The application of lime is one of the oldest and most important methods of improving a soil and dates back hundreds of years. Without lime the land will neither respond to fertiliser nor produce the quantity or quality otherwise achieved where lime is applied regularly.
Lime is a soil conditioner which corrects soil acidity by neutralising acid in soils, allowing microorganisms to thrive and breakdown plant and animal residues. It releases the elements necessary for healthy plant growth and other nutrients such as phosphorous, nitrogen and potassium. Agricultural Lime improves soil structure due to increased microbiological and earthworm activity. It assists in the growth of clover and is a natural and non-polluting fertilizer.
There are companies in Ireland that specialise in producing Agricultural limestone and for this month’s edition of Irish Tractor & Agri, we take a look at Laois based family run business Campion’s Quarry.
Established in 1962 by Michael Campion, Campion’s Quarry is located in Lisduff, Errill, Co Laois. These days, Michael’s son’s Paul and Mark own and manage the business. Campion’s Quarry manufacture various limestone products of consistently high quality. Some of the limestone products include Clause 806, Clause 804, Drainage Stone: Available in 50mm and 100mm, Down Stone: Available in 50mm and 100mm/6F2, Screenings, Cubicle Lime – 1 ton bags and Agricultural Ground Limestone. Products are CE marked.
Mark and Paul spoke to Irish Tractor about the business and the services provided;
“We work with County Councils on road strengthening projects, providing CE certified products, the machinery and expertise required to lay and compact the materials for road strengthening. We have over 20 years’ experience in road strengthening and paving projects. We supply, lay and compact Clause 806 wet-mix macadam using a Dynapac paver and Hamm vibrating roller, and annually, complete numerous road strengthening projects with Tipperary and Laois County Council. We have also provided road strengthening and paving for private customers.”
Campion’s Quarry are licenced by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, under regulation 5, Licence number G.L. 155, to supply Agricultural Lime. Agricultural Lime is available ex-quarry, delivered, or delivered and spread. They supply their products across a wide geographical area including Laois, North Tipperary, Offaly and Kilkenny, using their own trucks and during busy periods subcontract to hauliers, to ensure delivery is managed in a timely manner convenient to our customers.
“The lime we produce is a premium quality high calcium Lime with a TNV consistently greater than 95% (min TNV = 90%). 100% of our lime has passed through a 2mm screen to produce a consistently fine product.” As Mark explained to us; “The benefits of smaller limestone particles are they dissolve in the soil much more rapidly and it reacts with the soil and raises the pH much faster than coarse material.”
“We work closely with a number of Agri-Contractors who provide a professional, quality lime spreading service.”
“We know that is imperative to provide our customers with a product that is of a consistently high quality, and to ensure this, regular and rigorous testing is conducted by an external accredited Testing Company. In addition, the department of Agricultural, Food and the Marine conduct regular sampling and testing on their Agricultural Lime.
Mark and Paul work closely with their customers, taking the time to discuss with them their specific product requirements and ensuring the customer is provided with the correct product for their needs. As there are specific times when Agricultural lime is spread and these time frames can be greatly impacted by weather Mark and Paul ensure that customer’s orders are supplied and spread in timely fashion. This is facilitated by the investment in dry storage, ensuring adequate quantities of Agri Lime is available during peak periods.
“All plant and machinery undergo regular maintenance and scheduled servicing, where feasible, parts are sourced by local suppliers. This facilitates in maintaining product standards.”
Campions Quarry Ltd produce Cubicle Ground Lime Flour in One ton bags for use in cubicles. This is available both Ex quarry or delivered. The Cubicle lime is used by farmers to assist in achieving high hygiene standards in cubicles, helping prevent the spread of mastitis by the absorption of moisture.
Campion’s Quarry have been in business for over 50 years, this has been achieved by providing consistently high quality products combined with strong customer service and the ability to adapt to the changing economic climate. They are deeply grateful to their loyal customer support, staff and subcontractors who make it possible.
Campion’s Quarry Ltd,
Lisduff,
Errill,
Co. Laois
Telephone: (0505) 44143
Website: www.campionsquarry.ie
Taken from Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 5 No 1, January/February 2017
