Slurry spreading rules highlighted as season reopens

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has reiterated pollution prevention rules as farmers across Wales prepare for the January reopening of the organic manure spreading season following winter restrictions.

Measures introduced over the autumn and winter prevented the spreading of slurry and other high-nitrogen organic manures to reduce the risk of agricultural pollution entering land and water.

These closed periods are now ending in phases.

See also: Welsh farmers urged to follow slurry spreading rules

Spreading on grassland can resume from 16 January, while applications on tillage land may restart from 31 January.

However, several requirements under the Control of Agricultural Pollution Regulations will remain in force until the end of February.

These include limits on application rates, with no more than 30cu m/ha of slurry or 8t/ha of poultry manure allowed in a single application.

A minimum interval of three weeks must be observed between applications on the same land.

Field checks 

Before any spreading takes place, farmers and contractors must inspect fields to assess soil and weather conditions, slope, ground cover and proximity to watercourses.

These checks are intended to reduce the likelihood of run-off and pollution incidents.

All applications of organic manure must also be planned and recorded within a nitrogen management plan.

NRW has confirmed that its teams will continue to support farmers while monitoring compliance with the regulations.

Simon Griffiths, team leader of NRW’s Agricultural Pollution Inspection Team, said:

“As the closed periods come to an end, we want to remind farmers, tenants, landlords and contractors of the restrictions which remain in place until the end of February.

“This means anyone considering spreading organic manure needs to ensure the conditions are suitable before work starts.

“NRW is committed to protecting the environment and any instances of pollution will be investigated and appropriate enforcement action taken.”

NRW is urging farmers and members of the public to report any suspected pollution incidents immediately via its online reporting form or by calling its 24/7 incident centre on 0300 065 3000.