Lab Services
Teagasc advisory services are unique in terms of the range and quality of laboratory services that are available to advisers. There services are provided by laboratories that use the most modern and reliable analytical methods that have been shown through research to be best suited to Irish conditions. They operate to the highest scientific standards and are operated by highly qualified technicians and scientists.
Through the local advisory services, Irish livestock and crop producers and agribusiness can have access to the complete range of services.
Soils
Soil testing provides essential information for optimum crop growth, grass production and animal health. It forms the basis for efficient, cost effective use of lime, fertilisers and trace elements. Soil testing is now a key component in Nutrient Management Planning and is playing an important role in ensuring that the loss of nutrients from agriculture to surface water is minimised.
In addition to the standard soil analysis for pH, lime requirement, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium, a range of specific analyses are available for trace elements, for glasshouse crops, for cereals and horticultural field crops, for organic producers, for stud farmers and other specialised areas. The analysis is backed up by advice from an adviser who is familiar with local soil conditions.
A special cost effective analysis is available for farmers participating in the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS).
You can arrange to have your soil tested by contacting your local Teagasc adviser or Teagasc Area Unit Office. The soil testing laboratory may be contacted through Brian.Coulter@teagasc.ie.
Crops and Herbage
To investigate reasons for poor crop growth or animal performance difficulties it is essential to analyse the crops or the herbage being fed. Trace element deficiencies are common in crop production. When mineral disorder problems are experienced in livestock it is recommended that grass, silage or hay being fed is analysed for a range of elements such as copper, molybdenum, sulphur and selenium. You can access these services through contacting your local Teagasc adviser or Teagasc Area Unit Office.
Silage, Hay and Meals
Detailed knowledge of the feeding value of silage, hay, meals or other feeds is essential for cost effective production. Teagasc advisory services will arrange to have samples taken and analysed. Advisers and producers can then use this information to draw up the optimum feeding programme for each class of stock. To avail of feed analysis services contact your local Teagasc adviser or Teagasc Area Unit Office.
Animal Manures - Fertilisers - Lime
Tests to establish the dry matter, N, P & K content of slurry or other animal manures are available. In addition, Teagasc also provides testing on the composition of purchased fertilisers, or lime (neutralising value and/or fineness).
Contact Teagasc Area Unit Office for details
Other Specialised Horticultural or Crop Tests
Specific tests to assist in the diagnosis of plan diseases, pests or deficiencies are available from our Research Laboratories in Kinsealy and Oak Park.
Contact your agricultural or horticultural adviser or Teagasc Area Unit Office for information.
