The Department of Agriculture has moved to clarify the conditions that must be present in order to extend the period during which farmers are allowed to spread slurry in October past the earlier deadlines being imposed from this year forward.

The closed period for spreading slurry is scheduled to begin on 8 October this year, a week earlier than the 15 October deadline of recent years. From next year, slurry spreading will be prohibited from 1 October.

However, farmers will be allowed to apply slurry past these dates, provided a set of specific criteria can be fulfilled.

These relate to “exceptional weather conditions leading up to the closed period,” according to the Department.

Criteria for exemption

The Moorepark St Gilles Grass Growth Model must demonstrate sufficient growth for nutrient uptake. In addition, no heavy rain should be forecast.

The Department says that consideration may also be given to the situation pertaining on farms, although it’s unclear exactly what this will mean in practice.

It is also unclear if a derogation will be granted on these lines to apply slurry on tillage ground prior to the planting of winter crops.

Stubble cultivation

The Department has also clarified where an exemption may be granted in terms of the requirement for post-harvest cultivation.

If drought or soil saturation conditions apply, there is a derogation around the 14-day limit to have completed stubble cultivation where required.