The high level of rainfall nationwide since the turn of the year has significantly reduced the quantity of lime spread for the time of year.

Contractors throughout Ireland have seen a major drop in lime application since this time last year, with some farmers reporting more than a 50% decrease in activity compared with 2015 quantities.

The weather has picked up in the last two weeks and more activity among lime contractors has been reported.

After such heavy rainfall, soils are in need of lime to help regulate pH levels. Prices of lime are varied nationwide and a region-to-region breakdown shows:

Connacht

Lime is going at €25/t on average in the west, including the spreading fee of €5/t, with some spreading fees as high as €6/t.

Contractors say activity has picked up but it is minimal in comparison with 12 months earlier.

Munster

Average prices here are floating between €23/t and €24/t with the included spreading charge of €4/t consistently seen throughout the province. The highest activity is occurring down south in comparison to other regions.

Leinster

Lime in Leinster is selling out between €22/t and €23/t with some prices as low as €20/t quoted. The standard included spreading fee in the province is €5/t. One Leinster contractor estimates that his level of spreading has reduced by up to 60% compared with 12 months ago.

Ulster

The north’s prices are among the most varied inter-provincial prices seen nationwide. Over the border, highs of £23/t were quoted, which equates to €29/t. South of the border, lows of €21/t were reported, including the €4/t spreading charge. Activity is reported to be very slack in parts of the north.