Applications now open to apply more manure to grassland in 2012

Eligible farmers are being reminded that they can ask for permission to apply more manure onto their grassland during 2012.

Applications for the Nitrate Vulnerable Zone grassland derogation are now open until December 31 2011.

If approved, farmers will then be allowed to apply up to 250kg of manure nitrogen per hectare instead of the 170kg limit which farms in NVZs must adhere to. To qualify, they should ensure at least 80 per cent of their agricultural land is classed as grassland.

Tried & Tested co-ordinator Rebecca Wells said: ’This derogation is invaluable for grassland farmers struggling to meet the 170kg limit under NVZ regulations.

’For such farmers costly alternatives could be to export manure off-farm, acquire additional land or reduce livestock numbers, potentially damaging the economic viability of the farm.’

Once approved, there are a number of conditions farmers must meet regarding both land management and additional record keeping. Planning for use of phosphate as well as nitrogen in fertilisers and manures is required, for which Tried & Tested tools can be used. Visit http://www.nutrientmanagement.org/tools/