German farmers receive new lime and sulfur guidance to boost crop yields

Plant adviser Christian Stempfle, the new Raiffeisen crops advisor for the Günzburg district, outlined practical recommendations for using sulfur and lime on arable land and grassland. He noted that a dry spell from March to July 2026 limited rainfall in southern Germany, reducing fungal diseases but also lowering grain numbers and size, while maize benefitted from the moisture retained in the soil. The July rains later raised potato disease pressure but helped improve maize ear development.

A separate long‑term industry trial in Saxony demonstrated that magnesium lime improves soil pH, magnesium supply and nitrogen‑use efficiency, leading to higher crop yields without adverse effects from increased magnesium levels. These findings suggest that site‑specific lime applications can enhance nitrogen efficiency and overall farm profitability.