What is the Pilot Soil Sampling Programme
The pilot Soil Sampling Programme is a farm level soil sampling and analysis initiative which will provide farmers and their advisors with comprehensive details about the soil health and soil condition on their farms. These results can be used to target soil management and farming practices to achieve economic and environmental sustainability on their farms. Each sample will be taken over a maximum of 4 hectares and limited to a maximum of 64 hectares on each farm.
In lieu of payment each famer will receive the analysis reports with information on macro- and micro-nutrients, soil carbon and average farm level load of harmful bacteria. Participation is voluntary and it is open to all regions and farming enterprises. Applications to the programme will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. If the programme is oversubscribed a selection of enterprise type and a regional spread will be applied to select participants.
How to qualify
To be eligible for the pilot Soil Sampling Programme, you must:
- have applied for a BPS 2021
be aged 18 years or older
be in a position to facilitate the sampling of soil on your land
read the Terms and Conditions.
Apply
You or your advisor can apply on your behalf to participate on agfood.ie agfood.ie . Applications will be accepted on a first come first serve basis until the programme has been fully subscribed.
Contact
Soil Sampling Programme
Address: DAFM, Johnstown Castle Estate, Co. Wexford, Y35 PN52
Email: Soilsampling@agriculture.gov.ie
Phone number: 053 9163425
Full details, including FAQ’s and guideline documents are available here.