Key requirements of the NVZ Action Programmes
The following bullet points are an outline, for full information and guidance, you must read the Guidance section.
The key requirements of the Action Programme rules, which farmers in NVZs must comply with, are summarised below:
Record Keeping
- Records must be kept annually on the use of all organic and inorganic (chemical) nitrogen (N) fertilisers, on a field by field basis.
- A Fertiliser and Manure Plan must be prepared and implemented each year.
Nitrogen Application Limits
- There are farm and field based limits for the quantity of N that can be applied in the form of organic manure.
- N from organic and inorganic sources must not exceed the crop or grassland requirement.
Closed Periods (periods when no nitrogen applications are to be made) as set out in the Action Programme Regulations.
For inorganic (chemical) fertilisers the closed periods cover the months where there is unlikely to be plant uptake and the risk of nitrate leaching is highest.
- For slurry, poultry manure and liquid digested sewage sludge closed periods cover sandy and shallow soils during the times when nitrate leaching is most likely.
Other Restrictions on nitrogen application
- There are general restrictions on the spreading of organic or inorganic N under conditions where there is a risk of run-off.
- There are restrictions on the spreading of organic manure within a defined proximity of water courses and drinking supplies.
- There are restrictions on the timing of incorporating vegetable crop residues into the soil, due to their high nitrogen content.
Storage of slurry/poultry manure and farmyard manure
- The capacity of storage facilities must be sufficient to hold all the slurry/poultry manure that cannot be applied due to closed periods.
- Manure produced in excess of the storage requirement must not be used in a manner that will cause harm to the environment.
- Field middens must be sited away from inland and coastal waters, wells, boreholes or similar water supplies.