lime has been quiet so far this year, with most work being made up of reseeding jobs.

However, last autumn he said it was very busy, with large numbers of farmers taking advantage of the mild weather to get some lime spread.

Donal O’Mahony from Ballinrobe, Co Mayo, said over the past number of months farmers in his area have been keen for lime.

“A lot of farmers have been spreading 2t to 3t per acre on land and it has been a good opportunity to spread on heavier ground, which isn’t possible every year,” Donal explained.