New rules are in place which relate to the way that farmers need to manage their land, in particular the management of Nitrogen within Nitrate Vulnerable Zones. ADAS staff have been instrumental in developing the PLANET software that allows farmers to ensure effective nutrient use in fields and compliance with the new regulations.
Farmers in Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) are set to face new demands and challenges under regulations that come into force on 1st January 2009.
The new rules will place a statutory requirement on farmers in both the original and new NVZs to create detailed Nitrogen application plans and maintain full records of cropping; organic manure and fertiliser N applications. An extra 13% of England has been designated an NVZ, bringing the total to 68% of all land. These demands come at a time of record high fertiliser prices which further highlight the need to optimise use of nutrients.
“All farmers are under pressure in the face of fertiliser price-hikes, but the rules have changed substantially for NVZ farmers. Livestock farmers in these areas face the biggest challenges as they must comply with closed spreading periods, manure N loading and minimum storage requirements, as well as planning nitrogen applications before any nitrogen is actually applied,” explains 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. Non-compliance can lead to big financial penalties from the Single Farm Payment Scheme and fines for breaching the new legislation.”
Drawing on science-based knowledge and practical experience of nutrient management on farms, as well as expertise in using the Defra and Environment Agency recognised PLANET software, FACTS qualified ADAS staff can help to reduce the time and resources required to plan fertiliser and manure use, as well as ensuring compliance with the new NVZ rules.
“Having developed the PLANET software that allows farmers to ensure effective nutrient use in fields and compliance with the new legislation, ADAS is ideally situated to advise on the new regulations and deliver solutions such as Farm Business Management Plans, Planning Applications and associated ecology services,” says Steve.
“The service will ensure farmers use fertilisers and manures effectively for optimum crop production and avoid significant penalties and the risk of prosecution for non-compliance with the new regulations.”
With the rapid rise in Nitrogen, Phosphate and Potash prices, farmers stand to gain even more by optimising fertiliser usage. The costs of fertiliser 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 efficiently, farmers stand to make instant returns on investment as well being safe in the knowledge that they are fully compliant.”
For more information please contact Steve Ford, Senior Consultant at ADAS, on 01772 703070, or email steve.ford@adas.co.uk.