Farmers and land managers can cut pollution and boost
productivity by targeting their planning of fertiliser and manure
use, thanks to a free, online and easy to use nutrient
management planning tool (NMPT-GB) launched today (4
February).
By matching nutrient inputs such as nitrogen, phosphate, potash
and sulphur, and lime to crop and soil needs, the tool helps
farmers create, improve and revise nutrient management
plans.
This will maximise nutrient availability for food production
while reducing nutrient losses to water and air, supporting the
strategic aims of the Food Strategy and the Environment
Improvement Plan 2023.
NMPT-GB is available now for England and Wales, via the GOV.UK
website, with a Scotland release expected later this year.
Farming Minister Dame said:
We are backing farmers with innovative tools that help them
increase profitability while protecting the environment.
We're investing in practical, science‑led technology like our
nutrient planning tool to boost productivity, cut pollution, and
help the farming sector thrive for generations to come.
NMPT-GB was developed by Defra, AHDB, RSK ADAS and RSK Business
Solutions, using the latest guidance from the AHDB Nutrient
Management Guide (RB209) and Scottish Technical Notes.
Notes to editors
- NMPT-GB is a web-based nutrient planning tool for farmers,
land managers and advisers.
- It supports nutrient management planning linked to current
rules, including Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) requirements and
Farming Rules for Water (England), and The Water Resources
(Control of Agricultural Pollution) Regulations (Wales).
- Farm data entered into NMPT-GB is only available to the
farmer and their appointed users. Regulators cannot access
farm-specific data through the tool.
- We used a user-centred design approach to create the tool. It
helps users learn and comply with nutrient regulations through
on-screen guidance, in-tool alerts and warnings, and links to
relevant external information.
- RSK ADAS – a UK-based independent agricultural and
environmental consultancy and provider of rural development and
policy advice – will hold a webinar for users on Wednesday 4th
March, which will be recorded for future use. Register for the
webinar here.
- There is no legal requirement to use NMPT-GB. It's more
user-friendly than previous free decision support tools,
supporting users to access the latest nutrient recommendations,
helping them save time and money and create and implement
holistic and effective nutrient management plans which align with
latest regulations.
