Option 3 - Nutrient Management Plan 
What this is about
The aim of the measure is to improve nutrient planning and nutrient management and in this way to reduce diffuse pollution from farm land.
What this will achieve
This option will encourage the best use of nutrients from inorganic and organic fertiliser (including slurry and farmyard manure) by matching applications to crop requirements. It should thus reduce the losses of nutrients to the environment.
What you must do
Implement nutrient planning and management on all the arable land and improved grassland of the farm. Produce a nutrient management plan which must cover the following points:
- Carry out soil testing in selected fields on a 3 to 5 year cycle to determine soil pH, nutrient status (eg phosphates (P) and potash (K)) and trace elements (eg magnesium);
- Calculate nutrient requirements of both arable and grass crops eg. nitrogen (N), P, K, and trace elements. This should take account of the soil analysis results, the nutrients available from previous inputs and the cropping history;
- For N, follow the SAC recommendations in the Technical Note T516 "Nitrogen recommendations for Cereals, Oilseed Rape and Potatoes".
- For P and K, follow SAC Technical Note T308 "Removal by crops and PK balance sheets";
- Keep records of the quantities and date of application of mineral fertiliser (eg 20:10:10), farmyard manure and slurry applied to the field. This should take account of the levels of N, P and K contained in organic manures. Tables of typical values for total N, P and K (and potentially available P and K) in manure and slurry are available in the SAC 4 Point Plan for Improved Farm Waste Management and the PEPFAA Code;
- Operate buffer areas if there is a watercourse (this includes ditches), spring or borehole in or beside any of the fields. (This may not require any action if the area is already part of a buffer area because of an agri-environment scheme.) If you are eligible for the measure, you may apply for the Creation and management of water margins and enhanced riparian buffer areas options under RDC Rural Priorities.
You will also need to:
- Keep records of no-spread zones on arable land or improved grassland. For further guidance, you may wish to consult the SAC 4 Point Plan;
- Apply fertiliser at times which will promote maximum nutrient uptake by the crops.
The production of a simple Risk Assessment for Manure and Slurry ( RAMS) is an easy way to plan applications of manure and slurry whilst following good agricultural practice and reducing pollution risk. The 4 Point Plan provides guidance on the preparation of a RAMS.
Who can apply
Land managers in Scotland farming land outwith a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone ( NVZ).
Plans should normally cover a 3-5 year period. The commitment period will be for the growing season; a new plan may be applied for each year.
How to apply
Complete Section 4 of the LMO application form using one of the following codes. The code required if a professional advisor is to prepare the plan is LMONUMA. The amount applied for should be an estimate of 40% of the cost but the claim will be limited to the amount on the application. If you prepared your own plan then enter LMONUMB. The amount applied for should be the fixed sum of £150.
Eligibility criteria
The plan must cover all arable land and improved grassland for the business. If the farm land is in an NVZ manure and fertiliser plans are already required and therefore are not eligible under this option. Where part of a farm is in an NVZ and part is outside, an application may be made for the land outwith the NVZ.
What costs could be supported
The cost of producing a nutrient management plan.
Rate of support
If the nutrient management plan was prepared by a professional adviser, 40% of the cost will be payable up to a maximum of £300 per business.
If the applicant prepares the plan rather than employing a professional adviser, a fixed sum of £150 per business will be payable.
A maximum funding limit is set by EC regulations for the use of advisory services. See Financial limits for further details.
Inspections/Verification
At inspection the inspector will expect to see
- Nutrient management plan
- Soil test results
- Your cropping records
- Records showing dates applied, amounts and types of organic and inorganic fertiliser applied to your fields
- Calculations of current crop nutrient requirements
- A map showing no-spread zones
The plan should cover all the arable land or improved grassland on the farm.
The plan should identify individual fields and involve an assessment of the fertiliser needs for the crops in those fields.
Evidence
We will send you a claim form which you must submit along with the supporting documentation by 31 August in the year following application. The evidence you provide must include a detailed invoice if the plan is prepared by a professional adviser.
List of links to relevant technical guidance
SAC 4 Point Plan for Improved Farm Waste Management
SAC Technical Note T516 "Nitrogen recommendations for Cereals, Oilseed Rape and Potatoes". This Note also contains details on the availability of nitrogen from the application of livestock manure.
SAC Technical Note T308 "Removal by crops and PK balance sheets.
PEPFAA Code