The Importance of Liming on Grassland. Insights from Field Trial Experiments 

Grassland management is crucial for maintaining productive and sustainable agricultural systems. One of the key practices is liming, which helps maintain an optimal soil pH level. At the Rothamsted Research facility in the UK, the long-running Park Grass experiment, initiated in 1865, provides valuable insights into this practice (Source: Guide to the Classical and other Long-term experiments, Datasets and Sample Archive, Rothamsted Research).

As one of the world’s oldest agricultural experiments, it includes a soil pH gradient, created by applying different amounts of lime. This setup enables researchers to study the effects of varying soil pH levels on plant growth, nutrient uptake, and species composition. The results provide invaluable insights into the benefits of maintaining optimal soil pH for grassland productivity and sustainability.

Key Findings from the Rothamsted Trials:

Soil pH and Productivity: In the Rothamsted Park Grass Trial, plots with different pH levels (4, 5, 6, and 7) were compared. The results showed that plots with a pH of 6.4 and 7.1 had significantly higher average dry matter yields (7.3 t/ha and 7 t/ha, respectively) compared to plots with a pH of 4.1 (1.7 t/ha).  

This demonstrates that soil pH has a significant impact on plant productivity. Maintaining an optimal pH of 6.5 is crucial for ensuring high yields and maximizing fertilizer use efficiency to reduce input costs.

Biodiversity: The trials also highlighted the positive impact of optimal soil pH on plant biodiversity. An optimal pH level supports a diverse range of plant species, including grasses, forbs, and legumes. In contrast, acidic soils tend to support fewer species, with two grass species accounting for 90% of the dry matter weight in highly acidic plots. 

Maintaining a favourable pH promotes ecological balance and long-term pasture resilience.

Conclusion

Findings from the Rothamsted and Omya Calciprill trials highlight the importance of liming as a best practice in grassland management. By maintaining an optimal soil pH, farmers can enhance grassland productivity, improve nutrient availability, support biodiversity, and ensure high-quality forage for animal feed. Liming, therefore, remains a vital practice for sustainable and productive grassland agriculture. 

Liming grassland with Omya Calciprill is simple and flexible. It can be easily blended with fertilizers and applied using standard equipment, making it convenient for farmers. Furthermore, it can be spread at any time of the year and at any crop stage, providing an adaptable solution for effective grassland management.

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