Soil Liming in Ireland

Why is liming regularly carried out in Ireland?

What is the benefit of soil organisms adding nutrients in the form of faeces?

What is the term for the total amount of organic matter living in the soil?

What is the process by which microorganisms in soil break down organic matter and release CO2?

What is the purpose of spreading FYM in soil?

What is the ideal soil condition for earthworms?

What is the result of liming improving soil structure through flocculation?

What is the first step in the carbon cycle?

What is the result of combustion of fossil fuels?

What is the purpose of Nitrogen Fixation in the nitrogen cycle?

What is the role of Rhizobium bacteria in Nitrogen Fixation?

What is the result of Decomposition in the nitrogen cycle?

What is the process of converting Nitrite to Nitrate?

What is the role of Denitrifying bacteria in the nitrogen cycle?

What is the main purpose of Eco-tillage and minimum tillage in reducing carbon footprint?

What is the term for the amount of CO2 released by an individual or organization?

Soil Management in Ireland

Rainfall in Ireland causes leaching of bases, making the soil acidic, and regular liming is necessary to replenish calcium ions and increase pH.
Liming helps release available nutrients (N, P, K), improves soil structure through flocculation, and increases earthworm and bacterial activity.

Biological Properties of Soil

Soil is a habitat for many organisms, which add nutrients in the form of faeces and decompose organic matter to humus (humification).
Soil biomass refers to the total amount of organic matter living in the soil.

Soil Organisms

Macro-organisms: earthworms (Lumbricus Terrestris)
Micro-organisms: bacteria and fungi
Earthworms indicate ideal soil conditions, which require a suitable pH, adequate moisture, food (FYM), and suitable temperature.

Carbon Cycle

Steps: Photosynthesis, Respiration, Consumption, Decay, and Combustion
Carbon takes multiple forms: CO2, Carbohydrate (CHO), and Carbonate ion (CO3²⁻)
Farmers can reduce their carbon footprint by planting more trees, reducing diesel usage, growing biofuels, not burning straw, and using eco-tillage and minimum tillage.

Nitrogen Cycle

Nitrogen takes multiple forms: N2 (Nitrogen gas), NO3⁻ (Nitrate), NH4⁺ (Ammonium), and NO2⁻ (Nitrite)
Processes: Nitrogen Fixation, Decomposition, Nitrification, and Denitrification
Nitrogen fixation: conversion of nitrogen gas into nitrate by rhizobium bacteria in the nodules of clover.
Decomposition: formation of ammonium by bacteria/fungi decomposing dead decaying matter and manure.
Nitrification: conversion of ammonium to nitrate by Nitrosomas bacteria.
Denitrification: conversion of nitrate back to nitrogen gas by denitrifying bacteria under anaerobic conditions in waterlogged soils.

Learn about the importance of liming in Irish soils, including its effects on soil pH, nutrient availability, and biological properties. Understand why regular liming is necessary in Ireland's rainfall-driven acidic soil environment.