From next year, farmers in NI who spread chemical phosphate (P) fertiliser will need to show a soil analysis to prove crop requirement during inspections, a DAERA spokesperson has confirmed.

The new Nutrient Action Plan (NAP) 2019-2022 states that from 1 January 2020 a fertilisation plan is needed on all grassland farms that use chemical P fertilisers and it will need to be made available during any cross-compliance inspections.

However, the regulations state that fertilisation plans must include “the results of soil analysis relating to nitrogen and phosphorus soil status, if available”.

On enquiry, a DAERA spokesperson confirmed that the results of a soil analysis must be available for inspections in “all cases” where a farmer spreads chemical P fertiliser.

“The farmer will be breached for not having the soil analysis done and will be required to obtain such before any further application of chemical phosphate fertiliser,” the DAERA spokesperson said. “A breach may result in a penalty being applied to Basic Payment and/or agri-environment scheme payment, where applicable,” the spokesperson added.

Lack of analysis

If a soil analysis is not available, inspectors will assume a P index of 2+, which significantly limits the need for additional P applications (from both livestock manure and chemical fertiliser) under most crop scenarios.