State to allocate 900,000 euros for soil de-acidification this year

Lithuania is launching a significant initiative to improve soil quality across the country, dedicating 900,000 euros this year to combat soil acidification. The Ministry of Agriculture announced a new support mechanism designed to encourage farmers to enhance the condition of their acidic soils.

The program specifically targets soils with a pH level of 5.5 or lower. Officials project that by 2026, this effort will lead to the de-acidification of about 18,000 hectares of agricultural land. Farmers interested in participating can begin submitting applications on July 7.

To qualify for support, farmers must provide soil test results from an accredited laboratory, confirming the acidic nature of their land. These tests must have been conducted within the four years preceding the application. The de-acidification process itself must be completed by November 3 of the application year. The state will cover 50% of the expenses for purchased liming materials, with a maximum compensation of 50 euros per hectare. Over a four-year period, the maximum compensation per recipient for the same field is capped at 200 euros per hectare.