Scientists agree calendar months should not dictate nitrate spreading

AGRICULTURAL scientists agree with Ireland’s farming groups that regulations on the spreading of nitrates should be defined by climactic conditions rather than adhering to strict calendar months.

The Agricultural Science Association (ASA) yesterday said they welcomed the bulk of the new nitrates regulations issued by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, but also said the continuation of the rigid calendar–based approach to slurry application is a missed opportunity.

The ASA did, however, note that the Department of Agriculture had shown some flexibility in the past three years in relation to EU rules on slurry spread- ing and noted this reason- able approach would need to be continued.