The Environment Agency has issued new guidance on the spreading
of organic manure which is set to affect farmers and land
managers in England.
Under Rule 1 of the Farming Rules for Water, in Spreading organic
manures on agricultural land: RPS 252, farmers will have
to justify why they need to apply organic manures in the autumn.
The biggest impact is set to be felt in the east of England where
most pig and poultry manures are applied ahead of autumn
cropping.
Responding to the new rule change, Chief Land Use Policy Adviser
for the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), Susan
Twining:
“It is good to see that the Environment Agency has taken on board
industry concerns in this latest guidance, but it is still likely
to have a big impact on many businesses, both practically and
economically, with little time to adapt plans for this year.
“Of course, water quality should never be compromised. A healthy
water environment is key to ensuring wildlife can flourish, and
everyone has their part to play.
“But further thought is urgently needed on how to balance the
value of organic material for building soil health and benefits
for carbon sequestration, reducing reliance on manufactured
fertilisers, improving water holding capacity and associated
flood risk.”
What do the new rules mean?
- The Farming Rules for Water (FRfW) - Rule 1 has requirements
for planning nutrient applications of organic material (livestock
manures and slurries, digestate and biosolids) and manufactured
fertiliser to crops, taking into account risks to water from
nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P).
- The Rules apply across the whole of England. Those in a
Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) should also follow the NVZ rules
that have additional requirements. There should be proactive
management of all crop nutrients on farm to avoid losses to water
and also air (as ammonia and nitrous oxide).
- Mitigation action must be taken where there is a significant
risk to water. This might include reviewing the need for organic
material, adjustment of application rates, considering
alternative fields, or the export of manures.
- Organic materials applied as a means of disposal, rather than
as part of a crop nutrient management plan based on crop and soil
needs, will be in breach of the Rules.
- The decision-making process on whether to apply organic
material and/or manufactured fertiliser should be a transparent
part of manure and nutrient management planning.
- A nutrient management plan should take account of crop need,
manure type, its nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) content, rate of
application, soil type and nutrient indices, and weather forecast
at application.
The Reduction and Prevention of Agricultural Diffuse Pollution
(England) Regulations were introduced in 2018 - known as the
FRfW. These placed key aspects of the Code of Good Practice for
water into regulation.
Read the guidance in full here
See industry guidance here
