New legislation sets maximum allowed fertilisation rates

MAXIMUM fertilisation rates for farming are set by the new legislation, which depend generally on grassland stocking rates, and the phosphorus index of the soil.

Allowed phosphorus fertilisation rates shall be reduced by 0.5 kg of phosphorus for each 100 kg of concentrated feedstuff (straight and compound) per 85kg grassland stocking rate fed to grazing livestock on the holding.

In tillage, where proof of higher yields is available, an additional 20kg of N per hectare may be applied.