There will be a complete ban on splash plate slurry spreading for farmers stocked over two cows per hectare, a review of the nitrates derogation by an expert group has recommended.

There is to be no change to the calculated rate of organic nitrogen produced per cow (85kg) and no change to the upper limit of 250kg organic nitrogen threshold per hectare.

Farmers in derogation and those stocked over 170kg organic nitrogen per hectare will be required to use low-emission slurry spreading (LESS) equipment from 2020.

The expert review group suggests derogation rules should apply to those intensive farmers not currently classified as derogation farmers but who are stocked over 170kg and export slurry.

Commonage or rough grazing will not be allowed in 2020 derogation area.

Compulsory liming, including clover in reseeds and adopting biodiversity measures are among the new rules which will begin to apply this autumn.

The current derogation will run to the end of 2021.

Over 7,000 intensively stocked farmers availed of the derogation in 2018.

A further 5,000 farmers exceeded the 170kg organic nitrogen/ha livestock manure limit but exported slurry.

Rules for 2020

  • No change to the calculated rate of 85kg organic nitrogen produced per cow.
  • No change to 250kg organic nitrogen threshold.
  • Only low-emission slurry spreading (LESS) after 15 April 2020.
  • Commonage/rough grazing not allowed in 2020 derogation area – and rough grazing area not allowed in bag nitrogen calculations.
  • Compulsory farm liming.
  • Farmers must record grass growth on software or complete a grass management course.
  • Include clover seed when reseeding.
  • Reduce crude protein content in feed.
  • Adopt one biodiversity measure.

    • Rules for 2021

  • As per 2020, plus all slurry spreading from 12 January 2021 must be spread by LESS.

    • Likely moves post-2022

  • Potential upward revision of the established rate of 85kg organic nitrogen produced per cow, which will effectively enforce lower stocking rates.
  • Potential lowering of the 250kg organic nitrogen limit in sensitive catchment areas.
  • Potential increase of rainfall levels (based on elevated recorded rainfall amounts), which would mean farmers with uncovered tanks would need more slurry storage.

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