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S.I. No. 788/2005 - European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2005

Type Statutory Instrument

Publication 2005-12-11

Last updated 2006-07-18

State Repealed superseded text

Text As published

Source Irish Statute Book

articles 25

This is the act as published. Later amendments are not folded into the text below: each one is a separate act in this repository and an entry in this law's history.

1 amending act · 2006-07-18, S.I. No. 378/2006 - European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Wa…

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Fertiliser	Availability¹ (%)	Availability¹ (%)	Availability¹ (%)	Availability¹ (%)
	Nitrogen	Nitrogen	Nitrogen	Phosphorus
	From Jan 1 2006	From Jan 1 2008	From Jan 1 2010	From Jan 1 2006
Chemical	100	100	100	100
Pig and poultry manure	35	40	50	100
Farmyard manure	20	25	30	100
Spent mushroom compost	35	40	45	100
Cattle and other livestock manure (including that produced on the holding)	30	35	40	100
¹ Refers to year of application	¹ Refers to year of application	¹ Refers to year of application	¹ Refers to year of application	¹ Refers to year of application

Article 15

Table 10 Determining nitrogen index for tillage crops


Continuous tillage: - crops that follow short leys (1-4 years) or tillage crops	Continuous tillage: - crops that follow short leys (1-4 years) or tillage crops	Continuous tillage: - crops that follow short leys (1-4 years) or tillage crops	Continuous tillage: - crops that follow short leys (1-4 years) or tillage crops
Nitrogen Index	Nitrogen Index	Nitrogen Index	Nitrogen Index
Index 1	Index 2	Index 3	Index 4
Cereals, Maize (no organic manures)	Sugar beet, Fodder beet, Potatoes, Mangels, Kale Oil Seed Rape Leys (1-4 years) Grazed or cut and grazed, Swedes removed	Peas, Beans	Any crop receiving frequent dressings of organic manures
Cereals, Maize (no organic manures)	Sugar beet, Fodder beet, Potatoes, Mangels, Kale Oil Seed Rape Leys (1-4 years) Grazed or cut and grazed, Swedes removed	Swedes grazed in situ	Any crop receiving frequent dressings of organic manures
Vegetables receiving less than 200 kg/ha nitrogen	Vegetables receiving more than 200 kg/ha nitrogen
Tillage crops that follow permanent pasture	Tillage crops that follow permanent pasture	Tillage crops that follow permanent pasture	Tillage crops that follow permanent pasture
Index 1	Index 2	Index 3	Index 4
Any crop sown as the 5^th or subsequent tillage crop following permanent pasture	Any crop sown as the 3^rd or 4^th tillage crop following permanent pasture. If original permanent pasture was cut only, use index 1	Any crop sown as the 1^st or 2^nd tillage crop following permanent pasture (see also Index 4). If original permanent pasture was cut only, use index 2	Any crop sown as the 1^st or 2^nd tillage crop following very good permanent pasture which was grazed only

Article 15

Table 11 Phosphorus index system


Soil phosphorus index	Soil phosphorus ranges (mg/I)	Soil phosphorus ranges (mg/I)
	Mineral Soil	Peat
1	0.0-3.0	0.0-10.0
2	3.1-6.0	10.1-20.0
3	6.1-10.0	20.1-30.0
4	Above 10.0	Above 30.0

Article 16

Table 12 Annual maximum fertilisation rates of available nitrogen on grassland


Grassland stocking rate¹ (kg/ha/year)	Available nitrogen (kg/ha)
<100	74
101-110	80
111-120	86
121-130	92
131-140	97
141-150	116
151-160	143
161-170	176
Mixed holdings (grazing/tillage)²	Mixed holdings (grazing/tillage)²
171-180	203
181-190	237
191-200	275
201-210	306
211-220	297
221-230	288
231-240	278
241-250	269
¹ Total annual nitrogen (kg) excreted by grazing livestock averaged over the net grassland area (ha) (grazing and silage area). Stocking rate refers to grassland area only. ² This table does not imply any departure from Article 20(1) which prohibits the application to land on a holding of livestock manure in amounts which exceed 170kg Nitrogen per hectare per annum, including that deposited by the animals themselves.	¹ Total annual nitrogen (kg) excreted by grazing livestock averaged over the net grassland area (ha) (grazing and silage area). Stocking rate refers to grassland area only. ² This table does not imply any departure from Article 20(1) which prohibits the application to land on a holding of livestock manure in amounts which exceed 170kg Nitrogen per hectare per annum, including that deposited by the animals themselves.

Article 16

Table 13 Annual maximum fertilisation rates of phosphorus on grassland


Grassland stocking rate¹ (kg/ha/year)	Phosphorus Index	Phosphorus Index	Phosphorus Index	Phosphorus Index
	1	2	3	4
	Phosphorus (kg/ha)² ³	Phosphorus (kg/ha)² ³	Phosphorus (kg/ha)² ³	Phosphorus (kg/ha)² ³
<80	29	9	9	0
81-90	30	10	10	0
91-100	31	11	11	0
101-110	33	13	13	0
111-120	34	14	14	0
121-130	35	15	15	0
131-140	36	16	16	0
141-150	37	17	17	0
151-160	38	18	18	0
161-170	39	19	19	0
Mixed holdings (grazing/tillage)⁴	Mixed holdings (grazing/tillage)⁴	Mixed holdings (grazing/tillage)⁴	Mixed holdings (grazing/tillage)⁴	Mixed holdings (grazing/tillage)⁴
171-180	41	22	21	0
181-190	42	24	22	0
191-200	43	27	23	0
201-210	44	29	24	0
211-220	45	31	25	0
221-230	46	34	26	0
231-240	48	36	28	0
241-250	49	39	29	0
¹ Total annual nitrogen (kg) excreted by grazing livestock averaged over the net grassland area (grazing and silage area). Stocking rate refers to grassland area only. ² After meeting the phosphorus requirements of all crops on Index 1, 2 & 3 soils on the holding the remaining manure produced by grazing livestock on the holding may be applied to the grassland. ³ The above phosphorus fertilisation rates shall be reduced by 0.5 kg phosphorus for each 100 kg of concentrated feedstuff (straight and compound) per 85kg grassland stocking rate fed to grazing livestock on the holding. ⁴ This table does not imply any departure from Article 20(1) which prohibits the application to land on a holding of livestock manure in amounts which exceed 170kg Nitrogen per hectare per annum, including that deposited by the animals themselves.	¹ Total annual nitrogen (kg) excreted by grazing livestock averaged over the net grassland area (grazing and silage area). Stocking rate refers to grassland area only. ² After meeting the phosphorus requirements of all crops on Index 1, 2 & 3 soils on the holding the remaining manure produced by grazing livestock on the holding may be applied to the grassland. ³ The above phosphorus fertilisation rates shall be reduced by 0.5 kg phosphorus for each 100 kg of concentrated feedstuff (straight and compound) per 85kg grassland stocking rate fed to grazing livestock on the holding. ⁴ This table does not imply any departure from Article 20(1) which prohibits the application to land on a holding of livestock manure in amounts which exceed 170kg Nitrogen per hectare per annum, including that deposited by the animals themselves.	¹ Total annual nitrogen (kg) excreted by grazing livestock averaged over the net grassland area (grazing and silage area). Stocking rate refers to grassland area only. ² After meeting the phosphorus requirements of all crops on Index 1, 2 & 3 soils on the holding the remaining manure produced by grazing livestock on the holding may be applied to the grassland. ³ The above phosphorus fertilisation rates shall be reduced by 0.5 kg phosphorus for each 100 kg of concentrated feedstuff (straight and compound) per 85kg grassland stocking rate fed to grazing livestock on the holding. ⁴ This table does not imply any departure from Article 20(1) which prohibits the application to land on a holding of livestock manure in amounts which exceed 170kg Nitrogen per hectare per annum, including that deposited by the animals themselves.	¹ Total annual nitrogen (kg) excreted by grazing livestock averaged over the net grassland area (grazing and silage area). Stocking rate refers to grassland area only. ² After meeting the phosphorus requirements of all crops on Index 1, 2 & 3 soils on the holding the remaining manure produced by grazing livestock on the holding may be applied to the grassland. ³ The above phosphorus fertilisation rates shall be reduced by 0.5 kg phosphorus for each 100 kg of concentrated feedstuff (straight and compound) per 85kg grassland stocking rate fed to grazing livestock on the holding. ⁴ This table does not imply any departure from Article 20(1) which prohibits the application to land on a holding of livestock manure in amounts which exceed 170kg Nitrogen per hectare per annum, including that deposited by the animals themselves.	¹ Total annual nitrogen (kg) excreted by grazing livestock averaged over the net grassland area (grazing and silage area). Stocking rate refers to grassland area only. ² After meeting the phosphorus requirements of all crops on Index 1, 2 & 3 soils on the holding the remaining manure produced by grazing livestock on the holding may be applied to the grassland. ³ The above phosphorus fertilisation rates shall be reduced by 0.5 kg phosphorus for each 100 kg of concentrated feedstuff (straight and compound) per 85kg grassland stocking rate fed to grazing livestock on the holding. ⁴ This table does not imply any departure from Article 20(1) which prohibits the application to land on a holding of livestock manure in amounts which exceed 170kg Nitrogen per hectare per annum, including that deposited by the animals themselves.

Article 16

Table 14 Annual maximum fertilisation rates of available nitrogen on grassland (cut only, no grazing livestock on holding)


	Available nitrogen (kg/ha)
1^st cut	125
Subsequent cuts	100
Hay	80

Article 16

Table 15 Annual maximum fertilisation rates of phosphorus on grassland (cut only, no grazing livestock on holding)


	Phosphorus Index	Phosphorus Index	Phosphorus Index	Phosphorus Index
	1	2	3	4
	Phosphorus (kg/ha)	Phosphorus (kg/ha)	Phosphorus (kg/ha)	Phosphorus (kg/ha)
First cut	40	20	0	0
Subsequent cuts	10	10	0	0

Article 16

Table 16 Maximum fertilisation rates of nitrogen on tillage crops


Crop	Nitrogen Index	Nitrogen Index	Nitrogen Index	Nitrogen Index
Crop	1	2	3	4
	Available Nitrogen (kg/ha)	Available Nitrogen (kg/ha)	Available Nitrogen (kg/ha)	Available Nitrogen (kg/ha)
Winter Wheat¹	190	140	100	60
Spring Wheat¹	140	110	75	40
Winter Barley¹	160	135	100	60
Spring Barley¹	135	100	75	40
Oats (Winter & Spring)	110	90	60	30
Sugar Beet	195	155	120	80
Fodder Beet	195	155	120	80
Potatoes: Main crop	170	145	120	95
Potatoes: Early	155	130	105	80
Potatoes: Seed	155	130	105	80
Maize	180	140	110	75
Field Peas/Beans	0	0	0	0
Oilseed Rape	225	180	160	140
Linseed	75	50	35	20
Swedes/Turnips	90	70	40	20
Kale	150	130	100	70
Forage Rape	130	120	110	90

¹Where proof of higher yields is available, an additional 20kg N/ha may be applied for each additional tonne above the following yields;

Winter Wheat - 9.0 tonnes/ha Spring Wheat - 7.5 tonnes/ha

Winter Barley - 8.5 tonnes/ha Spring Barley - 7.5 tonnes/ha

The higher yields shall be based on the best yield achieved in any of the three previous harvests, at 20% moisture content.

Article 16

Table 17 Maximum fertilisation rates of phosphorus on tillage crops


Crop	Phosphorus Index	Phosphorus Index	Phosphorus Index	Phosphorus Index
Crop	1	2	3	4
	Phosphorus (kg/ha)	Phosphorus (kg/ha)	Phosphorus (kg/ha)	Phosphorus (kg/ha)
Winter Wheat	45	35	25	0
Spring Wheat	45	35	25	0
Winter Barley	45	35	25	0
Spring Barley	45	35	25	0
Oats (Winter & Spring)	45	35	25	0
Sugar Beet	70	55	40	20
Fodder Beet	70	55	40	20
Potatoes: Main crop	125	100	75	50
Potatoes: Early	125	115	100	50
Potatoes: Seed	125	115	100	85
Maize	70	50	40	0
Field Peas	40	25	20	0
Field Beans	50	40	20	0
Oil Seed Rape	35	30	20	0
Linseed	35	30	20	0
Swedes/Turnips	70	60	40	40
Kale	60	50	30	0
Forage Rape	40	30	20	0

Article 16

Table 18 Maximum fertilisation rates of nitrogen on vegetable crops


Crop	Nitrogen Index	Nitrogen Index	Nitrogen Index	Nitrogen Index	Maximum additional supplementation (Top dressing)
Crop	1	2	3	4	Maximum additional supplementation (Top dressing)
	Available Nitrogen (kg/ha)	Available Nitrogen (kg/ha)	Available Nitrogen (kg/ha)	Available Nitrogen (kg/ha)	Available Nitrogen (kg/ha)
Asparagus (Establishment)	140	115	95	70
Asparagus (After harvest))	100	100	100	100
Broad Beans	0	0	0	0
French Beans	90	85	75	70
Beetroot	140	125	105	90
Brussels Sprouts	120	115	105	100	180
Spring Cabbage	50	35	15	0	250
Other Cabbage	150	135	115	100	100
Broccoli	120	110	100	90	20
Cauliflower (Winter & Spring)	75	50	25	0	150
Cauliflower (Summer & Autumn)	120	80	40	0	120
Carrots	90	75	55	40
Celery	120	85	65	50	180
Courgettes	140	125	105	90
Leeks	100	90	80	70	100
Lettuce	100	90	80	70	50
Onions	70	60	50	40	70
Scallions	90	80	70	60	60
Parsley	100	80	60	40	150
Parsnip	100	85	70	50	50
Peas (Market)	0	0	0	0
Rhubarb	100	90	80	70	200
Spinach	140	125	105	90	100
Swede (Horticultural)	70	45	25	0
Swede (Transplanted crops)	80	52	29	0

Article 16

Table 19 Maximum fertilisation rates of phosphorus on vegetable crops


	Phosphorus Index	Phosphorus Index	Phosphorus Index	Phosphorus Index
Crop	1	2	3	4
	Phosphorus (kg/ha)	Phosphorus (kg/ha)	Phosphorus (kg/ha)	Phosphorus (kg/ha)
Asparagus (Establishment)	40	25	15	10
Asparagus (Maintenance)	27	17	10	7
Broad Beans	60	45	35	20
French Beans	60	45	35	20
Beetroot	60	45	35	20
Brussels Sprouts	60	45	35	20
Spring Cabbage	60	45	35	20
Other Cabbage	60	45	35	20
Broccoli	60	45	35	20
Cauliflower (Winter & Spring)	60	45	35	20
Cauliflower (Autumn)	60	45	35	20
Carrots	60	45	35	20
Celery	88	65	55	28
Courgettes	60	45	35	20
Leeks	60	45	35	20
Lettuce	60	45	35	20
Onions	60	45	35	20
Scallions	60	45	35	20
Parsley	60	45	35	20
Parsnip	60	45	35	20
Peas (Market)	60	45	35	20
Rhubarb	60	45	35	20
Spinach	60	45	35	20
Swede	70	60	45	35

Article 16

Table 20 Annual maximum fertilisation rates of nitrogen on fruit/soft fruit crops


	Available Nitrogen (kg/ha)
Apples (Desert)	30
Apples (Culinary)	60
Pears	50
Cherries	70
Plums	70
Blackcurrants	80
Gooseberries	40
Raspberries	60
Strawberries	0
Redcurrants	60
Loganberries	50
Blackberries	50

Article 16

Table 21 Annual maximum fertilisation rates of phosphorus on fruit/soft fruit crops


	Phosphorus Index	Phosphorus Index	Phosphorus Index	Phosphorus Index
	1	2	3	4
	Phosphorus (kg/ha)	Phosphorus (kg/ha)	Phosphorus (kg/ha)	Phosphorus (kg/ha)
Apples (Desert)	25	16	12	8
Apples (Culinary)	20	12	10	8
Pears	16	8	4	0
Cherries	16	8	4	0
Plums	16	8	4	0
Blackcurrants	20	16	12	8
Gooseberries	20	16	12	8
Raspberries	20	16	12	8
Strawberries	16	8	4	0
Redcurrants	20	16	12	8
Loganberries	20	16	12	8
Blackberries	20	16	12	8

SCHEDULE 3 STORAGE PERIODS FOR LIVESTOCK MANURE

The storage period specified for the purposes of Articles 9(2), 10(2 and 12 is-

(a) 16 weeks in relation to holdings in counties Carlow, Cork Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Tipperary Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow;

(b) 18 weeks in relation to holdings in counties Clare, Galway Kerry, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath Roscommon, Sligo and Westmeath;

(d) 22 weeks in relation to holdings in counties Cavan and Monaghan.

Where a holding lies partly in one county and partly in one or more other counties, the holding shall be deemed for the purposes of this Schedule to lie wholly within the county in relation to which the longest storage period is specified by paragraph 1.

SCHEDULE 4 PERIODS WHEN APPLICATION OF FERTILISERS TO LAND IS PROHIBITED

In counties Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow, the period during which the application of fertilisers to land is prohibited is the period from-

(a) 15 September to 12 January in the case of the application of chemical fertiliser

(b) 15 October to 12 January in the case of the application of organic fertiliser (other than farmyard manure)

In counties Clare, Galway, Kerry, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo Meath, Roscommon, Sligo and Westmeath, the period during which the application of fertilisers to land is prohibited is the period from-

(a) 15 September to 15 January in the case of the application of chemical fertiliser

(b) 15 October to 15 January in the case of the application of organic fertiliser (other than farmyard manure)

In counties Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim and Monaghan, the period during which the application of fertilisers to land is prohibited is the period from-

(a) 15 September to 31 January in the case of the application of chemical fertiliser

(b) 15 October to 31 January in the case of the application of organic fertiliser (other than farmyard manure)

Given under the Official Seal of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government this 11th day of December 2005


L.S.	DICK ROCHE

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Explanatory Note

These Regulations are intended to provide statutory support for good agricultural practice to protect waters against pollution from agricultural sources, particularly in the context of implementation of a national Nitrates Action Programme. The Regulations include measures such as-

• set periods when land application of fertilisers is prohibited

• limits on the land application of fertilisers

• storage requirements for livestock manure, and

• monitoring of the effectiveness of the measures in terms of agricultural practice and impact on water quality.

The Regulations give further effect to several European Union Directives including Directives in relation to dangerous substances in water, waste management, protection of groundwater, protection of waters against pollution by nitrates from agricultural sources, public participation in policy development and water policy (the Water Framework Directive). The Regulations come into effect on 1 February 2006.

Footnotes

O.J. No. L 194/39, 25 July 1975

O.J. No. L 129/23, 18 May 1976

O.J. No. L 020, 26.01.1980, p.43

O.J. No. L 375,31.12.1991, p.1

O.J. No. L 327/1,22.12.2000, p.1

O.J. No. L 156/25.6.2003, p.17

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