Soil Sampling and Analysis Programme

The Soil Sampling Programme is a farm level soil sampling and analysis initiative which will provide farmers and their advisors with comprehensive details about the nutrient status, carbon status and indicators of soil health on their farms. These results can be used to target soil management and farming practices to achieve economic and environmental sustainability on their farms. In lieu of payment each farmer will receive the analysis reports with information on macro- and micro- nutrients, soil carbon and indications of the presence harmful bacteria.

Information collected through the programme will enable better monitoring of AMR at a national and regional level. This will strengthen understandings of the magnitude of AMR and facilitate the development of containment strategies.

Participation is voluntary and it is open to all regions and farming enterprises.

Land declared on 2024 BISS is eligible to be tested, the sampling area shall not exceed 4 hectares, except where soil types and cropping of lands were similar during the previous five years, a sample area of up to 5 hectares shall be deemed acceptable, subject to a maximum of 16 samples per farm. Applications will be processed and accepted on a first come first served basis. If oversubscribed a relative balance of enterprise type and region will be applied to select participants.

To be eligible for the Soil Sampling and Analysis Programme, you must:

• Have applied for a 2024 BISS.

• Be aged 18 years or older.

• Be in a position to facilitate the sampling of soil on your land.

You must read the Terms and Conditions

You or your advisor can apply on your behalf to participate on agfood.ie. Applications will be accepted on a first come first serve basis until the programme has been fully subscribed.

• Soil Sampling and Analysis Programme 2023 Data Protection Notice