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The quantity of lime spread on NI farms increased by 13% last year to 186,595 tonnes (t), the latest figures from DAERA confirm.
The figure represents the highest level of lime usage since 2014 when 193,000t were spread, and is 17% higher than the 10-year average of 160,000t.
Researchers at AFBI have calculated that NI farms require 180,000t of lime to be applied each year to correct soil pH levels due to the acidifying effect of nitrogen fertilisers, and the leaching of calcium and magnesium out of soils.
It reached a historic low in 2007 when only 73,000t were spread
However, last year was only the third time in the past 25 years when total annual lime usage in NI went over the 180,000t mark.
It reached a historic low in 2007 when only 73,000t were spread. It peaked in 1982 when grant funding was available, and 365,000t were used on NI farms.
DAERA figures indicate that the price of lime increased by 10% last year to £27.87/t, meaning the total investment by farmers came to £5.2m.
However, it remains a relatively small cost for farm businesses when compared with the £79.5m that was spent on chemical fertilisers in NI last year.
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