Examination Of A Multi-Actor, Local Approach To Increasing Lime Usage On Irish Farms

Soil acidity poses a significant challenge to agricultural productivity in Ireland. Addressing this challenge is essential for ensuring long-term sustainability of Irish agriculture. Lime application is one of the most effective strategies for combating soil acidity, improving soil health and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Recent years have seen insufficient adoption of liming practices among Irish farmers. According to the ‘Ag Climatise’ document published in 2020, Ireland needs to apply two million tonnes of lime annually to meet environmental targets. In 2021, only 1.4 million tonnes of lime were applied in Ireland, indicating a notable gap in lime usage among Irish farmers. This study engaged with six stakeholders in County Longford to identify local barriers to lime application and propose potential strategies for promoting lime usage. Interviews with 15 farmers’ in pre- and post-intervention surveys provided insights into farmers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding lime application. Additionally, an interview with a limestone quarry owner/manager in an alternative case region provided recommendations for the study case along with post-intervention discussions with stakeholders, which reflected on the intervention and proposed future recommendations. The study identified several barriers to lime application, including a lack of farmer knowledge, poor perceptions of lime, limited advisory services and a shortage of lime contractors. Based on stakeholder discussions, potential strategies for promoting lime application included implementing lime schemes/subsidies, targeted/one-to-one advice, support with soil analysis interpretation and media promotion. Based on these findings from stakeholder discussions and pre-intervention interviews with farmers, the advisory intervention was developed. The advisory intervention included a personalised letter with a lime recommendation, soil sample results, a farm map and a lime leaflet. Other interventions included a lime video, a radio interview on lime and a follow-up phone call. The most preferred method among farmers was the personalised letter, lime recommendation, soil sample results and farm map. Final discussions with stakeholders helped shape future recommendations, including a media campaign, further personalisation of soil sample results and follow-up communications.