Guide to the new slurry rules as 2023 open season starts

Regulations contain specific measures to protect surface water and groundwater from nutrient pollution arising from agricultural sources.

The regulations in place mean that there are times of the year when it is prohibited for farmers to spread any fertiliser, manure, or soiled water on their land. Picture: Andy Gibson

As the slurry-spreading period opens this month for the three zones across the country, farmers should take note of the changes in rules occurring in 2023.

Ireland’s Nitrates Action Programme allows for regulations to be put in place to provide a basic set of measures to ensure the protection of waters (including drinking water sources) against pollution caused by nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural sources, with the primary emphasis on the management of livestock manures and other fertilisers.