Tried and Tested, nutrient management

A new Tried & Tested nutrient management plan is being launched to help farmers and growers plan their fertiliser and manure use, meet increasing regulatory demands and protect the environment.

The new, easy-to-read plan has been completely updated to offer practical advice for farmers to aid better record-keeping. It means crop nutrition needs are more easily met and, by optimising fertiliser use, farmers will potentially save money.

Work is being lead by industry organisations the AIC, CLA, FWAG, LEAF and the NFU.

CLA President Henry Aubrey-Fletcher said: "This is a further opportunity for the industry to show it takes the challenge of food and environmental security seriously. The efficient use of nutrients is a win-win situation as it saves money as well as reducing pollution to water and the emission of green house gases.

"I am convinced farmers and land managers can rise to the challenge but need to be supported by robust research and development, and technology transfer so they can continue developing sustainable enterprises. This voluntary approach offers some simple steps to getting on the right path."