A new code of practice has been prepared by the Department of the Environment aimed at reducing and preventing pollution of water systems with nitrates, according to Mr Aidan Larkin, chairman of the IFA national industry and environment committee.
The code arises from an EU directive on nitrates which came into effect in 1991. It relates to the use of nitrate fertilisers but will also detail the best recommended practice for slurry and water management on farms.
Under the new voluntary code, the recommended maximum nitrogen application, both from slurry and grazing livestock, will be 210kg of nitrogen per hectare.