The new Nitrates Action Programme 2011 – 2014
Jayne Armstrong, Countryside Management Delivery, DARD
The Nitrates Action Programme (NAP) aims to improve the use of nutrients on farms and as a result improve water quality throughout Northern Ireland. The NAP which came into effect on 1 January 2007 has been renewed and revised. Some changes have been made to the NAP for the next 4 years from 2011 to 2014. The key changes are summarised below.
Farmyard manure (FYM) land application and storage
With effect from 31 October 2011, FYM will be subject to a closed spreading period from 31 October until 31 January. Until 31 December 2012, FYM may be stored in a field heap where it is to be applied but for no longer than 180 days. After that date FYM field heaps are only permitted for no longer than 120 days.
Spreading on steeply sloping ground
All fertilisers, chemical and organic, must not be applied on steep slopes. Steep slopes are defined as an average incline of 20 percent or more on grassland or an average incline of 15 percent or more on all other land where other significant risks of water pollution exist. Risk factors to be assessed include the proximity to waterways, the time to incorporation, the type and amount of fertiliser being applied and the soil and weather conditions. Additional advice on how to assess these risks will be available in the new NAP Guidance Booklet 2011-2014.
Chemical Nitrogen fertiliser application.
The spreading distance from any waterway for chemical nitrogen fertiliser has increased from 1.5m to 2m.
Poultry litter storage
Poultry litter may be stored in a field heap until 30 September 2011 for a maximum of 180 days in the field where it is to be applied. It must be covered with an impermeable membrane within 24 hours of placement in the field. The field storage of poultry litter is to be reviewed in 2011. Further detailed guidance will shortly be issued to poultry producers.
Other changes.
- The standard figures for the amount of nitrogen pigs excrete have been reduced.
- A requirement for farmers to manage silage effluent collection and storage facilities to prevent pollution has been introduced.
- Clarification has been provided on who may be responsible for different offences under the Regulations.
- Standard phosphorus contents for a greater range of agricultural products and feedstuffs have been introduced for those farms operating under derogation.
A summary of all measures contained in the NAP 2011 – 2014 will be issued to all SFP claimants in Northern Ireland in early 2011. If you would like further advice about NAP, please contact your local Countryside Management Delivery Branch, DARD or go on-line at www.dardni.gov.uk
Nitrates Derogation
The derogation enabling intensively stocked grassland farms to operate at a nitrogen loading up to 250kgN/ha/yr from grazing livestock has been recently approved by the EU Commission for a further 4 years to 2014. The requirements for the derogation have not changed.
The main requirements of a derogation are that you must:
- have at least 80 percent land in grassland;
- apply to NIEA on or before 1 March each year:
- prepare a fertilisation plan on farm by 1 March each year;
- prepare and submit a fertilisation account to NIEA on or before 1 March each year; and
- have a farm phosphorus balance less than 10kg/ha/yr.
Farmers wishing to apply for a derogation for 2011 must submit a completed application form to NIEA on or before 1 March 2011. Application forms are available from NIEA at www.ni-environment.gov.uk or by telephoning 02892623189.
