Room for organic matter in Nitrates Directive

The sixth Nitrates Directive action programme, which Minister Henk Kamp presented on Friday 13 October, includes measures that provide more room for the supply of organic matter. On sandy and loess soils it is mandatory to grow a catch crop after potatoes.

For plots of land with a high phosphate status, an increased standard will come into effect from 1 January 2018. When a fertilizer is used that is rich in organic matter, including compost, mushroom compost and straw-rich solid manure, the phosphate standard is increased by 5 kilos per hectare. The use must be at least 20 kilos of phosphate per hectare.

As of January 1, 2020, the phosphate classes on agricultural land will be adjusted. Class neutral is split into neutral and more than satisfactory. The operating standards have been revised. The low and neutral categories are increased by 5 and 10 kilos for arable land. For class high, a 10 kilo discount applies.

Catch crop after potatoes mandatory
Another important measure is the obligation to grow a catch crop after potatoes on sandy and loess soils. However, this measure will not come into effect until January 1, 2021. A green manure must be sown by 16 September at the latest. If this is not possible, winter grain must be sown by 31 October at the latest.

Potato growers on clay soil will also have to deal with additional measures. For example, also from January 2021, it is mandatory to install thresholds on clay and loess soils to prevent runoff. These thresholds can be, for example, dams around a plot or trenches. The requirement applies to all crops grown on ridges.

Exit period extended
The application period for slurry is being tweaked in the sixth action programme. For the construction plan, this will shift from February 15 to September 15. On sandy and loess soils, the nitrogen standard for green manures is halved to prevent leaching. You can read more about the changes in the field of slurry in the article: 'Cabinet wants to lay down manure ceilings in law.'

The full Sixth Action Program Nitrates Directive can be read here.

Niels van der Boom

Niels van der Boom is a senior market specialist for arable crops at DCA Market Intelligence. He mainly makes analyses and market updates about the potato market. In columns he shares his sharp view on the arable sector and technology.

n.vanderboom@boerenbusiness. Nl

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