Shropshire Star

New rules in England to protect water quality

From April 2, 2018 a new set of Farming Rules for Water will be introduced to help protect water quality by standardising good farm practices, many of which are already being performed. The aim is to help protect water quality and also save farmers money by the efficient use of fertilisers and soil management.

Published

The rules require farmers to keep soil on the land, match nutrients to crop and soil needs, and keep livestock fertilisers and manures out of the water.

These new rules will apply to all farmers in England, and have similarities to the rules that are already in place in NVZ but farmers will also be required to test their soils at least every five years.

Rule 1 manure and fertiliser applications should take account of fields and conditions that carry a ‘significant risk of pollution’ and follow results of soil testing for Phosphorous, Potassium, Magnesium, pH and nitrogen levels.

Rule 2 muck heaps mustn’t be sited within 50 metres of a spring, well or borehole or within 10 metres of inland freshwaters or coastal waters or where there is risk of pollution entering waters.

Rule 3 manures and fertilisers mustn't e applied if soil is waterlogged, flooded, or snow covered, frozen for more than 12 hoursor if there is significant risk of causing pollution

Rule 4 Manure must not be applied within 50 metres of a spring, well or borehole or within 10 metres of any inland freshwaters or coastal waters, or within six metres of inland freshwaters or coastal waters if precision equipment is used

Rule 5 Fertiliser must not be applied within two metres of inland freshwaters or coastal waters.

Rule 6 Reasonable precautions to prevent soil erosion

Rule 7 Land within five metres of inland fresh or coastal waters must be protected from soil erosion by preventing poaching by livestock.

Rule 8 Livestock feeders must not be positioned within 10 metres of any inland freshwaters or coastal waters or within 50 metres of a spring, well or borehole or where there is risk of poaching.

For advice speak to Sarah Wedge at the Oswestry office of Davis Meade Property Consultants on 01691 659658 or email sarahwedge@dmpcuk.com