A target has been set for 90% of slurry to be applied by Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS) technology on Irish farms by the end of 2027.

It includes 29 actions with specific and challenging targets aimed at reducing the environmental footprint and further building on the strong credentials of Irish agriculture.

Action 1 of the roadmap sets out the plan to reduce chemical nitrogen use to an absolute maximum of 325,000t by 2030.

According to the report, chemical nitrogen use on Irish farms “peaked at 408,000t” in 2018.

Over 50% of chemical nitrogen usage is in the dairy sector and the department notes that this “must be a key focus area”.

Sector should target 50% reduction in nitrous oxide emissions

“Over the course of the next decade, the sector should target a 50% reduction in nitrous oxide emissions associated with chemical fertiliser use,” the document states.

Under Action 2 of the roadmap, the department outlines that where chemical fertiliser is applied, the use of protected nitrogen products is promoted.

The department outlines a target to prohibit the use of urea, replacing it with the use of a urease treated urea product (protected urea) by the end of 2023.

The department adds that in order to achieve these targets, the fertiliser industry will need to “work proactively with the agri-food sector”.

“An information portal on protected nitrogen products should be established and maintained.”