The Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine released interim nitrogen and phosphorus (N&P) statements at the end of last week for the period 1 January to 31 August 2019.

The statements, which are available through the Department’s online system www.agfood.ie, will help farmers monitor compliance with nitrates regulations.

The maximum permitted level of organic nitrogen per hectare is 170kg, while approved derogation farmers can farm to 250kg/ha organic nitrogen.

The Department also wishes to remind farmers that all nitrate records forms for 2019 must be submitted to the nitrates section before 31 December 2019.

The most common methods of reducing farm organic nitrogen levels is by reducing stock numbers, exporting organic manures or temporary grazing agreements.

Farmers not already registered for agfood.ie can do so by logging on to www.agfood.ie and clicking the ‘Register’ button.

To register a mobile phone number for future SMS text alerts, log on to www.agriculture.gov.ie/contactsupdates/ to access the sign-on form.