ONLY 21% of the soil on Skye is in the optimum range for growing grass or clover on mineral soils.

That was the message put across by SAC consulting at Skye Show, where it revealed that results of soil analysis carried out on crofts from 2012-2016 found that 76% of the soils tested were acidic or very acidic, an issue which could be causing problems.

SAC consultant Janette Sutherland said: “Recent evidence shows too many of the soils on Skye have the wrong acidity, or pH, for optimum grass and clover growth, and the balance of important nutrients is often wrong as well. We were urging crofters to test their soils because it’s vital to know what you have. Then you can rectify any deficiencies which might be hampering your yields and the quality of vegetables or grass needed for silage or grazing.

“If the soil pH is at optimum levels, not only will fertilisers be more effective but there will be a reduction in the emissions of greenhouse gasses.”

It was highlighted that, through long term sampling, it had been shown that 38% of soils had a very low phosphorous status: “Remember crofters, farmers and growers in many parts of Skye have a particular disadvantage,” said Janette. “The history and origin of the soils on Skye means there are deficiency problems.

“There will be a reward for sorting out soil pH and applying phosphorous. It will be seen in the yield response. The more grass that crofters and farmers can grow for grazing or conservation the less need to spend on bought in forage and concentrate feed.”