Code of Good Practice

Generally in Ireland, our water quality is good when compared to parts of Europe. Over the years we have improved our low status regions but there is much room for improvement to reach our target of pristine waters or good ecological status by 2027. The following are general guidelines in the storage and application of Organic and Inorganic fertiliser.

Inorganic Manures

1.

Complete and implement soil tests for Phosphorus( P) ; Potassium (K ) ; soil pH and Lime requirement (LR) . Aim maintain your P & K levels at the agronomic optimum soil index 3 and soil pH between 6.3 and 7.0 depending on your soil and crop type.

4.

Match fertiliser application to the crop and yield expectations, making due allowance for animal manures applied.

7.

Do not apply fertiliser if a yellow rainfall warning is in place or heavy rain is forecast in the next 48hrs.

10.

Avoid fertiliser spreading during extended drought periods.

13.

Use Protected Urea to supply your nitrogen needs where possible to reduce the Green House Gases (GHG’s), Nitrous Oxide (N₂0) and ammonia losses.

2.

Comply with closed winter periods for the application of N & P as outlined in the current Statutory Instruments.

5.

When applying inorganic manures, obey buffer zones as specified for water bodies and streams in the current Statutory Instruments.

8.

Do not apply fertiliser when soils are saturated.

11.

Maintain spreading equipment in prime condition and calibrate equipment for even application.

3.

Use Teagasc recommended levels of nutrients based on soil test results and farm system requirements.

6.

Avoid fertiliser spreading on or near hedgerows (3-meter margin).

9.

Do not apply fertiliser when soils are frozen or snow covered.

12.

Carry out a tray test to ensure accurate and even application across the spread width.

ADDITIONAL MEASURES FOR SLURRY

1.

Slurry should be stored in line with the recommendations as outlined in the current Statutory Instruments.

4.

Use Low Emission Slurry spreading (LESS) as best practice thus minimising nutrient losses and in particular ammonia losses to the environment during application.

7.

Maximise spring application of slurry. The majority of slurry should be applied by June.

2.

Obey the winter months spreading closed Period as laid out in current Statutory Instruments.

5.

Carry out analysis of slurry to know its exact value and dry matter (DM) content.

8.

The nutrient content of slurry will vary

3.

Minimise slurry storage odours and nutrient loss by using all modern technologies.

6.

Recycle slurry back onto silage ground and low index grazing ground to replenish soil nutrient

9.

When spreading, comply the buffer zones for streams & drains, lakes & rivers, domestic wells and public water sources, as laid down in current Statutory Instruments.