Date/Time
Date(s) - 18/11/201610:00 am - 11:00 am
Location
Presentation Secondary SchoolGer Courtney, Business & Technology Dairy Advisor with Teagasc will visit the Presentation Secondary School in Milltown to provide students with an insight into soil science and what it means for farming in the South West.
Soil is the medium/raw material that we work with every day in the production of meat, milk, grain etc for both local and world markets. The health of our soil is a key component for the efficient production of food in an environmental and sustainable manner. To maximise the productivity of our soil it’s important that we understand the chemical, physical and biological properties of the soil.
In many part of the South-West of Ireland soils are classified as ‘heavy’, generally clay & peat soils, indicating that they have high water retention capacity. This limits farming opportunities due to poor trafficability and grass utilisation particularly after high rainfall.
The Teagasc Heavy soils programme has undertaken a range of research work on land drainage, soil fertility and general management to help farmers farming on such soils to increase productivity and profitability.
A greater understanding of these soils allows management practices be put in place that aid more efficient farming on these soil types.