Guidelines for farmers in nitrate vulnerable zones
Guidelines for farmers in nitrate vulnerable zones
Using these guidelines
These guidelines are designed to help you understand what is required under the NVZ rules and how to comply with your legal obligations. We suggest that you read them in stages to learn what NVZs are, to understand your legal obligations, and to decide which parts of the Action Programme apply to your business.
The following information is contained within the introductory booklet:
The Introduction contains brief background information on the designation of NVZs and the need for Action Programmes
Section 1 provides a summary of the NVZ rules
Section 2 provides details of the record keeping requirements
Section 3 provides details of the Farm and Field based limits for applying organic manure
Section 4 provides details of the closed periods for organic and inorganic fertilisers
Section 5 provides details of other restrictions on nitrogen application
Section 6 details the requirements for storing slurry, poultry manure and farmyard manure
Section 7 provides details on monitoring and enforcement, and responsibility for complying with the rules
Further guidance on preparing a Fertiliser and Manure Plan is contained in the accompanying booklets:
Fertiliser and Manure Planning - Part 1, Determining crop and grassland N requirements
This includes the associated booklet, Nitrogen recommendation tables for cereals, oilseed rape, potatoes and grassland. This booklet contains all of the reference material required to determine the N requirement of mainstream crops and grassland. Examples of blank record sheets are also supplied to help you with calculations at the various stages.
Fertiliser and Manure Planning - Part 2, Manure Planning
This includes the associated booklet, N available from livestock manure applications and appropriate reference data. Examples of blank record sheets are also supplied to help you with calculations at the various stages.
If you grow arable crops, but you do not keep livestock and you do not bring organic manure onto your NVZ holding, you should refer to sections 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7 of this booklet. You will also need to refer to the accompanying booklet, Fertiliser and Manure Planning - Part 1, Determining crop and grassland N requirements. Producers of leafy vegetables may also have to refer to the final section of that booklet.
If you keep livestock or bring organic manure onto your holding, you will have to refer to all of the sections in this guidance. You will also have to refer to Fertiliser and Manure Planning - Parts 1 and 2.