2026 Rainfall: What Do You Do When Your Soil Is Saturated?

February 26, 2026

Northern Ireland recorded its wettest January in 149 years.
Parts of England saw rainfall at around 150 percent of normal levels.
Across the Republic of Ireland, many stations reported between 130 and 170 percent of average rainfall through January and February, with soil moisture deficits sitting close to zero for extended periods.

But the real question farmers are asking is not about statistics.

What do you do when your soil is saturated and the work still needs to be done?

What Happens to Grass and Roots When Soil Stays Wet?

When soil remains saturated for weeks, oxygen levels around the root zone drop significantly. Grass roots need oxygen to function. Without it, root development slows, nutrient uptake suffers and, in severe cases, root decay can occur.

Sustained rainfall also increases compaction risk. Heavy axle loads on soft ground press air out of the soil profile, worsening the problem.

The result is reduced carrying capacity, slower recovery and long-term structural damage.

So the next question becomes:

How do you keep farming without making the problem worse?

How Do You Work Wet Ground Without Causing Damage?

Quad-X ATV and UTV mounted equipment is not designed to replace tractors. It is designed to provide a lighter, lower-impact option when ground conditions demand it.

Lower axle weight reduces compaction risk.
Reduced ground pressure limits rutting.
Greater manoeuvrability protects gateways and high-traffic areas.

In a season like 2026, choosing lighter Quad-X equipment for suitable tasks protects soil structure and protects margin.

One damaged field in February can cost more to repair than the value of the job that caused it.

How Do You Spread Fertiliser on Soft Ground?

Grass needs nitrogen early, particularly after prolonged wet weather.

But how do you spread fertiliser when fields will not comfortably carry heavy machinery?

Purpose-built Quad-X fertiliser spreaders, such as the Quad-X Pro Spreader, are designed to deliver accurate application from ATV or UTV platforms, with spread widths of up to 15 metres and upgrade options available.

Fewer overlaps mean fewer passes.
Fewer passes reduce fuel use.
Lower machine weight reduces compaction.

Using the right Quad-X fertiliser equipment allows farmers to respond to growth windows without undoing the benefit through soil damage.

Should You Aerate Saturated Soil?

When prolonged rainfall creates compaction and restricts oxygen flow to roots, aeration becomes an important part of restoring soil structure and supporting grass performance.

However, timing is critical.

Aerating ground that is too wet can cause smearing and further structural damage. Once conditions allow, relieving surface compaction helps restore air movement into the root zone and encourages healthier grass recovery.

ATV-mounted aerators, such as the Quad-X Aerator, alongside larger tractor-mounted systems including the Blaney Agri aerator range up to 5 metres working width, provide options suited to different farm sizes and ground conditions.

Understanding when to intervene and when to stay off the field is key to protecting soil structure

How Do You Manage Feeding During Lambing in Wet Conditions?

This season has landed straight into lambing for many sheep farms.

Feeding pressure increases. Gateways soften. High-traffic areas deteriorate quickly.

Quad-X trailed bale transporters allow half-tonne bales to be moved using lighter equipment, reducing drawbar weight compared to larger loader setups.

Quad-X stock feeders designed for ATV and UTV use allow controlled feeding without repeatedly running heavy machinery across soft ground.

When stock need moved, sheep trailers within the Quad-X range provide practical, lower-impact transport across vulnerable fields.

The objective is simple. Feed efficiently without creating repair work that lasts into summer.

What About Slurry and Manure Timing?

Slurry spreading in commercial situations remains contractor-led and tanker-based.

Solid manure management is different.

On smaller farms and livestock units, bringing in a large tractor-towed muck spreader during wet conditions can cause significant surface damage.

The Quad-X Muck Master is designed to replace larger tractor-towed muck spreaders for smaller-scale solid manure application. It allows farmers to spread when ground conditions allow, using lighter ATV or UTV equipment, without excessive axle weight.

For smallholders in particular, that control matters.

It means nutrients are applied at the right time without unnecessary soil damage.

How Do You Control Weeds Without Increasing Input Costs?

Wet seasons often increase weed pressure. Soft ground limits spray windows. Travelling with a boom sprayer can cause damage. And blanket spraying increases chemical spend at a time when every input matters.

So how do you control weeds accurately without adding cost or ground damage?

Quad-X is recognised globally as a world leader in weed wiping technology. The Quad-X Weed Wipeout 2 and Quad-X Xterminator 2 are used extensively across Ireland, the UK and international markets, from livestock pasture to large-scale arable systems.

Unlike conventional spraying, Quad-X weed wipers apply herbicide directly to the weed using a controlled wiping system. Chemical is applied only where needed, not across the full sward.

That means:

• Reduced chemical usage
• No blanket application
• Protection of grass and clover
• Less environmental exposure
• Lower overall input cost

In wet conditions, ATV or UTV mounted Quad-X weed wiping equipment allows farmers to travel lighter than a tractor-mounted sprayer, reducing surface damage while still tackling problem weeds.

The Quad-X Weed Wipeout 2 also offers adjustable height control to target taller weeds above the crop or grass canopy, ensuring precise contact and consistent results.

When input prices are under pressure, precision is not optional. It is essential.

Precision reduces waste. Reduced waste protects margin.

What Separates Efficient Farms in Wet Years?

Wet seasons are nothing new.

But seasons like winter 2026 highlight a clear difference.

Efficient farms:

• Protect soil structure
• Match machinery weight to conditions
• Apply inputs precisely
• Avoid unnecessary repair costs

Quad-X equipment earns its place by allowing farmers to continue operating without increasing long-term cost.

It is not about doing more work. It is about getting better return from the work already being done.

Rainfall records will be broken again. So the question is simple:

When your soil is saturated, will your equipment protect it or damage it?

Across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the wider UK, the priority in 2026 is clear.

Protect the ground.
Protect the grass.
Protect the margin.

Contact us today to see how we can support you.