This year, the closed period for slurry will start on the 1st of October 2023, which is earlier than what it has been under the previous nitrates action programme. Changes have also accused for the closed period for chemical fertiliser ends on 26th January, 29th January & 14th February for zones A, B and C respectively.

Low-emission slurry spreading (LESS) is becoming compulsory for an expanding number of farmers. This will ensure more efficient use and reduce losses from slurry and organic manures from 2023 it applies to all farmers with a grassland stocking rate of 150 kg N/na or above.

It will be expanded on a phased basis:

• All farmers above 120kg N/na from 2024
• All farmers above 100kg N/na from 2025
• From 2023 Less applies to all pig slurry and LESS for applicants to arable land or incorporation within 24 hours afterwards.

This year there will be a three-week closed period for soiled water which will expand to four weeks in 2024. Farmers who are involved in winter milk and have a contract with their processors are exempt from these changes until 2025 when they will then have to have that full closed period.

Closed Periods

2023 - 10th - 31st - December
2024 - 1st - 31st December
2025 - 1st - 31st December for winter milk

Soiled water storage for dairy farmers

2023 - three weeks
2024 - four weeks
2025 - four weeks of storage in 2025 for winter milk

Individual herds will be assigned to one of three bands each year. This will depend on the genetics of the cow and now she is managed as these factors influence the excretion rate.

As milk yield increases - the excretion rate increases

Bands
Low band - 80kg N / head/year
Middle band - 92kg N / head/year
high band - 106kg N / head/year

The banding category for each herd will depend on the herd's average milk yield.

Herds will be defaulted to the high band unless they submit information to prove otherwise.

Low band - 80kg  N / head / year

Middle band - 92kg N / head / year

high band - 106kg N / head / year

The banding category for each herd will depend on the herds average milk yield. 

Herds will be defaulted to the high band unless they submit information to prove otherwise. 

Soil Sampling is becoming mandatory for an increasing number of farmers. From 2023 onwards all farmers with a grassland stocking rate above 130kg N/na must take soil samples for arable farmers - All sown arable land must be sampled.

Where farmers do not take soil samples they must assume a phosphorus index of 4. This will cause problems in terms of chemical fertiliser use.

There are also increased requirements regarding buffer strips.

In tillage land, a 6-meter buffer strip has been introduced for the protection of intersecting watercourses.

The previous 2-meter buffer strip requirement for arable crops has been expanded to 3m.

The buffer strip requirement for applying chemical fertiliser adjacent to surface water has also been increased to 3m for all land.