By installing lime filter ditches and applying structural lime, every effort has been made to minimize the loss of plant nutrients to nearby waterways. Farmers are pleased because this leads to higher yields. You can receive LOVA funding for this measure covering up to 50 percent of the costs. Be sure to apply now—the application deadline is January 31 at some county administrative boards.
Dennis Wiström, project manager for sustainable development in the municipality of Västervik, works to help farmers and landowners by providing advice and financing to reduce the transport of phosphorus and nitrogen into the lakes. Structural liming and the construction of lime filter ditches are important measures for reducing nutrient leaching from farmland.
– There is significant interest in structural liming among farmers, as it has a positive impact on crop yields while also serving as an environmental measure.
Dennis is seeking funding—known as LOVA support—for various watersheds where the clay content in farmland is high. He then contacts farmers in the area and offers them support for structural liming and the construction of lime filter ditches.
– The LOVA grant covers approximately 50 percent of the costs for lime, spreading, and incorporation into the soil.
Why use structural lime?
Structural liming has a significant impact; it can remove 40–50 percent of the phosphorus that would otherwise leach into waterways. And the effect is long-lasting. Poor soil structure results in low and uneven yields with losses of phosphorus and clay, while good soil structure yields higher harvests because the crop’s roots can develop better.
To get the best results from structural lime, the following are required:
• Effective drainage, which is the foundation of all crop production.
• Clay with which the structural lime can react, as well as the correct amount of structural lime.
• Proper incorporation of the structural lime into the topsoil.
– Areas showing signs of poor soil structure and standing surface water are prioritized for structural liming and lime filter ditches, provided that the clay content is high.
When should you apply structural lime?
Good weather conditions, high soil temperature, low soil moisture, and a previous crop that leaves behind a good soil structure are the keys to success. It is important to mix the structural lime in thoroughly so that as many clay particles as possible come into contact with it. For best results, you should incorporate the lime immediately after spreading it. Drive over the area at least twice in different directions.
Installing lime filter ditches
Since drainage is often the main problem, in many cases it is necessary to first construct a lime filter ditch. This measure has a significant impact on phosphorus losses. The difference from standard drainage is that lime is typically incorporated into the backfill material. This provides a stable structure all the way down to the drainage pipe.
– Structural liming has no beneficial effect if the water has nowhere to go. Lime filter ditches are often constructed in conjunction with structural liming. This ensures that every effort has been made to minimize the loss of plant nutrients.