The prohibited period for applying chemical fertiliser commences 15 September, slurry commences on 15 October and farm yard manure starts on 01 November. Spreading remaining slurry in tanks and FYM as soon as possible will free up storage space in case cattle have to be housed early.

It is essential that farmers are aware when spreading that buffer zones increase from 5m to 10m for two weeks before and after the prohibited period begins.

For example, slurry applications in zone A increase to 10m from 13 to 26 January and from 1 to 14 October.

The duration of the closed periods for fertiliser, slurry and FYM spreading have long been controversial among farmers and contractors, as they vary depending on the zone the farmer is situated in.

The country is spilt into zones A, B and C, each under different restrictions. Counties in zone C, which includes Co Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, and Monaghan, are most restricted.

Their closed period for fertiliser spreading lasts from 15 September to 31 January (20 weeks), slurry restrictions apply from 15 October to 31 January (15 weeks) and FYM spreading is prohibited from 1 November to 31 January (12 weeks).

Counties in zones A and B are less restricted. Zone A counties can commence spreading chemical fertiliser, slurry and FYM from 12 January, while zone B counties commence three days later from 15 January.

In relation to slurry-spreading equipment, big changes are expected to be introduced from 2020.

Farmers in derogation or highly stocked will be required to use low-emission slurry spreading (LESS) equipment from 15 April 2020.

Furthermore, all slurry spread after 12 January 2021 by derogation farmers must be done with LESS equipment.

It’s also important that safety is a key priority at all times when spreading slurry, FYM or fertiliser, as the dangers involved can be life threatening.