Autumn Nitrogen applications in NVZs - Farmer Guidance 2006
This revised guidance note relates to the application of inorganic nitrogen during the closed period and applies to Autumn 2006 sown crops.
As there are differing views, a 2 year research project has been commissioned to determine whether there is agronomic benefit from autumn N applications on winter barley crops sown at the lowest fertility point in the rotational cycle. Until such time as results become available, we recognise the need to continue with an interim position.
Soil sampling procedures, as adopted in the past 2 years, can be costly and the accuracy of the results is very dependent on how well the samples are taken and handled. In order to simplify procedures for 2006, we will accept (but do not recommend) applications of inorganic autumn N in the following circumstances:
1. Where all of the following conditions have been met:
- Predominant soil type in the field is Sand, loamy sand, sandy loam topsoil
- Autumn sown crop is winter barley
- Previous crop must be in N residue group 1
- No organic manure has been applied for the winter barley crop
- Nitrogen application does not exceed 25 kg N/ha
2. On all other soils application of autumn inorganic N will also be accepted on winter barley crops established by minimum tillage or direct drilling, provided that no organic matter has been applied for the winter barley crop and the application does not exceed 25 kg N/ha
NOTE - Application of autumn N made under both the above conditions must be recorded in the field records, but there is no need to notify the application to your SEERAD Area office. If you are in any doubt about whether a proposed application meets these criteria, you should contact your Area Office prior to making the application.
3. Nitrogen is currently included in most liquid PK fertilisers. This may cause difficulty with Closed Period compliance where liquid PK is applied in the autumn. Where this is the case, in situations not already covered above, we would expect farmers to look at all of the alternatives before making an application containing inorganic N. Where no suitable alternative can be identified (e.g. alternative products), we will accept the application of N included with liquid PK fertilisers. The nitrogen application must not exceed 25 kg N/ha. Proposed applications should be notified to the SEERAD Area Office prior to making the application, with an explanation of why there is no alternative available.
As a further simplification of the rules, autumn applications of inorganic N on Winter Oilseed Rape do not have to be notified to SEERAD. Applications must not exceed the seedbed recommendation figures in Table 9, Booklet 3 of the 'Guidelines for farmers in nitrate vulnerable zones' and should still be recorded in the field record.
Autumn applications of inorganic nitrogen on cereals will not be accepted in any situation which is not covered above.
Please also see Nitrogen Recommendations for Vegetable Crops