Tipperary

Ireland

Golden Vale Research

Soil Improvement with Gypsum Optimisation (SoilGo)

This project will examine the extent to which a combination of microbial biostimulants and gypsum can improve soil health, plant health and the retention of soil nutrients. In the first year an assessment of the optimal levels of microbial biostimulants and fertilizer application will be made on both grass and spring barley. Assessments will be based on crop yield, forage quality and root biomass along with a range of soil health indicators. Drones with multispectral cameras will be used to assess plant health. In the second year, the application of gypsum will be included along with the optimal levels of fertilizer application and microbial biostimulants established in year one, then the plant and soil health measurements will be repeated. The education of farmers on the use of these soil amendments and the use of technology to identify nutrient deficiencies and possible plant health issues will form part of this project.

Duration of the pilot 24 Months

Type of Farm

Arable

Type of Soil

Loam soil

Crops Involved

Spring barley

Practices

  • Microbial Biostimulants

  • Gypsum