Bid to re-write N and P law

NEW Teagasc advice will be finalised in the coming week before being sent to the Government, which will then make a case to the European Commission for revising the new rules on phosphorous and nitrogen usage which the Government wrote into legislation in December.

Teagasc is likely to recommend revised phosphorous levels for low index soils, which would have no detrimental consequences for the quality of waterways. The new levels proposed for grassland will take account of the nutritional needs of ruminant animals, and the grass crop’s requirements, and the protection of water quality.

For farms with low stocking rates, new limits on nitrogen fertiliser applications are recommended, which would provide greater flexibility for the farmer, while ensuring that the nitrate levels in waterways meet environmental standards. This recommendation is of particular importance to farmers in REPS.