Nitrates Regulations

The Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC) which was adopted in 1991 has the objective of reducing water pollution caused or induced by nitrates from agricultural sources and preventing further such pollution, with the primary emphasis being on the management of livestock manures and other fertilisers. In Ireland, the Nitrates Regulations also deal with managing phosphorus.

In December 2010, a revised action programme for Ireland was signed into law. S.I. 610 of 2010, also know as the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters) Regulations 2010, is the regulation that governs the implementation of the Nitrates Directive in Ireland.

Under the Nitrates Regulations (S.I. 610 of 2010) farmers must not apply more than 170kgs of nitrogen from livestock manure per hectare per year. However, grassland  farmers, with grazing stock, may apply annually for a derogation to apply up to a limit of 250kg per hectare in a calendar year, under certain conditions.

Measures under the Nitrates Regulations include:

• the timing and procedures for the land application of fertilisers,

• limits on the land application of fertilisers that are consistent with good agricultural practice,

• storage requirements for livestock manure, and

• general provisions on storage management.