New soil analysis requirements in Ireland: what you need to know
IAS
Agriculture
From Monday 15th September 2025, soil analysis requirements in Ireland are changing to include geographic references. These changes are part of the ongoing efforts to improve nutrient management and water quality under the EU Nitrates Directive, particularly in line with the Fifth Nitrates Action Programme (NAP). See our previous expert blog here for more details on the NAP.
Under the new legislation, specifically S.I. No. 42 of 2025, all soil sample reports issued after the 14th of September 2025 must include the corresponding georeference or Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS) parcels represented by the soil sample. This means that every soil sample report must now be linked to the exact location where it was taken.
Non-compliance with these changes will severely limit future fertiliser applications.
In this blog, we’ll let you know what’s changing, what georeferencing and LPIS are in reference to the soil sampling process, the benefits of this update for you, the risks of not complying, the importance of this change for sustainable farming, and how IAS Laboratories is ready to help.
New soil analysis requirements in Ireland: what’s changing?
All soil sample reports issued after the 14th of September 2025 must now include the corresponding georeference or Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS) parcels represented by the soil sample.
What are georeferencing and LPIS?
- Georeferencing links the soil sample with Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates that pinpoint the exact location of the sample.
- The Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS) is a record of fields as submitted to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) for Direct Payments. This system maps out the land parcels to ensure they are properly identified and managed.
Having either the georeference or LPIS parcel number associated with each soil sample allows for accurate tracking of soil health and nutrient levels. This is crucial for maintaining compliance with the regulations, but there are also plenty of other advantages that directly benefit farmers and their management plans.
New soil analysis requirements in Ireland: benefits for farmers
This is not just another regulation to follow. It has several key benefits that will make your nutrient management more efficient and effective. For example:
- By linking soil sample results to specific land parcels, you will be able to track how your soil health is changing over time. This will help you fine-tune your nutrient management strategies, ensuring you’re providing the right balance of nutrients to your crops.
- Georeferencing ensures that soil sample results are linked directly to the correct field, reducing the risk of misreporting.
What happens if you don’t comply with the new soil analysis requirements in Ireland?
If you fail to provide the correct LPIS number or georeference with your soil samples, the consequences could be significant.
If the necessary information is missing, the soil sample report will be automatically assigned a Phosphorus Index 4. This means you will not be able to purchase phosphorus fertilisers or apply phosphorus to your land, which could severely limit crop yields and impact farm profitability.
Additionally, DAFM may audit or inspect your business if your results aren’t up-to-date or if the LPIS number is missing. This could lead to potential penalties.
Why are there new soil analysis requirements in Ireland?
These new soil sampling requirements are part of a broader effort to address climate change and the ongoing concerns around water quality. By ensuring proper nutrient management, the government aims to reduce the runoff of phosphorus into water systems, which can result in eutrophication (the stimulation of excessive plant and algal growth, depleting oxygen levels in the water and affecting aquatic life).
Ultimately, this regulation is about improving traceability at the field level. As agricultural practices evolve, especially under the Fifth NAP, Ireland must demonstrate its commitment to environmental sustainability and proper nutrient management, fostering a more sustainable approach to farming.
IAS: ahead of the game
At IAS, we are fully prepared to help farmers comply with these new regulations. Our systems are designed to seamlessly integrate georeferencing and LPIS parcel numbers into our soil analysis reports, making it easy for you to meet the new requirements.
We perform fast, reliable, and comprehensive soil analysis services to help you determine nutrient levels and how much fertiliser you need to apply. We use our extensive knowledge and expertise to help farmers navigate the soil testing process. From sample collection to interpreting results, we ensure that you receive accurate and actionable data to help you comply with all regulations, including the NAP.
We make the whole process easy for you:
- We provide a free sampling kit containing everything you need for analysis including sample bags, a delivery envelope, an analysis request form, and full instructions on taking and sending samples.
- Results are reported 10 working days from the time of registration, in an easy-to-understand visual format so nutrient adequacy can be determined quickly.
- Your georeference and/or LPIS number will be clearly shown on your report for clear and easy compliance with legislation.
Contact us or speak to your advisor direct to receive your free sampling kits today.