Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ) rules, which have an environmental affect on all arable and grassland farmers, are to change from the end of this year.
Restrictions on the use organic manures on arable and grassland farms will increase as the NVZ rules are tightened throughout the country.
Farmers are advised to familiarise themselves with the changes as failure to comply with NVZ rules can result in prosecution and the risk of a reduction in Single Farm Payment.
One of the leading arable specialists in the country is warning farmers of the need to keep up-to-date records on the use of nitrogen fertiliser and organic manures – and offering to work beside farmers to keep them compliant with the NVZ rules and interpret the data on their behalf.
Ken Greetham, arable manager of the Wynnstay Group Plc, said they would be helping farmers to 'farm to the maximum' within the rules which would impose even more restrictions.
He explained: "We are in the middle of a substantial change of emphasis for farmers with environmental factors having a significant affect on farming practices.
"The change will affect mixed farms as well as arable farmers who import manures, including sewage sludge, and any organic material. It will affect the average nitrogen input from organic sources although it will not have an impact on specific field limits.
"Farmers need to be aware of the impending changes and the threat of prosecution if they don't comply. As arable merchants we will work closely with them and look at individual farms in relation to NVZs.
"We will help them to assess the number of hectares of arable and grassland crop fertilised to keep within the farm limits and where problems are identified how to implement the best solutions".
The December change will see the current maximum average 210 kg/ha organic manures for arable land within NVZ drop to 170 kg/ha.
In their latest arable catalogue, Wynnstay set out spreading controls on nitrogen fertiliser and organic manures to avoid contaminating water courses.
Much of the country is designated as an NVZ which is an environmental measure designed to reduce water pollution by nitrate from agricultural sources.
Wynnstay refer arable and grassland farmers to DEFRA for full details of the rules. For advice on nitrogen limits and assistance with record keeping Wynnstay's arable division can be contacted on 01939 210555.