New regulations which came into force on the 1st January 2009, combined with the pressures of record high fertiliser prices and economic uncertainty, mean that the controlled application of nutrients is more important than ever before, warns leading environmental consultancy ADAS.
The new rules place a statutory requirement on farmers with land in an NVZ to create detailed Nitrogen application plans and maintain full records of cropping, organic manure and fertiliser N applications.
Non-compliance could lead to significant financial penalties under the Single Farm Payment Schemes, as well as the risk of prosecution for breaching the new regulations.
"All farmers are under pressure in the face of fertiliser price-hikes, but the rules have changed substantially for farmers in NVZs," explains senior ADAS consultant Steve Ford. "Under the new regulations, farmers will not only need to keep detailed records, but also carry out and document complex calculations to check their compliance."
An extra 13 per cent of England has now been designated an NVZ, bringing the total to 68 per cent of all land. Four per cent of the land in Wales is also affected.
"Livestock farmers in these areas face the biggest challenges as they must comply with closed spreading periods, manure N loading and minimum manure storage requirements, as well as planning Nitrogen applications before any is actually applied, and keeping within application limits" says Steve.
These demands come at a time of record high fertiliser prices which further emphasise the need to optimise use of nutrients. The costs of Nitrogen, Phosphate and Potash have increased three to four fold over the last year and, while the cost of N has declined recently in line with oil prices, the world demand for food is keeping P and K prices high.
"Now is the time to check that the right fertiliser rates are being applied for optimum grass and crop production," explains Steve. "By using manure and fertiliser nutrients effectively, farmers will not only ensure that they are fully compliant with the new legislation, but also stand to make instant returns on investment at a time when they need it the most."
ADAS is behind the development of the Defra and Environment Agency recognised PLANET software, a practical tool which helps farmers to optimise nutrient use in fields each year and ensure compliance with the NVZ rules. An updated version of the software was released in November 2008.
"Drawing on our science-based knowledge and practical experience of nutrient management on farms, ADAS is ideally situated to help farmers with the new regulations and optimise fertiliser use through our NVZ solutions service. Our wider services also include development of Farm Business Management Plans, assistance with Planning Applications and associated ecology services," says Steve.
"Our FACTS qualified advisers can help to reduce the time and resources required to plan fertiliser and manure use, and ensure compliance with the new regulations."
