Farmers have little over 10 days to spread the last of this year’s chemical fertiliser on their farms. The final date for such applications is September 15, which is set out under the Nitrates Directive.

Chemical fertiliser means any fertiliser that is manufactured by an industrial process; this encompasses artificial fertiliser products containing nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P).

The closed period remains enforced until January 12 in the southeast; January 15 in the midlands and west; and January 31 in northern counties.

In the coming days, many farmers will spread their final round of fertiliser and it’s important to ensure that you are keeping within the parameters of the Nitrates Directive for N and P limits when spreading such products.

Image source: Department of Agriculture

October deadline for slurry spreading

Slurry, farm yard manures and chemical fertilisers are prohibited from being spread over the winter in Ireland, in accordance with the European Union’s Nitrates Directive.

All farmers have until October 15 to spread slurry on their land; the closed period for farm yard manure applications starts on November 1.

Failure to comply with these guidelines could result in penalties under the Basic Payment Scheme.

The aim is to protect ground and surface water, including drinking water. These regulations also prohibit such applications at any time of the year when the ground is frozen, waterlogged or heavy rain is forecast.