Extra phosphorous allowance part of NAP
The extra phosphorus is essential for sward establishment., said Agricultural Science Association President Pat O’Keeffe, acknowledging the scientific input of professionals in the public and private sectors to the NAP.
ASA welcomed extension of transitional arrangements for the pigs and poultry sectors, and changes to winter ploughing dates and nitrogen and phosphorus for cereal crops, to ensure survival of the malting barley industry. However, ASA remains concerned about the impact of phosphorus deficiency on animal health, and said the extra nitrogen for malting barley could have been extended to all spring barley.
Mr O’Keeffe said continuing the calendar–based approach to slurry application is a missed opportunity.
Teagasc director Professor Gerry Boyle welcomed the commission’s indication that it will support Ireland’s request for a renewal of the 250kg/ha derogation.
Among other NAP changes are:
* Winter ploughing date from January 15 to November 30.
* Reference yield for spring barley from 7.5 to 6.5 t/ha.
* An extra 20kg N/ha can be applied for malting barley where needed to address low protein content.
* Maximum N fertiliser for winter wheat increased by 20kg/ha.
* No nitrogen index change when organic manure used in tillage.
* Nitrogen availability of spent mushroom compost reduced to 20%.
* Extra 3.8kg/ha of P can be applied to cereals for each tonne of grain yield above 6.5 t/ha.
* P from concentrates fed to grazing livestock can be based on known P content or default 0.5kg P/100 kg of concentrate, and will be calculated on the basis of the previous year’s usage.
* Transition arrangements for exceeding pig and poultry manure P limits remain for two years, then are reduced 5kg/ha for two years, and 3kg/ha for a further two years. After 2017, pig or poultry manure applications cannot exceed limits.
* See www.teagasc.ie/pigs/NitratesRegsChanges_Oct2010.pdf for further details.
