Eligible farmers can ask for permission to apply more manure onto their grassland during 2012 until New Year’s Eve. Applications for the Nitrate Vulnerable Zone grassland derogation are open until December 31st and, subject to approval, will allow farmers will to apply up to 250kg of manure nitrogen per hectare, instead of the 170kg limit which farms in NVZs must adhere to.

To qualify, farmers should ensure at least 80 per cent of their agricultural land is classed as grassland. Once approved, there are a number of conditions farmers must meet regarding both land management and additional record keeping.

For a list of conditions and for help with your application, download the document ‘The derogated livestock manure N farm limit’, here.

Tried & Tested co-ordinator Rebecca Wells said: “This derogation is invaluable for grassland farmers struggling to meet the 170kg limit under NVZ regulations.

“For such farmers costly alternatives could be to export manure off-farm, acquire additional land or reduce livestock numbers, potentially damaging the economic viability of the farm.”