The recommendations in this section are using the RoI fertiliser classification system and are based on Teagasc research. Due to slight differences between the RoI and NI classification systems, these recommendations are only a guide for Northern Ireland farmers. They can be converted between the RoI and NI classification systems using this CONVERSION TABLE

The Goulding Fertilisers recommendations are based on the Index System as laid out by Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford. In the recommendations, the soil fertility is divided into 4 indices:

The Index for Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) can be established by a soil test, whereas the Nitrogen (N) Index is based on a knowledge of:
	soil type
	area knowledge
	previous cropping

The Nitrogen Index is not very useful for grassland as it depends on:
	the stocking rate
	age of the ley
	variety of grasses in the sward
	clover content

Under a grazing situation, newly re-seeded leys generally need more Nitrogen in the first three years of production than in succeeding years.

Some thirty percent of our soils require Sulphur for optimum yields because:
	Fertilisers containing high sulphur contents are used little nowadays.
	Sulphur deposition on land has declined because of lower emissions from industry. The soils most likely to show Sulphur deficiencies are sandy, free draining soils with a low organic matter content. As the sulphate ion leaches readily from soils, it is not worthwhile trying to build-up soil sulphur levels.

Gouldings produce a large range of core products with or without Sulphur. For information on these products view our product range.