Drought measures for manure are not an issue

Despite the drought, the Committee of Experts on the Fertilizers Act (CDM) concludes that drought measures on the fertilizer market are not necessary. In 2018 the exit season was extended, but this year the conditions are less dire.

Commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV), the CDM investigated whether it is necessary to extend the period during which it is permitted to spread slurry, tear up grassland or sow catch crops.

Sufficient nitrogen in soils
Where the exit season was extended last year, that is not necessary this year. This is because a lot of slurry has already been applied in the spring. In addition, there is no national drought situation, which was the case last year. The CDM also notes that a lot of nitrogen is present in the soil. An extension of the riding season then only increases the risk of nitrate leaching.

Due to the revised fertilizer legislation, the spreading season has been extended since this year. For example, slurry may be spread on arable land up to and including 15 September. The condition is that a green manure is sown. The spreading of slurry on grassland is limited to 31 August.

Don't wait to tear grassland
Despite the precipitation shortage in several places, the CDM advises not to wait before tearing up grassland and sowing catch crops. Waiting until after the rain, this leads to growth retardation and therefore a limited uptake of nitrogen from the soil. This substantiates the advice to leave the end dates of the permitted periods for this.

In addition, since this year it has been permitted to carry out the cracking work on sandy and loess soils until 1 September. However, from June 1th, a duty to report, because from then on a discount of 50 kilos per hectare on the nitrogen application standard will apply. Grassland may be torn up on clay and cattle soils until September 15.

Wouter Job

Wouter Baan is Head of Meat & Dairy at BoerenbusinessAt DCA Market Intelligence, he focuses on dairy, pork, and meat markets. He also monitors (business) developments within agribusiness and interviews CEOs and policymakers.

w.baan@boerenbusiness. Nl

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