A soil sampling project carried out by Watson Seeds last autumn throughout areas in the South and East of Scotland, from the Borders to Aberdeenshire, has revealed that farmers are not paying attention to soil pH levels.

Forty-four per cent of samples taken largely from rotational arable/grass fields were borderline or below satisfactory pH at 5.5 - 5.9 and a staggering 14 per cent were below 5.5 pH.

Commenting on the results, the firm's seed specialist Peter Addie said: "This is extremely concerning as lime application and pH level is one of the fundamental requirements for the success of any crop, including long-term grass.

"If a grass reseed is established in a borderline pH it may well yield satisfactorily in the first couple of years, but lime is depleted with high-yielding crops and will soon fall below acceptable levels leading to sward detrioration."

Mr Addie points out that lime application is right up there with drainage as an absolute necessity to produce satisfactory crops. "The sad reality is that regardless of how much fertiliser and agrochemical is applied at whatever cost, the crop yield is destined to be severely cut if the pH levels are too low.

"Where high rates of nitrogen application are used, acidity can build up rapidly at the top of the soil profile, especially in high rainfall areas. Because of the slow reactivity of liming agents, and their lack of mixing with the soil matrix, rates of change of pH down the soil profile are slow and regular liming is better than infrequent doses.

"Our message is loud and clear. Do your best to ensure that you do not let soil pH levels fall below the optimum level (between 5.8 and 6.4) - that way you will give your grass and consequently your livestock the best chance to thrive."

Market round-up

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 862 prime hoggs in Newton Stewart yesterday to a top of £88 per head and 212.5p per kg to average 195p (+2.9p on the week).

There were also 106 cast sheep forward when ewes sold to £145 for Texels and £105 for Blackfaces.

The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart had 9 prime cattle forward in Dumfries yesterday when heifers sold to 231.5p per kg and averaged 213.5p, while bullocks peaked at 221.5p and levelled at 217.9p.

There were 57 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows averaged 127p and dairy cows levelled at 104.9p.

The firm also sold 660 prime hoggs to a top of £97.50 and 199p to average 187p (-13.5p).

The 116 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £145 for Texels and average £107.16 (+£9.71), while light ewes peaked at £82 for Blackfaces and levelled at £62.57 (+£4.41).