Inside Milk
Is the 80 percent derogation requirement too high?
If the minimum percentage of grassland in the derogation scheme is reduced from 80% to 70% grassland, this does not have to endanger the groundwater quality. This is stated in an analysis by Wageningen University.
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Since the introduction of the requirement in 2014, the enthusiasm to participate in the derogation has decreased, researchers Marga Hoogeveen, Henri Prins and Co Daatselaar write in the report 'Decrease in derogation: the exploration of the size and motivations of entrepreneurs'.
Additional measures against leaching
If the percentage is no longer 80% (but 70%), then enthusiasm is expected to increase again, the Wageningen researchers assume. On balance, the total area of grassland will probably no longer decrease, so that less nitrogen will be leached into the groundwater. It must be assumed that more nitrogen is leached into the groundwater on arable land than on grassland.
In addition, the catch crop obligation has been introduced in maize cultivation and it is likely that from 2021 full-field fertilization with liquid manure in cultivation will also be prohibited. If this does not provide sufficient guarantees to the European Commission, the ban on spreading on grassland can be extended to August. After all, the risk of leaching increases rapidly as the growing season passes.
Unstable protein
Reducing the minimum percentage from 80% to 70% also increases the possibilities for the cultivation of concentrate crops (soy, feed grains and grain maize). This development is stimulated, among other things, by sustainability programs in the dairy sector, the Wageningen researchers write.
Growing these crops can be a means for companies to manage protein production and utilization of their own land, because too high a share of grassland products leads to an unfavorable nitrogen balance on the company. This is due to the higher percentage of unstable protein in the ration. According to the researchers, nutritionists consider a ratio between grass and silage maize of approximately 70% grass and 30% maize to 60% grass and 40% maize to be ideal.
Lowering the minimum percentage of grassland from 80% to 70% also increases (last but not least) the possibilities for cooperation with the arable sector. This is a crucial development on the road to circular agriculture