Environment: riparian margin action in GLAS must be done by 31 July

GLAS: Riparian margins

Some farmers who selected the riparian margin grassland action for GLAS must have the action completed by 31 July 2016. The objective of this action is to create a linear buffer zone to protect water courses.

According to the Department, livestock grazing in the riparian zone can lead to direct pollution of water with urine and faeces, which can lead to pathogens entering the water. This can destroy aquatic habitats and lower the quality of water that could be used for human consumption.

The Department says riparian margins will stabilise riverbanks and intercept nutrients transported in overland flow. Farmers must establish either a 3m, 6m, 10m or 30m riparian margin by fencing it off. An access point for machinery into the margin is permitted to keep it managed.

Livestock are not permitted to graze the margin from the time of its establishment until the end of the GLAS contract. Margin width is measured from the top of the bank or the edge of vegetation (if scrub is present) into the field. The margin must be mulched or mown at least once per year, but not between 1 March and 15 August each year. Offtakes are allowed.

GLAS: Low-input permanent pasture

Parcels identified as low-input permanent pasture in GLAS cannot be topped between 15 March and 15 July annually. It is also not permitted to cut them for hay or silage.

Pesticides are not permitted, except for spot treatment of noxious and invasive weeds and rushes. Where present, rushes must be controlled either mechanically, by weed-wiping and/or by spot-spraying. While weed-wiping and/or spot-spraying can take place between 15 March and 15 July, topping to control rushes cannot take place between these dates.

GLAS: Traditional hay meadows

Farmers are now allowed to cut parcels set aside for traditional hay meadows in GLAS. According to the Department, in situations where, because of bad weather as we have experienced in recent days or for other reasons, hay cannot be saved, silage can be made, provided that it is turned at least twice before collecting.