Nitrates rules benefit output targets and water quality
Details of the Nitrates Action Programme that will be in operation from 2014 to 2017 were announced last Wednesday.
There are a number of significant changes in the regulations that will operate over the next four years.
The package of changes that have been included represent a considered effort to ensure that the output and value targets for the agri-sector, set in the Food Harvest 2020 report, can be realised, while sustaining progress in maintaining and improving water quality.
The nitrates regulations have been in place since 2006 and this period has seen a steady improvement in water quality. However, the regulations have also been associated with negative impacts on the production potential of farms.
For example, the phosphorus application limits on grassland have been a major concern as soil phosphorus fertility levels on many farms have declined to levels that are sub-optimal for grass and crop production. The changes in the regulations will allow more scope for farmers to build up and maintain soil phosphorus levels.
Increased phosphorus inputs are being specifically targeted to the soils that are low in phosphorus and therefore pose the lowest risk of phosphorus loss to waters.
Changes on the tillage sector in nitrogen and phosphorus rates and in green cover requirements are also welcome in order to address issues in specific crops.
With increasing focus on pesticide usage under the sustainable use directive, the role of optimised crop nutrition is becoming more critical to the management of the overall health of tillage crops. Changes in the assumption of availability of phosphorus in organic fertilisers will also provide scope for targeted applications of manures and slurry to soils with low phosphorus fertility. This will increase the potential to utilise organic fertilisers more effectively for improving soil fertility.
This measure will also have a direct impact on improving the opportunity to utilise pig and poultry manures and spent mushroom compost as a source of nutrients.
The improved clarity of definition of soiled water is of particular benefit to dairy sector, and will provide more certainty regarding soiled water and slurry storage requirements. This will be especially useful for farmers planning for expansion to allow for planning for animal housing and storage facilities on the farm.
Additional measures are also included to strengthen the protection of water quality. In the case of phosphorus rates, the targeted reduction in inputs on less intensive farms will be of benefit in the protection of high status water bodies.
The increased setback distances from waters for manure application for the two-week period before and after the closed period, provide a sensible means of reducing the potential for losses of nutrients, without imposing further calendar restrictions on farmers.
Teagasc were proactive in 2013 in proposing changes to the Nitrates Regulations based on strong scientific evidence. Many of these proposals have been incorporated in the revised regulations. Teagasc continue to research technologies and systems that will improve soil fertility management and nutrient use, while also increasing nutrient efficiency and protecting water quality.
- Dr Frank O’Meara is Teagasc director of research.
