Can I spread slurry in January 2007
Alan Galbraith, Countryside Management Branch, DARD
One of the most frequently asked questions regarding the Nitrates Directive Action Programme relates to whether or not slurry can be spread in January 2007.
The closed period for spreading organic manures is 15 October to 31 January.
You cannot spread slurry in January 2007 if you already have sufficient storage in place. The minimum requirement for storage being 26 weeks for pig and poultry enterprises and 22 weeks for other livestock.
If you do not have sufficient storage in place, then you may apply slurry in January 2007 provided conditions are favourable. You must not apply
- When soil is waterlogged.
- When land is flooded or likely to flood.
- When soil has been frozen for 12 hours or longer.
- When land is snow covered.
- If heavy rain is forecast within the next 48 hours.
- Where land is steeply sloping with an average incline of 20 percent or more and where other factors such as waterways, soil conditions, ground cover and rainfall presents a significant risk of water pollution occurring.
(These non-spreading conditions apply to all organic manures including farmyard manure and dirty water.)
You must have sufficient storage capacity in place by 31 December 2008. However once the storage is in place the spreading closed periods must apply.
| Organic closed spreading period | |
|---|---|
| Required storage already exists | Begins on 1 Jan 2007 |
| Required storage is in place summer 2007 | Begins on 15 Oct 2007 |
| Required storage in place summer 2008 | Begins on 15 Oct 2008 |
Also all slurry and dirty water must be applied close to the ground for example with an inverted splash plate.
