REPS & Environment

Last N and slurry spreading in REPS

Chemical nitrogen fertiliser applications must cease by 1 September on established grassland. It is a requirement in each year of the plan that all the slurry produced on the farm is landspread by 31 August.

Penalty changes

The 25% penalty for slurry tanks not emptied as required, has been replaced by a 10% penalty for spreading organic manures or chemical nitrogen fertilizers during prohibited periods.

The 50% penalties for exceeding chemical or organic N, and chemical P, are replaced. Now, a penalty of 10% will apply if planned organic N limits are exceeded by 10% or more, and a 50% penalty if scheme limits are exceeded. If chemical P or N exceeds planned limits by up to 10%, there is a 10% penalty; and if by greater than 10% or scheme limit is exceeded, the penalty is 50%. Changes apply to REPS 2000 also.

Could you live with N limits?

REPS chemical N limits prohibit very intensive farmers. However, many could and should examine their figures again. Farmers stocked at 1.76 LU (150 kgs organic N) per hectare can use 110kg of chemical N per hectare. This is achievable.

Tillage farmers in REPS are restricted to 80% of normal recommendations. For example, continuous spring barley is limited to 108kg per hectare of chemical N, compared to the normal 135kg.

With higher payments, and receiving some payment on every acre, you really have to justify staying away from REPS 3!