The Nutrient Action Programme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019

Measures governing the application of anaerobic digestateN.I.

This section has no associated Explanatory Memorandum

12.—(1) The controller shall not apply or permit the application of anaerobic digestate to the land unless he has in his possession the nutrient content analysis, containing the percentages of those substances listed in paragraph (5).

(2) Where the controller applies anaerobic digestate to the land that application shall not exceed the recommendations contained in the fertiliser technical standards for crop requirements for phosphorus taking into consideration soil phosphorus index, the recommended soil phosphorus index for the crop and the supply of phosphorus available from the application of livestock manure and other fertilisers.

(3) For the purposes of paragraph (2)—

(a)the soil phosphorus index shall be ascertained in accordance with Schedule 5;

(b)the phosphorus fertiliser recommendations for grassland shall be those set out in Tables 1 and 2 of Schedule 3, adjusted in accordance with the note to Table 1; and

(c)the available phosphorus content of livestock manures and other fertilisers is as set out in Table 3 of Schedule 3.

(4) Where anaerobic digestate is applied, the controller must prepare and retain a fertilisation plan.

[F1(4A) Paragraphs (2) and (3) shall not apply in relation to the controller where anaerobic digestate is produced—

(a)on the holding on which it is to be applied; and

(b)from livestock manure or non-waste feedstocks generated on the holding.]

(5) The substances mentioned in paragraph (1) are—

(a)dry matter;

(b)total N (nitrogen);

(c)total P2O5 (phosphate);

(d)total K2O (potash) and;

(e)ammonia N or NH4+.

(6) This regulation applies from 1st January 2020.

Textual Amendments