Rules to follow for farmers in the zone

This allows eligible farmers who farm land within NVZs to apply an additional 80kg per hectare of nitrogen from livestock manure to their land, above the usual 170kg per hectare limit. Those within NVZs who currently have a derogation for 2017, are reminded that they are required to reapply for 2018.

Applicants for the 2018 grassland derogation must be eligible, with grassland comprising at least 80 per cent of the agricultural area of their holding. This is the area of the holding used for agricultural purposes, and as an example, excludes the following - buildings, woodland, areas of hardstanding, and surface water.

A further condition of the greater average limit through grassland derogation of 250kg per hectare across the holding is that the nitrogen must originate from livestock manure. This includes both that which is deposited directly by grazing livestock and that which is spread on the land. In addition, all manure must be produced by grazing livestock - cattle, sheep, deer, goats and horses. Permission will not be granted where nitrogen is produced by ‘non grazing livestock’, for example, veal calves, pigs or poultry.

The Environment Agency is responsible for approving applications for derogation and monitoring those derogated for compliance.

There are a number of conditions which must be met as a result of a grassland derogation. This includes meeting the restrictions on ploughing grassland as it must be planted with crops which have a high demand for nitrogen within four weeks of ploughing, or with grass within six weeks of ploughing. In addition, where temporary grassland is on sandy soils, this must not be ploughed between July 1 and December 31, and where grassland has been spread with livestock manure in the previous year between September 1 and December 31 (sandy soils) and October 15 and January 15 (other soils). This must not be ploughed before January 16.

Failure to comply with the conditions could result in a fine by the Environment Agency or ineligibility to apply for grassland derogation in following years.

To apply for a 2018 grassland derogation applicants must contact the Environment Agency and provide them with the following information:

- Farm name, address and County Parish Holding Number

- Agricultural area and grassland area of your farm as at 01.01.18

- Separately for both grazing livestock and non-grazing livestock:

Amount of manure nitrogen produced on your farm from livestock during the calendar year in kilograms of nitrogen (kgN)

Amount of manure nitrogen produced by livestock you intend to bring onto or send off your farm during the calendar year (kgN)

Total amount of manure nitrogen from livestock on your farm during the calendar year (kgN)

Based on the above, the Environment Agency will calculate the applicants’ ability to meet the 250kg per hectare limit and where appropriate, issue an approval notice.

Camilla Whitehouse BSc (Hons) is a trainee surveyor with Nock Deighton Agricultural LLP