On average just over 20% of farms used lime year-on-year from 2005 to 2015, according to Teagasc figures.

The Teagasc Fertiliser Use Survey reveals the lowest rate of liming was evident in 2006 at just 16%, and the highest liming rate was recorded in 2013 at 26% of total farms.

N, P and K fertiliser application rates on grassland were 11-16% higher at the start of the study compared with the end, with more dramatic declines in application rates noticeable in the mid-study period (23-52%). The years of lowest grassland fertiliser use (2008-09) coincided with the period of highest prices, while higher than average application rates in 2013-2014 were associated with national fodder shortage.

Fertiliser application rates on grassland were on average 36% lower for farms participating in an agri-environment scheme. N, P and K application rates for the main cereal crops for agri-environment scheme participants were 15%, 10% and 3% lower respectively.

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