Good nutrient management aims to maximise the on-farm benefit from using fertilisers whilst also minimising the risk of nutrient pollution and costly over-application of fertiliser.

The main source of nutrients is manufactured mineral fertilisers.  Manures, slurries and other organic products are also applied to land but often with less understanding of their potentially significant nutrient value.

The standard of nutrient management must improve to help contribute to sustainable food production. Ensuring the carefully managed application of all nutrients, including mineral fertilisers and organic materials such as slurries and manures helps to close the ‘nutrient gap’ that arises as the crop uses nutrients to grow and is then removed at harvest. Optimising the production benefits by ensuring good nutrient uptake by crops helps minimise an excess in the soil where it is lost to the environment. Good nutrient management considers the best technique to apply the right amount of nutrients at the correct time.

Our key documents include:

• Code of Good Agricultural Practice: Protecting our water, soil and air – a code of good agricultural practice for farmers, growers and land managers
• Fertiliser Manual (RB209)
• ‘Good Nutrient Management’ guidance (PDF 665 KB)

Key facts and figures

Nutrient use in agriculture currently contributes:

• 50-60% of nitrate and 32% of phosphate in surface waters. These nutrient losses contribute to eutrophication of rivers, lakes and coastal waters.
• To the loss of 248000 tonnes each year of ammonia which is 88% of UK ammonia emissions. These emissions can affect respiratory health in humans and impact on the quality of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
• Around 8% of UK greenhouse gas emissions, 40% of which is from soil nutrient management. 76% of UK nitrous oxide emissions come from farming.

Figures from Defra’s Farm Practices Surveys reveal:

• About 50% of farms have a Nutrient Management Plan
• 18% analyse manures for their nutrient content
• 36% of farmers only check fertiliser spreaders annually

Key guidance and documents

Defra has produced guidance to help farmers achieve good nutrient management:

Code of Good Agricultural Practice (CoGAP)

This provides practical advice to reduce the risk of causing pollution while protecting natural resources and allowing economic agriculture to continue.

• Download the Code of Good Agricultural Practice: Protecting our water, soil and air – a code of good agricultural practice for farmers,growers and land managers
• Hard copies priced at £12.50 can be ordered from www.tso.co.uk

Fertiliser Manual (RB209)

This manual helps farmers and their advisors decide the best level of fertiliser to use on the main crop types for their particular situation.

• download the Fertiliser Manual (RB209) including the 2011 8^th edition errata
• hard copies priced at £24.99 can be ordered from www.tso.co.uk

Good Nutrient Management

This covers some of the key steps in achieving good nutrient management

• Download Good Nutrient Management (PDF 665 KB)

PLANET 3

A software tool to generate nutrient management recommendations mimicking calculations in the Fertiliser Manual (RB209), and a number of modules to help show compliance with Nitrate Vulnerable Zones rules.

• Register to receive PLANET 3

MANNER

A software tool which predicts the plant availability of manure nitrogen (N) following application to land.

• Register to receive MANNER

ENCASH

A software tool to calculate the amount of nitrogen (N) in manure produced by different types of permanently housed pigs and poultry.

• Register to receive ENCASH

Addition of The Analysis of Agricultural Materials (RB427)

A manual providing organisations involved in agricultural analyses with a standard reference book of methods.

• Available on request by emailing: fertilisers@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Accredited advice

The Fertiliser Advice Certification Training Scheme (FACTS) identifies qualified advisers who can help with all enquiries relating to fertiliser use on farms.

Relevant legislation and regulations for nutrient use

• In Nitrate Vulnerable Zones, farmers must not apply more fertiliser nitrogen than required by the crop, taking into account crop uptake and soil nitrogen supply from soil organic matter, crop residues and organic manures.
• The 1991 UK Fertiliser Regulations and the 2003/2003 EC Fertiliser Regulation place requirements on manufacturers concerning the composition and labelling of certain fertiliser products. Defra is currently reviewing the fertiliser regulations in the UK. The review will consider bringing regulations together in one place, making them up to date and clearer to follow while maintaining standards and continuing to meet EC requirements.  A consultation is planned for later in 2011 and details will be available here in due course. Members of the public or industry who want more information on the review should contact fertilisers@defra.gsi.gov.uk
• Water Resources Act 1991 – it is an offence to pollute water which may lead to a maximum fine of £20,000 in a magistrates court, or even more severe sentences in the higher courts.
• Control of Pollution (Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil) Regulations 1991 – sets minimum standards for the construction of new or improved manure stores. These standards can also apply to existing stores if the Environment Agency believes they pose a significant risk of pollution.
• Environmental Protection Act 1990 – local authorities may consider offensive smells to be a statutory nuisance.
• Control of Pollution (Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil) Regulations 1991 – sets minimum standards for the construction of new or improved manure stores. These standards can also apply to existing stores if the Environment Agency believes they pose a significant risk of pollution.
• The Sludge (Use in Agriculture) Regulations 1989
• There are also regulations concerning the selling, importing and exporting of fertilisers.

Quality protocols

• PAS 100 and PAS 110 quality protocols for compost and anaerobic digestate respectively.