Teagasc Soils,
Nutrients and Fertiliser Campaign
31.01.22
THE Teagasc Soils,
Nutrients and Fertiliser Campaign for 2022 has been
launched by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the
Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD. This Teagasc initiative
is in response to the unprecedented fertiliser prices
and potential supply availability concerns arising in
Spring 2022. The initiative came as a direct response
following a request by Minister McConalogue.
Speaking at the launch, Minister McConalogue TD said: “I
have been closely monitoring the rise in fertiliser
prices over the past six months and it is something I am
seriously concerned about. In October 2021, I requested
Teagasc Director Professor Frank O’Mara to lay out a
credible roadmap to assist farmers in the short term as
well as offering a long-term solution in the move to
reduce our dependency on chemical fertiliser. That is
why I am excited to see the Soils, Nutrients and
Fertiliser Campaign come to life. Teagasc has assembled
practical, easy to use, information which will assist
farmers, advisors and other stakeholders to optimise the
use of valuable plant nutrients. This is a campaign that
will be good for the environment and good for the
pocket. This is an important roadmap for the short,
medium and long-term that will help reduce our
dependency on chemical fertiliser in a sustainable
manner.” |
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Pictured at the Launch of
the Teagasc Soils, Nutrients and Fertiliser Campaign
2022 (l to r); Professor Frank O Mara, Teagasc Director;
Rosalyn Fay, Business and Technology Advisor, Teagasc
Ballyhaise; Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister for
Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Pat Murphy, Head of
Teagasc Environment Knowledge Transfer Department and
Liam Herlihy, Chairman of Teagasc. |
The Teagasc Soils,
Nutrients and Fertiliser Campaign is assisting farmers
to address the challenge of maintaining farm output
whilst dealing with the rising cost and availability of
fertilisers internationally. Teagasc Director, Professor
Frank O Mara said; “Teagasc are urging farmers to focus
on Nutrient management planning, optimisation of soil
fertility, using organic manures strategically and
increasing clover in swards, all balanced with prudent
fertiliser usage. The knowledge base in Teagasc will be
available through our advisors and specialists to assist
farmers to adapt to the current fertiliser market, and
support them to make informed decisions.”
Pat Murphy, Head the Teagasc Environment Knowledge
Transfer Department said; “the crucial need to protect
our environment means that prudent management of plant
nutrients on grass and tillage crops is more vital than
ever. The timing, rates of application, and choice of
chemical fertilisers and organic manures will have an
impact on profitability. Careful use of plant nutrients
will also minimise the risk of releasing greenhouse
gases into the air, or nutrients to our waters.” |
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