Press Release

IMPORTANT NEW REQUIREMENT

NITROGEN VULNERABLE ZONES (NVZ)

The 2008 Regulations increased the area of English existing NVZ’s from 55% to 68% of the country. If you are in Lancashire/West Yorkshire you are probably within the Zone. If so, you have a duty to complete the following matters by

1. Calculate the nitrogen in your livestock waste and work out the nitrogen loading per ha. 170 kg/ha is the target.
2. Calculate and record your requirement for slurry and dirty water storage for a 5 month storage, and review that against your provisions.
3. Plan and record proposed fertilizer storage.
4. Keep individual field records of organic and inorganic fertilizer applications. Maximum limits apply (N max)

CLOSED PERIODS

Spreading slurries and poultry manure is controlled by date. Grassland on average soils is closed to spreading 15th October to 15th January. Other figures apply to other situations.

5. Preparation of farm risk plan showing position of manure heaps and bore holes.
6. Record details of imported/exported manures.

The Regulations are lengthy and involved and our comment is generality designed to make you aware of the general thrust of the requirements. In all cases you need to consult the Regulations and take specific advice. We can help.