Scottish Government

NITRATE VULNERABLE ZONES IN SCOTLAND
CONSULTATION ON AMENDMENTS TO THE NVZ ACTION PROGRAMME

Contents

1. Introduction
1.1 Purpose
1.2 Responding to this consultation
1.3 Questions on proposals in this consultation paper
2. Background
2.1 The Nitrates Directive
2.2 The current Action Programme
2.3 Existing Scottish NVZs
2.4 Review of the current NVZ Action Programme
2.5 Principal changes
3. Proposed changes to the current Action Programme Regulations
3.1 Revised limits on the quantity of organic nitrogen applied
3.2 Revised closed periods, prohibiting application of some types of fertilisers
3.3 Fertiliser and Manure Plan
3.4 Storage capacity for livestock manures
3.5 Other nitrogen measures consistent with good agricultural practice
Amount of manure applied before & after closed periods
Manure application near watercourses/water sources
N efficiency
N Max
Steep slopes
Spreading organic manures on frozen ground
Application methods and frequency of applications
3.6 Record keeping
4. Benefits and costs of proposed changes
5. Proposed timescale for implementation
6. Assisting with compliance with the Action Programme measures
Appendix: Standard reference figures for the nitrogen content of livestock excreta
Annex A: Summary of current rules and proposed changes
Annex B: Scientific evidence
Annex C: Fertiliser and manure management plan and Farm risk assessment outline
Annex D: Draft Regulatory Impact Assessment
Annex E: Derogation proposals