Nutrient Management Planning

The Integral Role of Nutrient Management Plans in Agriculture.

It is a legal requirement to have a current, up-to-date Nutrient Management Plan. Nitrate Vulnerable Zone Regulations (NVZ) have been in place for over 20 years and affect approximately 58% of farmland in England; they have also been introduced to 100% of cropland in Wales as of 2021.

The Reduction and Prevention of Agricultural Diffuse Pollution (England) Regulations 2018, or ‘Farming Rules for Water,’ affect 100% of England’s farmland and are regulated by the EA via on-farm inspections.

All of these rules dictate more detailed planning and being able to justify what you did, when you did it and why you did it. Farm subsidies, grants and other support rely on proving your compliance with these nutrient management planning regulations.

Be Reassured with 4R Reassurance

✔ 3 Farm visits per year with year-round support

✔ EA, NRW and RPA inspection ready

✔ Save cost by optimising the use of on-farm nutrients

✔ Farmer-friendly farm file

✔ Colour-coded maps for easy reading

✔ Slurry storage plans and manure calculations included

✔ Dedicated member of staff with agricultural knowledge & experience

✔ SFI & Farming Connect funding available

✔ Soil & manure testing available

Our premium Nutrient Management Planning is a service tailored to your individual farm.

We take account of your soil analysis, cropping plans, livestock numbers, manure and fertiliser spreading details, and imported organics (e.g. biosolids, digestate, etc.), marrying them all together to provide a bespoke Nutrient Management Plan so you know exactly what nutrients need to be applied to achieve maximum yields.

How the Regulations affect you;

Soil Analysis – all fields receiving manure or fertiliser must have analyses that are less than five years old at the time of application

Manure & Fertiliser Applications must not exceed the specified crop Nitrogen requirement

No more than 250kg of Nitrogen from organic manure (FYM, Biosolids, Digestate, Slurry, etc.) can be applied to any individual field

Field Risk Maps – Individual field maps are needed to identify spreading risks and field heap risks

Nutrient Management Planning – detailing and justifying where all manure and fertiliser will be spread on a field-by-field, crop-by-crop basis

GET A QUOTE

4R Reassurance: Nutrient Management Planning

Benefits of a Nutrient Management Plan

Our FACTS-qualified Nutrient Management Planners provide farmers with a nutrient management plan that can help in increased crop productivity, cost savings, environmental stewardship, regulatory compliance and improved soil health.

By adopting nutrient management practices, farmers can enhance the efficiency and profitability of their operations while safeguarding the environment for future generations.

Improved Crop Productivity

By accurately assessing the nutrient status of the soil and applying the right amount and type of fertiliser, farmers can enhance crop productivity. Nutrient Management Planners help farmers optimise nutrient use and ensure that crops receive adequate nutrition, leading to healthier plants, higher yields, and improved farm profitability.
Regulatory Compliance

The UK has regulations in place to protect water quality and the environment. Nutrient Management Planners ensure that farmers meet these regulatory requirements. By following the guidelines and best management practices outlined in the plan, farmers can demonstrate their commitment to responsible agriculture and avoid potential penalties or sanctions.
Long-Term Soil Health

Nutrient Management Plans focus on maintaining and improving soil health by considering organic matter content, soil structure, and nutrient balance. By implementing nutrient management practices that prioritise soil health, farmers can enhance soil fertility, structure, and resilience, ensuring the long-term sustainability of their farming operations.
Cost Savings

Nutrient Management Plans enable farmers to avoid over-application of fertilisers, which can be costly and inefficient. Farmers can reduce unnecessary expenses associated with excess fertiliser purchases by matching nutrient inputs to crop requirements. Additionally, by minimising nutrient losses through better management practices, farmers can maximise the value of their fertiliser investments.
Environmental Stewardship

Nutrient Management Plans prioritise environmentally sustainable practices. By implementing these plans, farmers can reduce nutrient runoff and leaching, minimising the risk of water pollution and protecting local water bodies. NMPs also contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by optimising nutrient use efficiency, resulting in a more sustainable farming system.

Not only is a Nutrient Management Planner (NMP) a crucial tool employed in the United Kingdom to ensure sustainable agricultural practices and effective use of nutrients, but it is also part of regulatory compliance to undertake annually.

Farmers in England must produce an annual Nutrient Management Plan to comply with the following regulations: The Reduction and Prevention of Agricultural Diffuse Pollution (England) Regulations 2018. (Farming Rules for Water) and Nitrate Vulnerable Zone Regulations. Meanwhile, in Wales, farmers are regulated by The Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021, also known as ‘the Water Regs’.

A Nutrient Management Planner can also help you meet the requirements for your nitrogen plan and manure calculation, which are also required under the Nitrate Vulnerable Zone Regulations. For a more in-depth nutrient management plan, we offer soil sampling and analysis to provide a more in-depth plan.

Nitrate Vulnerable Zone Regulations have been in place for over 20 years and affect approximately 58% of farmland in England. The Reduction and Prevention of Agricultural Diffuse Pollution (England) Regulations 2018, or ‘Farming Rules for Water’ are less well known.

Both of these rules require more detailed planning and being able to justify what you did when you did it and why you did it. Farm subsidies, grants, and other support rely on proving your compliance with these nutrient management planning regulations.