John Maher of Teagasc recently went through the steps that farmers must take between now and February to try to get their farm on track to grow more grass into the future, with a large emphasis placed on lime.

Soil tests should be carried out, preferably in November or December, but January and early February are also options to farmers.

However, a large portion of farmers will already have carried out these tests as part of GLAS and will know what needs to be done.

If not, then a test at this time of year will show farmers how their soil is fixed for phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and pH.

The first step that any farmer must make is to address the pH status of their farm and spread lime where necessary.

If soils are very acidic, then the P in the soil can get locked up, meaning it is unavailable to the sward.

2t/acre

According to John, farmers will need to spread 2t/acre of lime every four to five years to keep pH correct.

However, there can be large variations in the amount required, depending on the land.

It is advised that farmers do not spread over 3t of lime in any one year.

If more lime needs to be spread on the land, it is better to wait for two years to spread the balance.

As many farmers may have recently got slurry out, it is important to remember that you should wait at least 10 days after spreading slurry before lime is applied.

Alternatively, if lime is spread first, then farmers should wait at least three months before spreading slurry, as lime will accelerate the loss of nitrogen from slurry.

GLAS courses

Pressure is mounting on agricultural consultants to get all of the required GLAS training courses for GLAS I and II participants completed before the deadline of 31 December.

Therefore, if you are yet to contact your adviser, do so now to book one of the places on the courses that they are running, as each course is limited to 25 spaces.