Two Limerick farmers have been awarded funding through the SOILCRATES project to carry out innovative soil improvement measures, with further funding due to be announced over the coming months.

Ballyhoura Development is delighted to announce that two farmer-led pilot projects have been funded in County Limerick through the SOILCRATES transnational project, with funding of over €40,000 approved for the two successful applicants.

The project provides funding for successful applicants in the agricultural sector — farmers and agribusinesses — to test new participatory approaches to soil management and regeneration at local level. Selected farms across Ireland, France, the Netherlands and Spain will receive between €20,000 and €60,000 to test and monitor soil-health practices over 12–24 months.

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Project 1: “Maximizing Organic Potential”

The first approved project — “Maximizing Organic Potential” — aims to improve soil health using a marine-based soil enhancer and bio-treated slurry enriched with milk to boost microbial and nitrogen activity.

Through soil sampling, sub-soiling, clover stitching, natural fertilisers, adaptive grazing and minimal disturbance, the project aims to restore soil structure, enhance nutrient cycling and increase productivity sustainably.

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Project 2: “Coverchar 2627”

The second approved project — “Coverchar 2627” — aims to support a farm where cultivated soils have become depleted due to historically poor management, leaving organic matter and key nutrients such as phosphorus and potassium at low levels.

The project aims to rebuild soil fertility and reduce reliance on imported fertilisers by using legume-based cover crops to improve soil structure, increase organic matter and naturally fix nitrogen. Biochar will be used for its ability to stabilise nutrients and support microbial life.

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About SOILCRATES–Ireland

SOILCRATES–Ireland is a Soil Health Living Lab established as part of the Horizon Europe SOILCRATES project, supporting the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change.

Based across Counties Clare, Limerick and Tipperary, the Living Lab brings together farmers, researchers, advisors, community groups and agri-industry partners to co-create practical solutions for healthier, more resilient soils. Ballyhoura Development supports community engagement in County Limerick.

Visit SOILCRATES.eu