Soil moisture conditions vary significantly across the country. Many regions remain within normal summer soil moisture levels.Parts of the Southeast are now experiencing severe soil moisture deficits, with grass growth and nitrogen uptake likely to become increasingly restricted. Key advice:• Match fertiliser N applications to current grass growth rates.• If growth remains above 50 kg DM/ha/day, normal N programmes can generally continue. • If soil moisture deficits exceed 50 mm and growth falls below 50 kg DM/ha/day, reduce N applications in line with grass demand. • Under severe drought conditions (SMD ≥75 mm) and very low grass growth, hold off on further N applications until meaningful rainfall arrives or is forecast. • Where possible, use compound N-P-K or N-K fertilisers, as potassium helps improve plant drought resilience and N uptake. Base all fertiliser decisions on grass growth and local soil moisture conditions rather than calendar dates For more information and practical guidance on fertiliser N management during prolonged dry soil conditions, follow the link below to the latest Teagasc advice.
Fertiliser advice under prolonged dry soil conditions_Wall,D.P. 2026