Aims: Identify, report and critically evaluate how manure-n efficiency is taken into account by MS in the action programme(s) (AP).

Transcription

1 Annex 1: Examine the current applicable manure-n efficiency rates in the EU 27 by studying literature and contacting research centres / competent administrations in the MS Aims: Identify, report and critically evaluate how manure-n efficiency is taken into account by MS in the action programme(s) (AP). Liaison with MS to elicit further information, in particular to identify any specific regional differences in manure-n efficiency rates at MS and regional level and provide a comprehensive overview of the calculation method and underpinning information for established manure-n efficiency rates Approach An evaluation of the current situation with respect to how manure-n efficiency is taken into account was carried out via an extensive review of the APs and available literature for each MS and contacts with research centres/competent authorities in the MS. The assessment includes an analysis of which definition for manure-n efficiency is used by the MS, as there are several terms which may be used to describe manure-n efficiency (Table 1). Table 1: Terms used to describe the efficiency with which manure-n may be used by crops Term Definition Description Available-N Usually the mineral or easily mineralized fraction of manure-n The N in manures potentially available for crop uptake in the season the manure is applied Crop-available N The proportion of available-n remaining The available-n remaining after loss following as crop-available N will depend on application to land as NH 3, NO - 3, etc. factors such as time of manure application and soil type NFRV Nitrogen fertilizer replacement value The amount of N fertilizer that can be replaced Manure-N efficiency The proportion of manure-n that can be recovered by crops over more than one season, net of losses of N following application to land An assessment was carried out based on the following questions: by manure-n Available-N plus N expected to be mineralized over following seasons minus losses following application to land as NH 3, NO - 3, etc. 1. Examine the AP for definition and treatment of 'manure-n efficiency' 1.1 Evaluate the ways in which manure-n efficiency is defined or treated in the APs (using the definitions in Table 1) 1.2 Is there a clear definition of the N efficiency of manure given in the AP? 2. Identify methods used to measure mineral (available) N in manures 2.1. How is total-n measured / estimated? 2.2. How is this mineral-n measured? 2.3. How are the gaseous losses in housing systems and manure storage systems accounted for? 3. Estimate how the rates at which organic manures become available are estimated 3.1. How is longer-term availability of the organic-n in manures estimated? 3.2. And for how many seasons/years? (short-term and long-term N availability) 4. Record the approach to manure management and application 4.1. How is manure managed / treated to improve manure-n efficiency? 4.2. How is the N efficiency of manure accounted for? How it affected by method of application 4.3. How and when is manure applied? What are the closed periods for manure application and are there any restrictions on the methods used to apply manures? 1

2 4.4. Are there proposals for improvement of manure management and application techniques to reduce N losses and hence to increase N efficiency? 4.5. Additional information to be recorded during the year 5. Determine what allowance, if any, is made for N excreted during grazing 6. Record the efficiency rates in function of environmental and climatic conditions and agricultural practices are affected by: 6.1. Season of application 6.2. Soil type 6.3. Cropping (land use, e.g. arable vs. grassland) 6.4. Animal feed 6.5. Local agricultural practices (time and method of application, differences between conventional and organic production). Results The assessments of each member state are attached in the Annex. Table 2 shows a summary of the assessment. The major findings are described below. Definition None of the member states (MS) presents a specific reference to, or definition of, manure-n efficiency in their AP or Code of Good Agricultural Practice (CGAP). The AP for the Lombardy region of Italy does report efficiency coefficients for manure-n uptake according to soil type. The following countries do not take manure-n efficiency into account: o Austria; o Belgium-Wallonia; o Bulgaria; o Germany; o Hungary; o Malta; o Luxemburg; o Portugal; o Romania; o Slovenia; o Spain. The other MS take account of manure-n efficiency using another terminology in their AP. Based on additional sources or the way manure efficiency coefficients are presented in the AP, it is concluded that seven of the MS use the Nitrogen (N) Fertilizer Replacement Value (NVRF) as their estimate of manure-n efficiency: o Belgium (Flanders); o Czech Republic; o Denmark; o Finland; o Latvia; o Netherlands o Poland. While: o England; o Scotland; o N. Ireland; o Greece; o Slovak Republic; o Lithuania; o Ireland use available N. The AP for Cyprus recommends analysis of manure to assess manure-n efficiency, the French AP bases manure-n efficiency on the C:N ratio of manure while the Swedish AP 2

3 assess manure-n efficiency according to the mineral-n content of the manure. The Estonian AP refers to 'direct effects'. The Italian AP uses the term ' efficiency coefficients' for livestock manures in the AP. Conclusion: There is no clear definition of manure-n efficiency in any AP or CGAP of the MS. According to the AP, Austria, Belgium-Wallon, Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, Malta, Luxemburg, Portugal, Romania and Slovenia do not take manure-n efficiency into account. N efficiency figures Cattle slurry: There is a large range in N efficiency: o Denmark uses the greatest of 70%; o followed by Belgium Flanders, Czech Republic, and Netherlands (60%); o Estonia, Latvia and Germany (50%); o Ireland, Lithuania, and the UK (20-40%); o o Italy (24-62%) and Spain (40-70%) have a large range; Sweden calculates N efficiency from the ammonium, urea and nitrate content, corrected for gaseous N losses. Pig slurry: most countries use the same values as for cattle slurry, except Germany (pig 60% and cattle 50%), Ireland (pig 35-70% and cattle 30-40%), Netherlands (pig 60-70% and cattle 60%) and UK (N efficiency for pig slurry is about 5-10% greater than for cattle slurry). Solid manure. The N efficiency of solid manure is, as expected, less than that of slurry, but still there is a large variation, ranging from 10% for UK-England and Scotland to 40-55% for the Netherlands and 45-65% for Denmark. The N efficiency for solid manure for the other countries range from 20-40% (i.e. Belgium Flanders, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Spain, Slovak republic, and UK-Northern Ireland). Hungary uses various values depending on quality of solid manure, yearly application, and soil conditions. Most countries only account the first year availability. Denmark (10 years), Estonia (for solid manure), Hungary (four years), Latvia (2 nd year), Lithuania (2 nd and 3 rd year), and Spain also consider long-term availability. Conclusion: There is large variation in manure-n efficiency coefficients for the same manure type between MS. The cause for these differences (climate, soil, composition of manure, legislation) and the underpinning of the values (rough estimated or underpinned by scientific studies) have to be further assessed. Most countries consider only the availability in the first year. Application techniques Ammonia (NH 3 ) losses have a large effect on the N efficiency of manure, especially for slurries rich in ammonium. The following MS have regulations in the AP or CGAP to use reduced- NH 3 emission application techniques on arable land: o Belgium Flanders; o Bulgaria; o Denmark; o Estonia; o Germany; o Hungary; o Ireland; o Latvia; o Lithuania; o The Netherlands; o Poland; o Spain; o Slovak republic; o Sweden o UK-England, and o UK-Wales. The following MS have regulations in the AP or CGAP to use reduced- NH 3 emission application techniques on grassland: 3

4 o o o o o o o o o Belgium Flanders; Denmark; Germany; Ireland; Lithuania; the Netherlands; Poland; Spain; Sweden. Conclusion: many countries have regulations to use reduced- NH 3 emission application techniques. However, the type of technique or method to be used differ greatly among countries. Therefore, there will be considerable differences in NH 3 losses and, consequently, manure-n efficiency among countries. In a following phase, the method of manure application will be further assessed in order to make an approximate estimate of the impact of the required application technique on NH 3 losses. Remarkably, there appears to be no relation between the manure-n efficiency and application technique allowed or required. For example, the manure-n efficiency for cattle slurry in Lithuania is only 35% in the first year, although application techniques with reduced- NH 3 emission have to be used. In the Czech Republic, with regulations for manure application, manure-n efficiency is considered to be 60% for liquid slurries and 40% for solid manures. Table 2 summarises how the N content of manure is taken into account in the APs of MS. Reports of the AP for each MS are given in further text (part 1 of this annex). 4

5 Table 2: Summary of the assessment of member states action programmes. Summary table: manure-n efficiency in Nitrates Directive AP of member stars (MS) of EU 27 MS Definition of manure efficiency 1 Estimated first year efficiency for selected manures in % of total-n? In AP additional sources Estimated from AP Not clear Not taken into account Cattle slurry Pig slurry Solid manure Poultry manure Long-term availability N from livestock Application technique in AP Arable land Grassland Austria No No X NA NA NA NA No Yes No regulation No regulation (after housing and storage losses) Belgium Flanders No No NFRV No Yes, but Reduced NH 3 Reduced NH 3 not in AP Belgium Wallonia No No X NA NA NA NA No Yes No regulation No regulation Bulgaria No No X NA NA NA NA No No Incorporation < 2 days No regulation Cyprus No No Chemical analysis advised X NA NA NA NA No No No regulation No regulation Czech Republic No NFRV No Yes No regulation No regulation Denmark No No NFRV Yes, 10 yrs Yes Low NH 3 Low NH 3 Estonia No Direct effects Finland No No Indirect indication: NFRV France No No According to C:N ratio, 8 and >8 Germany No Manure management plan must be produced Greece No No Available N Yes, solid. 15% No Incorporation as soon as possible No regulation NA NA NA NA No No No regulation No regulation NA NA NA NA NA NA No regulation No regulation X cattle 30 pig Hungary No No X NA NA Various, depending on quality, application, time, soil 60 No Yes Some technologies are forbidden Some technologies are forbidden NA NA NA NA NA NA No regulation No regulation NA Values for first to fourth year Yes Slurry: even application on or into the soil, FYM prompt incorporation Slurry: even application on or into the soil Ireland No No AN No Yes No splash plate No splash plate 5

6 Italy Yes no Yes, very Recommendations Recommendations detailed tables Malta No No No X Xx NA NA NA NA No No No No Latvia No NFRV Yes: 10-25% 2 nd yr Lithuania AN Yes: 25% 2 nd and 10% 3 rd year: in total 70% Yes Incorporation: Solid < 24 hr Liquid < 12 hr No regulation Yes Reduced NH 3 Reduced NH 3 Luxemburg No X NA NA NA NA No No No regulation No regulation Netherlands No NFRV No Yes Low NH 3 Low NH 3 Poland No AN total N NFRV NFRV total N AN X - NA NA NA NA No Yes Reduced NH 3 Liquid manures should be applied directly to the soil or spread as top dressing using spreader hoses. Spreading plates may only be used on cut grassland and permanent field crops. Portugal No No No X X NA NA NA NA No No No regulation No regulation Romania No No No X NA NA NA NA No No NA NA Spain No X 8 of 13 regions 8 of 13 regions 8 of 13 regions 8 of 13 regions No more than 2 years yes Incorporation within hours Incorporation within hours Slovak Republic No AN Yes Yes Low NH 3 Not clear Slovenia No No X NA NA NA NA No Yes Even application, machines must be maintained, no damage must be visible Even application, machines must be maintained, no damage must be visible 6

7 Sweden No No Easily accessible nitrogen: Nitrogen in the form of nitrates, ammonium or urea. 75% of remaining NH 4 -N after reduction of NH 3 losses a 100% of NH 4 -N remaining after reduction of NH 3 losses a NA NA Yes Yes Reduced NH 3 Reduced NH 3 in some regions UK-England No No C-AN No Yes Incorporation None UK-Northern Ireland No No Yes UK-Scotland No No AN No Joanne - any reference to this? None None UK-Wales No No No Incorporation None 1 AN, Available-N NA, not available C-AN, crop-available N NFRV (Nitrogen Fertilizer replacement Value) a The NH 3 losses after spreading in spring is presumed to be 20% of NH 4 -N content for solid manure, and 10% for slurry (Sweden). (In: Advices for fertilization 2010 (Riktlinjer för gödsling 2010), Swedish Board of Agriculture,

8 Part 1. Evaluation of how manure-n efficiency is taken into account in the Action Programme (AP) or other documents transposing the Nitrates Directive or measures of this directive of Member States. Austria...9 Belgium Flanders...13 Belgium Wallonia...17 Bulgaria...19 Cyprus...23 Czech Republic...27 Denmark...31 Estonia...43 Finland...45 France...49 Germany...55 Greece...61 Hungary...65 Ireland...69 Italy...73 Latvia...81 Lithuania...85 Luxemburg...89 Malta...91 Netherlands...93 Poland...99 Portugal Romania Slovak Republic Slovenia Spain Sweden UK-England, Scotland and Wales UK-Northern Ireland

9 Austria Action Programme Action Programme 2008 concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources. Overview (summary) Applied to the whole of Austria, with no regional differences. Came into force in The AP for Austria does not explicitly refer to manure-n efficiency. The focus is on the reduction of water pollution caused or induced by nitrates from agricultural sources and on the prevention of such pollution. The AP, among other things, mainly concentrates on: the regulation of periods when fertilizers may be applied; on-farm manure storage capacities and maximum N application rates. There are no regional differences within Austria. The use of N-containing fertilizer so as to meet crop requirements in both temporal and quantitative terms is to be determined on the basis of guidelines or recommendations drawn up by competent bodies such as the chambers of agriculture in particular or by using the fertilization guidelines (Richtlinien zur sachgerechten Düngung, 2006 [in German]) issued by the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management, or using other suitable documents and aids. Review 1. Examine the AP for definition and treatment of 'manure-n efficiency' 1.1 Evaluate the ways in which manure-n efficiency is defined or treated in the APs Manure-N efficiency is not referred to in the AP. However, tables are given to calculate the maximum amount of N that may be applied to crops and to calculate the amount of N left in manures after housing and storage losses. Definitions used in AP: N-containing fertilizer: any substance containing one or more N compounds used on land to enhance growth of vegetation and includes organic manure. (This definition is not explicitly given, but can be deduced from the text). Liquid manure: the liquid fraction in the case of excreta separated into their liquid and solid fractions (definition not given in the text). Slurry: excreta produced by livestock (other than poultry) while in a yard or building (including any bedding, rainwater or washings mixed with it) that has a consistency that allows it to be pumped or discharged by gravity (definition not given in the text). Stable manure: farmyard manure (FYM) (definition not given in the text). Compost: composted FYM (definition not given in the text). Application: includes application to the surface of the land, injection into the land or mixing with the surface layers of the land but does not include the direct deposit of excreta on to land by animals (definition not given in the text). Closed period: dates during which N fertilizers may not be spread on land (dates are given in the AP, the term closed period is not mentioned). Fast acting N-containing fertilizers: commercial fertilizers, liquid manure, slurry and sewage sludge. Nitrogen supply: amount of N applied after housing and storage losses. Maximum nitrogen supply: maximum amount of N that may be applied per hectare and year. 9

10 1.2 Is there a clear definition of the N efficiency of manure given in the AP? There is no clear definition in the AP. The AP instead refers to the amount of nitrogen in slurry, liquid manure and solid manure that is left after housing and storage losses and to the maximum amount of N that may be applied per hectare and year. 2. Identify methods used to measure mineral (available) N in manures 2.1. How is total-n measured / estimated? The AP contains tables on: Proportion of a livestock unit (LU) accounted for by each animal type based on the annual average for animals kept. Quantities of FYM accumulated over 6 months per stall place in m 3 for different dung removal systems. Upper limits of N application for crops. Limit values for grazing land / fodder. Limit values for vegetables. Nitrogen load after housing and storage losses. Records must be kept for the number and category of animals. Values for N content in the manure after housing and storage losses for different animal categories are given in a table in the AP. Maximum amounts of organic and mineral-n fertilizer applications may not be exceeded. No information is given in the AP on the N content, as kg per t or m 3, of manures or of the amount of manure-n available for crop uptake. Sampling and analysis No manure sampling and analysis is required. The AP states explicitly that Nitrogen loads are to be calculated in accordance with the table in Annex 4. Hence N application rates are estimated by national default values. Record Keeping The AP regulates amounts and timing of N application. Record keeping is not required. The AP regulates minimum storage capacities in order to ensure that the regulations on application timing can be kept. The storage capacities may be checked on-farm by authorities. Total nitrogen spread on a holding An occupier must ensure that the total amount of N from manufactured fertilizer, and N available for crop uptake from livestock manure in the growing season in which it is spread, applied to the following crops, calculated in accordance with the information given in Annex 4 of the AP ( Nitrogen load after stall and storage losses have been deducted ) does not exceed the limits given in Annex 3 of the AP What constitutes mineral-n? The term mineral-n is not explicitly used in the AP. The term N available for crop uptake from livestock manure is not used within the AP How is this mineral-n measured? Mineral-N is not measured. Default values for total N content in manures after housing and storage losses are given. 10

11 2.4. How are the gaseous losses in housing systems and manure storage systems accounted for? A table in the AP gives values for the estimation of manure-n content after housing and storage losses. The AP does not offer farmers the option of derogating from default values based on analysis. 3. Estimate how the rates at which organic manures become available are estimated 3.1. How is availability of the mineral-n in manures estimated? 3.2. How is availability of the organic-n in manures estimated? 3.3. And for how many seasons/years? (short-term and long-term N availability) None of these are directly or indirectly covered in the AP. No explicit mention is made of mineral-n and nor is there any consideration of how the organic-n in manures may become available or reference to longer-term N availability. 4. Record the approach to manure management and application 4.1. How is manure managed / treated to improve manure-n efficiency? This is not covered in the AP How is the N efficiency of manure accounted for in a fertilizer plan? i.e. what is required to reduce fertilizer-n application to take account of the crop-available N in manures. There are limits on the application of N to crops, grassland and vegetables, and N limits are given per hectare and year. These limits are related to the estimated N uptake by the crops. N application shall not exceed N uptake by the crops. Austria has the Richtlinien zur sachgerechten Düngung (fertilization guidelines). These give some more background details on how the data given in the tables of the AP have been derived. They are not based on N efficiency and do not contain information on the amount of crop-available N in manures How and when is manure applied? What are the closed periods for manure application and are there any restrictions on the methods used to apply manures? The Austrian AP gives details on periods during which N-containing fertilizer may not be applied to agricultural land. Periods differentiate between the application of N-containing commercial fertilizers, liquid manure, slurry and sewage sludge (closed period: 15 November and 15 February) and the application of stable manure, compost, dried sewage sludge and sewage sludge compost (closed period: 30 November and 15 February). For vegetation with early N requirements the use of fertilizer is permitted from 1 February. The Austrian AP regulates: Periods in which N-containing fertilizer may not be applied to agricultural land. Application of N-containing fertilizer on steeply sloped agricultural land. Application of N-containing fertilizer on water-saturated, flooded, frozen or snow-covered soil. Conditions for applying N-containing fertilizer on agricultural land in the vicinity of watercourses. Methods of manure application are not regulated in the AP Are there recommendations/obligations for improvement of manure management and application to increase N efficiency? No. You may only find some proposals in the Richtlinien zur sachgerechten Düngung (fertilization guidelines). The Austrian fertilization guidelines show the principles of soil analysis and of interpretation of the results of the soil analysis. An detailed chapter gives guidelines on how to set up 11

12 a fertilizer management plan. This chapter includes the assessment and inclusion of plant available nutrients from organic manures and harvest residues. In general, increasing manure-n efficiency is not a focus in Austria. In Austria, the focus of the AP lies more in the field of avoiding N pollution via leaching and runoff Additional information to be recorded during the year There is no additional information which should be recorded. 5. Determine what allowance, if any, is made for N excreted during grazing This is not covered in the AP. 6. Record the efficiency rates in function of environmental and climatic conditions and agricultural practices are affected by: 6.1. Season of application 6.2. Soil type 6.3. Cropping (land use, e.g. arable vs. grassland) 6.4. Animal feed 6.5. Local agricultural practices (time and method of application, differences between conventional and organic production). No efficiency rates are given. The AP distinguishes N consumption by different crops depending on their yield and N content in the manure depending on animal category, performance and manure type. 12

13 Belgium Flanders Action Programme The third Action Programme of the Flemish Region ( ) for the implementation of the Nitrates Directive 91/676/EEC. Proposal action programme Overview (summary) In the current AP, Flanders uses both a system of maximum total N application standards and a new system based on efficient N. Different types of manure and different types of organic fertilizers, have different N efficiency coefficients. Depending on the fraction of the total N that is plant-available, they are categorized in four different groups of working coefficients (60, 30, 15 and 100%). Only the shortterm efficiency is accounted for. The guiding values for the composition of pig, cattle, poultry and other livestock manure will be revised from 2011 onwards. Based on the manure composition measurements the accredited laboratories will have to report directly to the manure bank. Slurries have to be applied with reduced-nh 3 application techniques. Review 1. Examine the AP for definition and treatment of 'manure-n efficiency' 1.1. Evaluate the ways in which manure-n efficiency is defined or treated in the APs (see above definitions). In the current AP, Flanders uses both a system of maximum total N application standards and a new system based on efficient N. It is indicated that fertilization standards based on efficient N (efficient N- system) stimulate the farmer to apply organic fertilizers in the most efficient way; the N-utilization standards Is there a clear definition of the N efficiency of manure given in the AP? As the N-utilization standards represent the required plant-available N needed from fertilization, the N efficiency ( working coefficient in the AP of Flanders) of manure and other organic fertilizers has to be taken into account to determine their plant-available N fraction upon fertilization. This is also crucial for the farmer to determine how much mineral fertilizer he may use, in combination with certain amounts of organic fertilizer, in order to comply with the N-utilization standards. Different types of manure and different types of organic fertilizers, have different working coefficients. Depending on the fraction of the total N that is plant-available, they are categorized in four different groups of working coefficients (60, 30, 15 and 100% - see Table 3 below). Based on this information, Flanders uses the NFRV. 13

14 Table 3. Working coefficients for different types of fertilizer (% of total N) 2. Identify methods used to measure mineral (available) N in manures 2.1. How is total-n measured / estimated? There is a table with values for composition of manure. The guiding values for the composition of pig, cattle, poultry and other livestock manure will be revised from 2011 onwards. Based on the manure composition measurements the accredited laboratories will have to report directly to the manure bank How is this mineral-n measured? This is not indicated in the AP How are the gaseous losses in housing systems and manure storage systems accounted for? For a correct implementation of the default excretion standards and nutrient balance systems Flanders will apply the real emission coefficients for N from the stable and storage compartments, based on the most recent insights and literature data. A difference is made here depending on the animal type and stable type. The figures are not presented in the AP. Figures of gaseous N emissions from housing and manure systems for cattle, pig, poultry and other types of livestock are presented by VLM (In Dutch): 3. Estimate how the rates at which organic manures become available are estimated See Table 3 which gives information on the N efficiency coefficients How is availability of the mineral-n in manures estimated? This is not indicated in the AP. It is not clear if the 'working coefficients' cited in Table 3 represent the mineral-n in manures or whether some allowance is made for mineralization of organic-n during the season of application. 14

15 3.2. How is availability of the organic-n in manures estimated? This is not indicated in the AP And for how many seasons/years? (short-term and long-term N availability) Short term (within the growing season). 4. Record the approach to manure management and application 4.1. How is manure managed / treated to improve manure-n efficiency? It is prohibited to apply slurry after harvest if no crop is to be sown in the same year. This is especially relevant for cereals and vegetables. This measure will stimulate the use of catch crops and the use of intermediate crops between the cultivation of vegetables. Livestock farmers with insufficient land to dispose of their manures in an environmentally responsible manner can meet their disposal obligations by treating this nutrient surplus with a view to export or application outside the cultivated area How is the N efficiency of manure accounted for in a fertilizer plan? There are crop-specific N utilization standards in which the utilization of mineral-n fertilizer is taken to be 100% and manure-n utilization is taken as the appropriate coefficients in Table 3 above How and when is manure applied? What are the closed periods for manure application and are there any restrictions on the methods used to apply manures? There is a general rule guiding manure application. It is prohibited to apply fertilizers and livestock slurries on or in the soil from September 1st up to and including February 15th. It is prohibited to apply litter-based manure (FYM) on or in the soil from November 15th up to January 15th. There are some exceptions for heavy clay soils and fertilizer with a low N content and availability (e.g. effluents of manure treatment and processing). It is prohibited to apply fertilizers where the land to be cultivated is flooded, frozen, snow-covered or water-saturated Are there proposals for improvement of manure management and application to increase N efficiency? In addition to the above, Flemish regulations stipulate that all livestock manures and organic fertilizers should be applied using reduced-nh 3 emission techniques, i.e. incorporation of organic fertilizers with low ammonium content and solid manure with low ammonium content within 24 hours, except for grassland. Livestock slurries have to be applied by shallow injection or trailing hose techniques on grassland. For other cultivated land only manure injection and trailing hose techniques are permitted. For uncultivated arable land only manure injection or the spreading of and ploughing under of manure in two consecutive tracks (whereby the manure is ploughed under within two hours of being spread on the parcel in question) is permitted. On cultivated slopes only shallow injection or manure injection is permitted for the application of livestock manures. On uncultivated slopes only manure injection or immediate ploughing under in a single passage is permitted for the application of livestock manures. There is a covenant agreement between the livestock feed producers and the Flemish Minister for the Environment in which requirements and commitments for low-nutrient feeding are laid down. Monitoring of the composition of the feed will be performed. An additional tracking system for regression feeds is being developed. For this purpose an agreement could be worked out with the feed industry in which regression diets must fall within a predetermined maximum deviation of the feed content from the label value. 15

16 The AP of Flanders include a system of measurement of the nitrate contents of the 0-90 cm soil layer in autumn. There are threshold for maximum mineral-n content for different cropping systems. If farmers exceed these thresholds there may be sanctions (from warning, loosing rights on derogation, to a fine). This forces farmers to improve nutrient management Additional information to be recorded during the year None reported 5. Determine what allowance, if any, is made for N excreted during grazing The efficiency coefficient for N excreted during grazing is 20%. 6. Record the efficiency rates in function of environmental and climatic conditions and agricultural practices are affected by: 6.1. Season of application 6.2. Soil type 6.3. Cropping (land use, e.g. arable vs. grassland) 6.4. Animal feed 6.5. Local agricultural practices (time and method of application, differences between conventional and organic production). 16

17 Belgium Wallonia Action Programme MONITEUR BELGE BELGISCH STAATSBLAD. 15 FEVRIER Arrêté du Gouvernement wallon modifiant le Livre II du Code de l Environnement. constituant le Code de l Eau en ce qui concerne la gestion durable de l azote en agriculture Overview (summary) Manure-N efficiency is not included in the AP. Average N contents of different manure types for each livestock category are provided in Annex IV of the AP, but there is no information on the proportion of this N that is available for crop uptake. Information is provided on the closed periods for manure application. Review 1. Examine the AP for definition and treatment of 'manure-n efficiency' 1.1 Evaluate the ways in which manure-n efficiency is defined or treated in the APs There is no statement about manure N efficiency in the AP. 1.2 Is there a clear definition of the N efficiency of manure given in the AP? No information is given in the AP on the N content, as kg per t or m 3, of manures or of the amount of manure-n available for crop uptake. 2. Identify methods used to measure mineral (available) N in manures 2.1. How is total-n measured / estimated? A table with average N contents is available in the AP. The table contains values for different animal categories and manure types. The table is not included here, because there was no English version available. A table with average N contents is available in Annex IV of the AP. This table contains values for different animal categories and manure types and is presented in the Annex of supplementary information to this report How is this mineral-n measured? This is not covered in the AP How are the gaseous losses in housing systems and manure storage systems accounted for? The manure production for each livestock category is indicated in a table in the AP. It is indicated that these figures are corrected for gaseous N emissions. However, the figures for these losses are not presented. 3. Estimate how the rates at which organic manures become available are estimated 3.1. How is availability of the mineral-n in manures estimated? 3.2. How is availability of the organic-n in manures estimated? 3.3. And for how many seasons/years? (short-term and long-term N availability) This is not covered in the AP. 4. Record the approach to manure management and application 4.1. How is manure managed / treated to improve manure-n efficiency? This is not covered in the AP. 17

18 4.2. How is the N efficiency of manure accounted for in a fertilizer plan? This is not covered in the AP How and when is manure applied? What are the closed periods for manure application and are there any restrictions on the methods used to apply manures? For slurries on arable land, the closed period is from 16 October to 15 February. In the period 1 July-15 October, manures can only be applied on land on which winter crops or crops with high N uptake (sown before 15 September and killed after 30 November) will be sown. For slurries on grassland, the closed period is from 16 October to 31 January (during mild winter conditions, application of 60 kg N per ha is allowed in the period January) Are there proposals for improvement of manure management and application to increase N efficiency? Measures in the AP include measures on time, application rate of manures and measures for application of manure on sloping soils Additional information to be recorded during the year No additional information is to be recorded. 5. Determine what allowance, if any, is made for N excreted during grazing 6. Record the efficiency rates in function of environmental and climatic conditions and agricultural practices are affected by: 6.1. Season of application 6.2. Soil type 6.3. Cropping (land use, e.g. arable vs. grassland) 6.4. Animal feed 6.5. Local agricultural practices (time and method of application, differences between conventional and organic production). None of these are covered in the AP. 18

19 Bulgaria Relevant document RULES OF GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE aiming to protect the waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources. Second revised edition Overview (summary) The information in the CGAP of Bulgaria suggests that the N efficiency is not taken into account. There is no information about the composition of manures in the CGAP. It is recommended that solid livestock manure is stored for 6 to 8 months before it is applied. Liquid livestock manure should be stored for at least 4 months before it is applied. Fresh livestock manure should not to be applied. This long storage time is recommended to improve physical and agrochemical properties, by which manure can be more easily applied. Organic fertilizers have to be ploughed into the soil within 2 days after land application. Review 1. Examine the AP for definition and treatment of 'manure-n efficiency' 1.1 Evaluate the ways in which manure-n efficiency is defined or treated in the APs 1.2 Is there a clear definition of the N efficiency of manure given in the AP? No, the information in the Bulgarian CGAP suggests that the N efficiency is not taken into account. However, these is one line in the AP where it is stated that if the quantity of active N applied exceeds 120 kg per ha, the fertilizer application have to be divided into two parts. It is not indicated what is meant by active. This reference to 'active' N suggests that manure-n efficiency is accounted for. 2. Identify methods used to measure mineral (available) N in manures 2.1. How is total-n measured / estimated? No information is given in the AP on the N content, as kg per t or m 3, of manures or of the amount of manure-n available for crop uptake. This is not covered in the CGAP How is this mineral-n measured? This is not covered in the CGAP How are the gaseous losses in housing systems and manure storage systems accounted for? This is not covered in the CGAP. 3. Estimate how the rates at which organic manures become available are estimated This is not covered in the CGAP How is availability of the mineral-n in manures estimated? This is not covered in the CGAP How is availability of the organic-n in manures estimated? This is not covered in the CGAP. 19

20 3.3. And for how many seasons/years? (short-term and long-term N availability) This is not covered in the CGAP. 4. Record the approach to manure management and application 4.1. How is manure managed / treated to improve manure-n efficiency? It is recommended that solid livestock manure is stored for 6 to 8 months before it is applied. Liquid livestock manure should be stored for at least 4 months before it is applied. Fresh livestock manure is not to be applied. This long storage time is recommended so that manure processes of fermentation, mineralization, decontamination and deodorisation can be completed. It is suggested that this improves physical and agrochemical properties. Semi-decayed livestock manure has 55-65% moisture content, which is suitable for spreading using manure-spreading trailers How is the N efficiency of manure accounted for in a fertilizer plan? i.e. what is required to reduce fertilizer-n application to take account of the crop-available N in manures. This is not indicated, which suggests that the N efficiency of manure is not accounted for How and when is manure applied? What are the closed periods for manure application and are there any restrictions on the methods used to apply manures? Organic fertilizers have to be ploughed into the soil within 2 days after land application. Closed periods. Nitrogen-containing fertilizers and manures are not allowed to be applied between 1 November and 31 January. For uncultivated land and areas under permanent crops the restriction is extended until 15 February. Livestock manure is to be applied before field works (autumn and spring), during the preparation for sowing or planting of the crops. To avoid the risk of excess of nitrates in the plants and in the soil in all crops the quantity of N compounds applied with organic and mineral fertilizers shall not exceed 170 kg N per ha on annual basis. Where the quantity of active N applied exceeds 120 kg per ha, the fertilization allowance shall be divided into two parts: up to 2/3 shall be applied before sowing/planting with the remaining quantity applied for nutrition purposes. [Will be revised in the new AP] 4.4. Are there proposals for improvement of manure management and application to increase N efficiency? The CGAP include several general measures, such as closed periods and application method (see 4.3) and other measures, including balanced N fertilization. The basis for balanced fertilization is that recommendations for fertilization shall be made on the basis of the balance between the quantity of N required for the development of the crops and the quantity of N that may be supplied to the crops from the soil and through fertilization taking into account: the quantity of N contained in the soil before sowing/planting; the quantity of N supplied from mineralization of the organic matter; the N compounds applied into the soil with organic fertilizers; the N compounds applied into the soil with mineral fertilizers; the quantity of N compounds applied into the soil with the irrigation waters Additional information to be recorded during the year This is not covered in the CGAP. 5. Determine what allowance, if any, is made for N excreted during grazing 20

21 This is not covered in the CGAP. 6. Record the efficiency rates in function of environmental and climatic conditions and agricultural practices are affected by: This is not covered in the CGAP Season of application 6.2. Soil type 6.3. Cropping (land use, e.g. arable vs. grassland) 6.4. Animal feed 6.5. Local agricultural practices (time and method of application, differences between conventional and organic production). See 4.1: it is recommended that solid livestock manure is stored for 6 to 8 months before it is applied. Fresh livestock manure should not be applied. 21

22

23 Cyprus Action Programme THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL LAWS ( ) Overview (summary) The AP does not explicitly refer to manure N. The form of N and the timing of application should be taken into account when applying manure and slurry, but these considerations relate more to NVZs and water pollution than taking into account the manure-available N for crop requirements. No information is given in the AP on the N content, as kg per t or m 3, of manures or of the amount of manure-n available for crop uptake. Instead, producers of livestock wastes and sewage sludge should proceed with chemical analyses, in accordance with the terms of the waste discharge authorization. Review 1. Examine the AP for definition and treatment of 'manure-n efficiency' 1.1 Evaluate the ways in which manure-n efficiency is defined or treated in the APs (see above definitions). Manure-N is not explicitly covered in the AP, although additional nitrogen inputs through additives other than through fertilizers should be considered when applying fertilizers. Although no clear definitions are given in the APs, fertilizers, as covered in the AP, are thought to include only manufactured fertilizers, and not manure. Manure is covered under the term livestock wastes. Sludge obtained from the processing of municipal wastewaters is classified as organic waste that can be used for agricultural purposes on condition that the Water Pollution Control Regulations have been observed. No information is given in the AP on the N content, as kg per t or m 3, of manures or of the amount of manure-n available for crop uptake. 1.2 Is there a clear definition of the N efficiency of manure given in the AP? No clear definition is given. 2. Identify methods used to measure mineral (available) N in manures 2.1. How is total-n measured / estimated? Chemical analyses of soil samples for total N content (nitrates) are conducted every three years. There are guidelines for appropriate planning prior to slurry application, and these include: Calculation of the cultivatable land area, quantity of waste to be applied and its content in N; the quantity of pure N should not exceed crop needs, the general rule being 17 kg of total N/1000 m 2 /year. Producers of livestock wastes and sewage sludge should proceed with chemical analyses, in accordance with the terms of the waste discharge authorization, where applicable. There is available official data on the total N content of livestock manure which should be considered as guidelines (separate to the AP) What constitutes mineral-n? Serious consideration should be given to the nitrogen form although the different forms are not explicitly stated. 23

24 It is recommended to use nitrogen forms that have limited mobility in the ground or slow-release fertilizers, and topsoil dressing should employ fertilizers with quick nitrogen uptake. However, no reference is made to manure N. The N requirements for different crops are supplied and when applying fertilizer, consideration must be given to other forms of N inputs How is this mineral-n measured? This is not covered in the AP How are the gaseous losses in housing systems and manure storage systems accounted for? Not covered in the AP. 3. Estimate how the rates at which organic manures become available are estimated 3.1. How is availability of the mineral-n in manures estimated? 3.2. How is availability of the organic-n in manures estimated? 3.3. And for how many seasons/years? (short-term and long-term N availability) None of these are covered in the AP. 4. Record the approach to manure management and application 4.1. How is manure managed / treated to improve manure-n efficiency? When applying liquid livestock wastes, measures are taken to ensure that: They can be applied to the ground for dry-farming crops, such as cereals, after harvesting and before seeding and be immediately incorporated into the soil, so as to reduce nuisance and NH 3 emissions How is the N efficiency of manure accounted for in a fertilizer plan? Not covered in the AP How and when is manure applied? What are the closed periods for manure application and are there any restrictions on the methods used to apply manures? Serious consideration should be given to the N form and application timing - it should be applied to the crop only when needed. Application is determined regarding risks to NVZs - the application of livestock wastes and sludge obtained from municipal wastewater treatment plants to the vulnerable zones should be carried out in accordance with an integrated management programme. The AP does not explain what this means nor did we find any other reference to this for Cyprus through an internet search. The AP was developed from a Water Framework Directive perspective, and the Directive calls for an integrated approach to protect waters. Hence this will be where the terminology came from. When applying liquid livestock wastes, application is prohibited on steeply sloping ground, during intense rainfall periods or when soils are saturated with water. When applying solid livestock wastes, the following measures are taken: When used for cereals, they can be incorporated immediately after harvest or at least three months prior to seeding, whereas digested wastes can be incorporated even shortly prior to seeding. For tree plantations, the use of digested waste in the winter period is recommended. 24

25 For vegetables, digested wastes can be applied shortly before planting or undigested wastes when there is a period of at least three months before planting with immediate incorporation in the ground and then irrigation, if there is not sufficient moisture in the soil. They can be applied either by means of a manure spreader or any practical means so long as it is uniformly spread and incorporated into the soil. Incorporating manure as soon after it is spread as possible reduces nutrient losses to the atmosphere (losses as NH 3 ) Are there proposals for improvement of manure management and application to increase N efficiency? No Additional information to be recorded during the year Records should be kept recording the nitrogenous substances that have been used. 5. Determine what allowance, if any, is made for N excreted during grazing No allowance made. 6. Record the efficiency rates in function of environmental and climatic conditions and agricultural practices are affected by: 6.1. Season of application 6.2. Soil type 6.3. Cropping (land use, e.g. arable vs. grassland) 6.4. Animal feed 6.5. Local agricultural practices (time and method of application, differences between conventional and organic production). These are not covered in the AP. 25

26

27 Czech Republic Action programme GOVERNMENT ORDER NO 108/2008 of , amending Government Order No 103/2003 Coll. on specification of vulnerable zones and on the use and storage of fertilizers and livestock manure, crop rotation and implementation of erosion-control measures in these zones, as amended by Government Order No 219/2007 Coll. Overview (summary) There is no clear definition of manure-n efficiency in the AP, but from the information provided it can be concluded that the Czech Republic uses the NFRV. 40% of the N in FYM is considered to be available for crop uptake and 60% of the N in slurry. A table with average manure composition is included in a decree. The AP includes N fertilizer limits depending of crops, and soil conditions (vulnerability for N leaching). Review 1. Examine the AP for definition and treatment of 'manure-n efficiency' 1.1 Evaluate the ways in which manure-n efficiency is defined or treated in the APs In the AP calculation of the N application limit, manure efficiency factors are used. However, there is no clear definition of manure-n efficiency. 1.2 Is there a clear definition of the N efficiency of manure given in the AP? No. It is indicated that when evaluating the fertilization limit for fertilizers containing N that is not rapidly available ( slowly liberated nitrogen ), 40% of the N in FYM and 60% of the N in slurry has to be accounted for. This suggests that Czech Republic uses the NFRV. However, no information is given in the AP on the N content, as kg per t or m 3, of manures or of the amount of manure-n available for crop uptake. 2. Identify methods used to measure mineral (available) N in manures 2.1. How is total-n measured / estimated? For determination of the N supply to soil in livestock manure data established by special analysis or data from Annex 2 to Order No 274/1998 Coll. are used (See Table 4 below). 27

28 Table 4. Average nutrient load on soils from livestock manure Livestock manure Average dry matter content (%) Nitrogen (N) Phosphate (P 2 O 5 ) 1) kg.t -1 Potash (K 2 O) Cattle manure Cattle manure (from deep bedding) Pig manure Pig manure (from deep bedding) Horse manure Sheep droppings, goat droppings Liquid cattle manure Liquid pig manure Cattle slurry Pig slurry Sheep slurry, goat slurry Poultry slurry Fresh poultry droppings Old poultry droppings (N loss 35%) Dry poultry droppings (N loss 50%) 2) Dry poultry droppings (N loss 50%) 3) Poultry litter (N loss 50%) Cattle faeces and urine (average annual production 14.0 t.dj -1 ) 4) Sheep and goat faeces and urine (average annual production 9.1 t.dj -1 ) Horse faeces and urine (average annual production 8.61 t.dj -1 ) ) The nutrient load on soils from livestock manures is recorded after subtracting losses from livestock housing, during the storage of manures and the grazing or keeping of livestock on agricultural land. If an analysis of the nutrient content is available, the values indicated in the table shall not be used. 2) With passive drying. 3) With active drying. 4) For cattle up to two years of age the value of 2.6 kg N. t -1 for faeces and urine shall be used How is this mineral-n measured? There is no information about measurements of mineral N in the AP How are the gaseous losses in housing systems and manure storage systems accounted for? Losses of N in housing and manure storage are estimated at 35% for solid manure systems, 15% for slurry, and 50% for outdoor poultry rearing or with production of droppings in laying hen battery farming, depending on the technology used. 3. Estimate how the rates at which organic manures become available are estimated 3.1. How is availability of the mineral-n in manures estimated? In the estimation of manure efficiency, only total N is considered. This means that the N efficiency of the mineral fraction and the organic fraction are not estimated separately How is availability of the organic-n in manures estimated? In the estimation of manure efficiency, only total N is considered. This means that the N efficiency of the mineral fraction and the organic fraction are not estimated separately And for how many seasons/years? (short-term and long-term N availability) It is clearly indicated in the AP that only the NFRV during the first year has to be accounted for. 4. Record the approach to manure management and application 4.1. How is manure managed / treated to improve manure-n efficiency? Other measures of the Nitrates Directive are implemented, such as maximum manure application rate, time of manure application taking into account soil conditions, crop, and slope. The objective of 28

29 these limits is to reduce N leaching and runoff, although an indirect effect will be to increase manure- N efficiency How is the N efficiency of manure accounted for in a fertilizer plan? i.e. what is required to reduce fertilizer-n application to take account of the crop-available N in manures. There are fertilizer limits. The amount of efficient manure N is calculated by multiplying total N with the manure N efficiency. There are two values for manure-n efficiency in the AP: 40% for solid manures and 60% for liquid manures How and when is manure applied? What are the closed periods for manure application and are there any restrictions on the methods used to apply manures? Periods in which it is prohibited to use nitrogenous fertilizing substances in vulnerable zones on agricultural land, are set out in Table 5 below (Table 1 in Annex 2 in the AP). The closed periods are dependent of crop, climatic region, and type of fertilizer (artificial or organic). Table 5. Period of prohibition of the use of nitrogenous fertilizing substances on agricultural land in the Czech Republic Agricultural ground where crops are grown or which isperiod of prohibition of the use of fertilizers prepared for establishing the growth of crop Crop Climatic region Fertilizers containing instantly liberated nitrogen (including Mineral nitrogenous fertilizers manures) Crops on arable land (except permanent grass and mixed clover and grass), Growth of grass (mixed clover and grass) on arable land, permanent grass Application of fertilizers containing slowly liberated nitrogen ** to arable land is prohibited in the period between 1 June and 31 July (This provision does not apply to subsequent growing of winter crops and intermediate crops) and in the period between 1 December and 31 January. Annotations: * 1 st digit of the code of the soil typological unit. ** applies to processed sludge 4.4. Are there proposals for improvement of manure management and application to increase N efficiency? There are N fertilizer limits depending of crops, and soil (vulnerability for N leaching). These may also have an indirect impact on manure-n efficiency by encouraging better utilization of the N in manures 4.5. Additional information to be recorded during the year Not indicated in the AP. 5. Determine what allowance, if any, is made for N excreted during grazing Not indicated in the AP. 29

30 6. Record the efficiency rates in function of environmental and climatic conditions and agricultural practices are affected by: 6.1. Season of application 6.2. Soil type 6.3. Cropping (land use, e.g. arable vs. grassland) 6.4. Animal feed 6.5. Local agricultural practices (time and method of application, differences between conventional and organic production. No information presented in the AP. 30

31 Denmark Background to the AP The current AP for the Aquatic Environment (APIII) was introduced in 2004 and came into full effect in APIII continues until 2015, even though a few amendments were introduced in 2008, 2009 and 2010, taking into account the Green Growth Strategy adopted by Denmark. In Denmark the measures introduced in API to APIII are applicable throughout the country. However, more restrictive regulations may apply locally if these are deemed necessary to protect water supplies or natural aquatic ecosystems. The current regulation of nitrogen The current Danish regulations have the following features: Mandatory plant-available N quotas are stipulated for all crops. These N quotas vary according to soil type and whether they are irrigated (for sandy soils only). In some cases, the quotas also depend on the preceding crop (particularly if it is grass). Every farmer is obliged to calculate a farm-scale plant-available N quota, based on their cropping plans (crop type, area planted) and the mandatory crop N quota. If the farm does not produce or import animal manure, this quota represents the amount of fertilizer N that may be used on the farm. The farmer is free to choose how to partition this N between the crops. For livestock farms, the regulations give normative values for the amount of N in manure produced (ex storage) per individual, for each type of animal. These values vary according to the type of animal housing and the type of manure stored. Equations are provided to allow for the deviations in production parameters (e.g. milk production). Farmers may apply to use lower values, but must be able to provide adequate documentation. Mandatory NFRVs are stipulated for all manures and manure mixtures. For livestock farms, or arable farms that import livestock manure, the N quota can be freely partitioned between N fertilizer and animal manure. The extent to which the animal manure consumes quota is calculated by dividing the normative N produced or imported by the relevant NFRV. If the normative manure N production exceeds the quota (minus any fertilizer- N applied), the excess must be exported to a farm that has unused quota. The manure N accounts must be submitted on annual basis and imports/exports of manure must be undertaken on the basis of legal agreements between the farmers. As noted earlier, the N quota was set at 10% below the economic optimum in APII. However, subsequent regulation has established a limit on the total national N quota. If this is exceeded, the individual crop N quotas are reduced pro rata. As a result, the N quota for crops represents a reduction of approximately 15% of the economic optimum. Review 1. Examine the AP for definition and treatment of 'manure-n efficiency' Definitions used in the AP are given in Table 6 below: 31

32 Table 6. Terms used to describe the efficiency with which manure-n may be used by crops Term Definition Description Crop nitrogen quota The amount of plant-available N that may be applied to one hectare of a The plant-available N is equated to the amount of fertilizer-n given crop Farm nitrogen quota The amount of plant-available N that may be applied on the farm Farm nitrogen quota = (area of ith crop x N quota of ith crop) Nominal manure nitrogen production The N production ex storage (kg animal -1 yr -1, N) The national average amount of N produced by given category of animal, housed in a given type of animal housing and where the manure is stored in a given form (e.g. slurry) NFRV Nitrogen fertilizer replacement value The amount of N fertilizer that can be replaced Liquid manure Solid manure Livestock unit Separated liquid, slurry, and manure effluent and any mixture of solid manure with separated liquid, slurry and manure effluent as well as processed livestock manure with a dry matter content of < 12% and N contents of more than 0.3 kg/tonne Faeces and litter and fractions from processing plants with a dry matter content of 12% or more. Equivalent to 100 kg yr -1, manure N ex storage by manure-n (kg kg -1 ) Note that this definition differs from the one used by Eurostat. 1.1 Evaluate the ways in which manure-n efficiency is defined or treated in the APs Table 7. Mandatory NFRVs for different manure types Manure type NFRV [%] Pig slurry 75 Cattle slurry 70 Mink slurry 70 Poultry slurry 70 Liquid fraction (partially separated manure) 65 Solid fraction (partially separated manure) 65 Deep litter 45 Other manure Is there a clear definition of the N efficiency of manure given in the AP? 2. Identify methods used to measure mineral (available) N in manures This is not relevant for this AP since farmers are obliged to use the normative values stated in the nutrient management legislation How is total-n measured / estimated? The normative N production ex-storage is calculated annually using N flow methodology as described in Poulsen et al. (2001). Briefly, the N excretion of a wide range of livestock categories (e.g. finishing pigs) are calculated individually, based on an animal N balance i.e. feed N consumed minus N in animal products. Equations are provided to allow the N excretion to be adjusted for relevant production parameters (e.g. milk production, slaughtering weight). For each livestock category, the gaseous emissions from the prevalent animal housing x manure type combinations are calculated. Subtraction of the gaseous emissions enables calculation of manure N production ex storage What constitutes mineral-n? This is not reported in this AP. 32

33 2.3. How is this mineral-n measured? This is not relevant for this AP How are the gaseous losses in housing systems and manure storage systems accounted for? When calculating the normative N production for each livestock category, the gaseous emissions from the prevalent animal housing x manure type combinations are calculated, using standard emission factors (Hansen et al, 2008). The NH 3 emission factors used in Denmark are listed in the Annex to this report. 3. Estimate how the rates at which organic manures become available are estimated 3.1. How is availability of the mineral-n in manures estimated? 3.2. How is availability of the organic-n in manures estimated? 3.3. And for how many seasons/years? (short-term and long-term N availability) These are not covered in the AP. 4. Record the approach to manure management and application 4.1. How is manure managed / treated to improve manure-n efficiency? Regulations regarding animal housing and manure storage, which must be designed to prevent runoff to the soil (e.g. must be constructed of appropriate materials and if appropriate, equipped with a means to intercept any runoff and direct it to an appropriate storage facility, e.g. slurry tank), produce improved manure-n efficiency as a by-product. Regulations to reduce NH 3 emissions produced improved manure-n efficiency as a by-product. These measures include: Localised requirement to use low-emission housing, due to NH 3 deposition to Natura 2000 areas (Habitat Directive). The requirement to cover slurry storage with either a surface layer (e.g. natural crust, chopped straw) or synthetic cover (e.g. tent, concrete lid). The requirement to cover solid manure storage with an impervious material (unless manure is added on a daily basis). The requirement to incorporate all manure applied to bare soil within six hours of application. The banning of the broadcast application of liquid manures. Localised requirement to use low-emission application measures such as injection. Livestock densities are restricted to 1.4 LU ha -1 for pigs, poultry and fur animals, 1.7 LU ha -1 for ruminants and 2.3 LU ha -1 for ruminant livestock farms that can comply apply for the derogation under the Nitrates Directive. Finally, the limitation of the N quota to significantly below the economic optimum means that farmers have a strong incentive to prevent N losses from manure throughout the whole manure management system How is the N efficiency of manure accounted for in a fertilizer plan? i.e. what is required to reduce fertilizer-n application to take account of the crop-available N in manures. See Question How and when is manure applied? What are the closed periods for manure application and are there any restrictions on the methods used to apply manures? The following restrictions apply: Liquid manure shall not be applied to the soil from harvest to February 1. However, from harvest to October 1 liquid manure can be applied to already established wintering grass land 33

34 and fields, which will be planted with winter rape in the winter to come. Also exempted from this provision is application from harvest until 15 October on areas of seed grass for which a contract on delivery of seeds in the coming season has been entered into with a seedgrowing company. Solid manure shall only be applied from harvest till October 20 on fields that are subsequently planted with winter crops. Silage effluent shall not be applied to the soil from harvest until November 1, unless it is applied to areas covered with vegetation or areas subsequently planted with winter crops. From September 1 to March 1, liquid manure may not be applied to perennial crops, which are not harvested every year. Liquid manure and solid manure applied to areas without vegetation shall be incorporated into the soil without delay, and within 6 hours after application. If for unforeseeable reasons this cannot be done, the liquid and/or solid manure shall be worked into the soil as soon as possible. Livestock manure, silage effluent and wastewater shall not be applied in such a way and on such areas that there is a risk that manure, silage effluent or wastewater may run into lakes or watercourses, including via drains and in the event of thaw or heavy rain Are there proposals for improvement of manure management and application to increase N efficiency? All commercial livestock enterprises are required to apply for a permit from the environmental authorities when they significantly change their operations. In order to obtain a permit, the enterprises will be required to reduce further the NH 3 emission, even if the number of livestock increase. As part of the environmental assessment, the environmental authorities construct a current and future N budget for the enterprise. It is used to estimate NH 3 emission and NO 3 leaching, and to ensure that these are consistent with one another. There is no reference to improving N efficiency. The limitation of the N quota to a level that is below the economic optimum ensures that farmers have a strong incentive to improve N use efficiency. This budget includes all inputs, outputs and losses of N. This process has been adopted to enable the environmental authorities to monitor compliance with EU Directives related to NH 3 emission and nitrate leaching Additional information to be recorded during the year There is no further information to be recorded. 5. Determine what allowance, if any, is made for N excreted during grazing Normally no account is taken of excreta voided to pastures in the normative manure N production for N excretion during grazing. However, N excretion to extensive grazing systems needs to be accounted for (e.g. for management of semi-natural ecosystems). 6. Record the efficiency rates in function of environmental and climatic conditions and agricultural practices are affected by: 6.1. Season of application 6.2. Soil type 6.3. Cropping (land use, e.g. arable vs. grassland) 6.4. Animal feed 6.5. Local agricultural practices (time and method of application, differences between conventional and organic production). The NFRVs are dependent solely on the type of manure. In the early APs, the NFRVs solely reflected the response to manure-n in the first season after application. The NFRVs also reflected the widespread use of broadcast spreading of manures and the absence of any requirement for incorporation. Since 2002, the NFRVs have included an estimate of 10 years residual fertilizing effect of the manures. This is not taken into account directly. The residual fertilizer effect is incorporated in 34

35 the NFRVs. As a consequence, the NFRVs have progressively increased with time. Further information is given in the Annex of this report, together with the references cited. 35

36 Table 8. Total fertilizer effect of N in slurry with typical application methods based on an estimated first-year effect on cereal crops (column A), estimated effect of mineralized N for crops with a long growing season (maize, grass, beets) (column B), and an accumulated residual effect (column C). N losses via NH 3 emissions and denitrification are also presented. Fertilizer type and application method Ammonia loss 1) Denitrification loss 2) First year fertilizer effect Additional first year effect of a long growing season Accumulated residual effect after 10 years A B C Equivalent N in mineral fertilizer as % of total N Total fertilizer effect % of total N in animal manure Pig slurry A+C Incorporation in spring, < 6 h Direct Injection, bare soil Disc harrow, incorporation in spring, < 6h Trailing hose application to crop Direct injection to crop Cattle slurry A+B+C Incorporation in spring, < 6 h Direct Injection, bare soil Disc harrow, incorporation in spring, < 6h Trailing hose application to crop Direct injection to crop Injection in grass (spring-summer) Trailing hose application to grass (springsummer) 1) Ammonia loss based on emission factors calculated by Hansen et al. (2008) 2) Denitrification loss relative to the use of mineral fertilizer calculated with the SIMDEN model (Vinther, 2008)

37 Table 9. Total fertilizer effect of N in solid and liquid manure with typical application methods based on estimated first-year effect on cereal crops (column A), estimated effects of mineralized N for crops with a long growing season (maize, grass and beets) (column B0, and accumulated residual effects (column C). N losses through NH 3 emissions and denitrification are also presented. Fertilizer type and application method Ammonia loss 1) Denitrification loss 2) First year fertilizer effect Additional first year effect of a long growing season Accumulated residual effect after 10 years Total fertilizer effect A B C % of total N in animal Equivalent N in mineral fertilizer as % of total N manure Pig slurry A+C Solid manure incorporated in spring, < 6 h Solid manure incorporated in autumn before a winter crop, < 6 h Solid manure incorporated by disc harrow, < 6 h Solid manure to crop Liquid manure via trailing hoses to crop Cattle slurry A+B+C Solid manure incorporated in spring, < 6 h Solid manure incorporated in autumn before a winter crop, < 6 h Solid manure incorporated by disc harrow, < 6 h Solid manure to crop Liquid manure via trailing hoses to crop ) Ammonia loss based on emission factors calculated by Hansen et al. (2008) 2) Denitrification loss relative to the use of mineral fertilizer calculated with the SIMDEN model (Vinther, 2008) 37

38 Table 10. Total fertilizer effect of N in deep litter from cattle and pigs with typical application methods based on estimated first-year effects for cereal crops (column AQ), estimated effect of mineralized N for crops with a long growing season (maize, grass and beets) (column B), and accumulated residual effect (column C) with reference to the principles described in section xx of the AP. N losses via NH 3 emissions and denitrification are also presented. Fertilizer type and application method Ammonia loss 1) Denitrification loss 2) First year fertilizer effect Additional first year effect of a long growing season Accumulated residual effect after 10 years Total fertilizer effect A B C A+B+C Equivalent N in mineral fertilizer as % of total N % of total N in animal manure Deep litter, incorporated in spring, fresh Deep litter, incorporated in spring, stored Deep litter onto growing crop Deep litter, incorporaed in autumn before winter crop, < 6h ) Ammonia loss based on emission factors calculated by Hansen et al. (2008) 2) Denitrification loss relative to the use of mineral fertilizer calculated with the SIMDEN model (Vinther, 2008) Note. The values in tables 8-10 cannot be used as a N budget for the fate of manure N. Fertilizer effects of manures are expressed relative to the utilization of mineral N. There may also be gaseous N losses from mineral N fertilizers which are not accounted for here. 38

39 Estonia Background The AP of Estonia is a document that only describes the NVZ, its agriculture and the needs for the 4 year period. Hence it does not implement the Directive by means of inclusion of measures from Annex II and III of the Directive. Therefore references to the AP are not relevant and in this report we refer only to the CGAP. Estonia implements the Nitrate Directive by means of: Water Act which covers all measures of Annex II and III. Nitrate Vulnerable Zones- act by which the NVZ area has been designated. Guidelines Pandivere and Adavere-Põltsama Nitrate Vulnerable Zone which is an action programme that covers aims of the programme but not the measures of the Directive. The CGAP groups measures which are obligatory for the NVZ and voluntary for the whole country. The words nitrogen efficiency are not explicitly used in the AP, but instead the approximate direct effect (the first year effect) and after-effect (in the following year) of manure N, P and K in % of total nutrients applied to the crop are presented. These figures are based on field trials carried out with mineral and organic fertilizers on different soil conditions in Estonia (Kärblane, 1996). The direct effect of N is set to 50% for liquid manure with no expected after-effect the following years. For solid manure, the direct N effect is set to 25% with an additional effect of 10% for the following year. In the AP, there are requirements for reduced-emission application techniques for solid and liquid manure in storage and after spreading. The manure storage capacity should enable the storage of solid and liquid manure excreted by the animals for a period of at least eight months on farms with more than 10 livestock units. In NVZs, vessels and tanks for liquid as well as solid manure must be covered. After the manure is spread (both solid and liquid manure) it must be incorporated into soil as quickly as possible. It is prohibited to spread manures from 1 December to 31 of March and in any other period when the ground is covered with snow or is frozen. There is special legalisation in water protection areas. Review 1.1 Evaluate the ways in which manure-n efficiency is defined or treated in the APs The AP of Estonia does not explicitly refer to manure-n efficiency but presents the approximate direct and after-effect of manure N, P and K in %, given in Table 3, Annex 4 in the CGAP. The direct effect is the crop utilization in the year of application. The after-effect is the nutrient utilisation in the following year. The remaining nutrients, not utilized by plants, are assumed to be immobilized in soil or lost through or leaching or gaseous emissions Is there a clear definition of the N efficiency of manure given in the AP? If not, is it possible to give the definition based on how the N efficiency is used in the AP (so it must be clear if Estonia defines manure-n efficiency in the AP or our consortium identifies manure-n efficiency, based on the way it is used in the AP). The CGAP does not use the word manure-n efficiency but instead the phrase direct and after-effect of manure N, P and K is used which seems to have about the same meaning. 2. Identify methods used to measure mineral (available) N in manures 2.1. How is total-n measured / estimated? This is not covered in the AP. 39

40 2.2. What constitutes mineral-n? Not defined; presumed to be known How is this mineral-n measured? This is not covered in the AP How is the amount of manure-n production (excretion) estimated and how are the gaseous losses in housing systems and manure storage systems accounted for? Amounts of manure-n production (excretion) are not given in the CGAP. Measures to reduce losses in storage are given but no figures on gaseous losses from stable and storage related to handling practices. 3. Estimate how the rates at which organic manures become available are estimated 3.1. How is availability of the mineral-n in manures estimated? The CGAP gives the approximate direct and after-effect of N, phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in percent of total content in organic manures (both solid and liquid), (Table 3 from Annex 4), see below. The effects are related to the actual manure/fertilizer N uptake and not total N uptake of crop as the N directly taken up by plants is estimated to originate by 50% from manure/fertilizer and 50% from soil-n for liquid manure. 40

41 Table 11. Approximate after-effect of manure (Pöllumajandus ministeerium, 2008) Type of manure Year N% P% K% Solid direct effect Solid after-effect of the first year Solid after-effect of the second year Liquid direct effect Liquid after-effect of the first year The N requirement of plants is adjusted to take account of: crop type; estimated yield; different fertilizer consumption rates (5 levels) and N fertilizer consumption coefficient of soil. No definition is given for N fertilizer consumption coefficient of soil. Below (Table 12) is an example for Rye. These tables are also given for requirements for P and K for various crops. If spot-fertilization is used (understood as injection of slurry or drilling of fertilizer ), the fertilizer rate could be reduced by 15-20%. An agricultural producer shall keep a field record in which information is entered concerning the area of land under cultivation, soil properties, yield, types and volumes of fertilizers and times of fertilization. The values in Table 12 are default values, which should be adapted to prevailing conditions e.g. soil and weather. Table 12. Nitrogen requirements for various crops depending on fertilizer consumption rate of soil and estimated yield (Pöllumajandus ministeerium, 2008) Crop Estimated Optimum N Fertilizer consumption rate yield t/ha required Very high High Average Low Very low kg/ha N fertilizer consumption coefficient of soil, kg Required N quantity kg/ha Rye * * * * * 3.2. How is availability of the organic-n in manures estimated? See the after-effect in Question And for how many seasons/years? (short-term and long-term N availability) For solid manure two years, and for liquid manure one year. 4. Record the approach to manure management and application 4.1. How is manure managed / treated? All livestock facilities where livestock of more than ten livestock units are kept are required to have a manure storage facility or a manure and liquid manure storage facility, depending on the type of manure. The manure storage capacity should enable the storage of solid and liquid manure excreted by the animals for a period of at least eight months on farms with more than 10 livestock units. For spreading, a mandatory requirement is that manure (both solid and liquid manure) must be taken into the soil as quickly as possible (understood as incorporated ). It is also recommended to use spotfertilization (understood as injection of slurry or drilling of fertilizer ). 41

42 4.2. How is the N efficiency of manure accounted for in a fertilizer plan? It is permitted to spread an average of up to 170 kg of N with manure per year per hectare of land under cultivation. Amounts of mineral N exceeding 100 kg per hectare need to be spread as two or more applications. The N standard should be reduced: in spot fertilization by 15 20%; if the intermediate crop is rapeseed, turnip rapeseed 10 kg/ha, pea 15 kg/ha, clover 20 kg/ha, and alfalfa 40 kg/ha; if the intermediate crop has received organic fertilizers, the after-effect of the organic fertilizers shall be taken into account and the N standard must be reduced. The after-effect of mineral N fertilizers depends on the weather and is minimal; however, when determining fertilizer portions, the after-effect of manure must definitely be taken into account (Table 3, Annex 4). See How and when is manure applied? What are the closed periods for manure application and are there any restrictions on the methods used to apply manures. In the AP it is stated that The optimum time for spreading solid manure is in autumn, in case of winter cereals simultaneously with ploughing of the fallow, in any other cases simultaneously with autumn ploughing. In autumn manure should be spread as late as possible, but before the soil is still frozen and directly before ploughing. Liquid manure should be spread in spring before ploughing or onto cereals, which have already emerged, and onto herbaceous grasses, which have already started their growth. In the case of top dressing of the growing field crops, a special spreader with a trailing hose or spotfertilization equipment should be used Are there proposals for improvement of manure management and application to increase N efficiency? For spreading, a mandatory requirement is that manure (both solid and liquid manure) must be taken into the soil as quickly as possible (understood as incorporated ). It is also recommended to use spotfertilization (understood as injection of slurry or drilling of fertilizer ). Amounts of mineral-n exceeding 100 kg per hectare shall be spread in at least two applications Additional information to be recorded during the year In order to apply the environmental management system, an organisation has to determine its environmental policy, plan its environmental activities, guarantee the implementation and functioning of the system and the control and inspection thereof by the management. One of the means of planning is the preparation of an environmental action programme, which contains the following elements according to the activities of the organisation: a plan for the organisation of environmentally hazardous facilities; a fertilization plan; a liquid manure spreading plan; a plant succession plan; a water protection scheme; an action plan in the case of possible environmental pollution. 42

43 5. Determine what allowance, if any, is made for N excreted during grazing The manure quantity produced per year is reduced by the grazing period. E.g. if the grazing period lasts for 3 months, the quantity will be reduced by 25%, etc., i.e. the manure collected in the storage facility will be taken into consideration. 6. Record how these estimates are affected by: 6.1. Season of application This is not covered in the CGAP Soil type This is not covered in the AP Cropping (land use, e.g. arable vs. grassland) See Question Animal feed This is not covered in the AP Local agricultural practices (time and method of application, differences between conventional and organic production) This is not covered in the AP. 43

44

45 Finland Action Programme No. 931/2000 Issued in Helsinki, November 9, Government Decree on the Restriction of Discharge of Nitrates From Agriculture into Waters Relevant to section 11 of the Environmental Protection Act (86/2000) of February 4, Overview The AP of Finland does not explicitly refer to manure-n efficiency. The AP does not include any definitions of how manure-n efficiency is determined. The scale of use and application of N fertilizers is based on average crop yield, cultivation zone and crop rotation with the aim of retaining a balanced nutrient level in the soil. No information is given in the AP on the N content, as kg per t or m 3, of manures or of the amount of manure-n available for crop uptake. Farmers must keep a record of the amount of N fertilizers used on their fields and of crop yields. There are no estimates of short-term and long-term N availability in the AP. There are lower maximum N limits for certain crops in the northern part of Finland. Review 1.1 Evaluate the ways in which manure-n efficiency is defined or treated in the APs The AP of Finland does not explicitly refer to manure-n efficiency. The AP does not include any definitions of how manure-n efficiency is determined. 1.2 Is there a clear definition of the N efficiency of manure given in the AP? The AP of Finland does not explicitly refer to manure-n efficiency. Animal manure may be applied on a field as fertilizer equivalent to up to 170 kg/ha/year of N, while taking into consideration what is laid down below: The scale of use and application of N fertilizers is based on average crop yield, cultivation zone and crop rotation with the aim of retaining a balanced nutrient level in the soil. Farms may use the following maximum amounts of N on fields as fertilizer, contained in both mineral fertilizer and animal manure and organic fertilizers: o Winter cereals, up to 200 kg of N/ha/year, of which 30 kg of N/ha may be applied in the autumn and 170 kg of N/ha in the spring, or if slowly-dissolving N is used, up to 40 kg of N/ha in the autumn and 160 kg of N/ha in the spring. o Potatoes 130 kg of N/ha/year. o Grassland and pasture, silage and horticultural plants 250 kg of N/ha/year. o Spring cereals, sugarbeet, oilseed crops and other crops up to 170 kg of N/ha/year. For very fine sand and coarser mineral soils, 10 kg/ha/year is deducted from the N amounts laid down in paragraph 2 above. The total amounts of N presented in paragraph 2 above are reduced by 40 kg/ha in the case of cultivation of cereals or sugarbeet on peat soil, and by 20 kg/ha in the operating areas covered by Lapland, Northern Ostrobothnia and Kainuu Regional Environment Centres. For grasslands, the reduction is 10/ha on peat soil throughout the country. If the amount of permissible N fertilizer exceeds 170/kg/year, this amount must be split into at least two doses with at least two weeks between applications. No information is given in the AP on the N content, as kg per t or m 3, of manures or of the amount of manure-n available for crop uptake. 45

46 2. Identify methods used to measure mineral (available) N in manures 2.1. How is total-n measured / estimated? The AP states that manure-n analysis must be conducted at five-year intervals after the analysis that had to be made in 1998 at the latest. Farmers must keep a record of the amount of N fertilizers used on their fields and of crop yields What constitutes mineral-n? The AP does not include any definition or description of mineral-n, easily available N, quick dissolving N or of a similar kind How is this mineral-n measured? The AP states that manure-n analysis must be conducted at five-year intervals after the analysis that had to be made in 1998 at the latest. Farmers must keep a record of the amount of N fertilizers used on their fields and of crop yields How is the amount of manure-n production (excretion) estimated and how are the gaseous losses in housing systems and manure storage systems accounted for? The AP has no information on or estimates of amounts of N excreted by livestock. The AP has no information on or estimates of gaseous losses in housing systems and manure storage systems. The AP is focused on regulations about how to store and transport manure to avoid leakage and runoff; Manure storages and manure gutters must be watertight. The structures and equipment used must be such that no leakage occurs when the manure storage is emptied and the manure is transferred. The size of storage must follow the principles set out in Annex Estimate how the rates at which organic manures become available are estimated 3.1. How is availability of the mineral-n in manures estimated? Availability of mineral-n is not a term used. The AP states that animal manure may be applied on a field as fertilizer equivalent to up to 170 kg/ha/year of N. The scale of use and application of N fertilizers shall be based on average crop yield, cultivation zone and crop rotation with the aim of retaining a balanced nutrient level in the soil. The AP also has recommendations of maximum amounts of N on fields as fertilizer, contained in both mineral fertilizer and animal manure and organic fertilizers see 1.2 above How is availability of the organic-n in manures estimated? There is no estimation of organic-n in the AP And for how many seasons/years? (Short-term and long-term N availability) There is no estimation of short-term and long-term N availability in the AP. 4. Record the approach to manure management and application 4.1. How is manure managed / treated? The AP states that: The N fertilizer must be applied on the field evenly and so as to prevent discharges into waters as effectively as possible. Animal sheds must not be established if this may lead to a risk of polluting the ground water as specified in section 8 of the Environmental Protection Act. The location and management of outdoor yards for animals must take the requirements of surface water and groundwater protection into sufficient consideration. The storage of manure in heaps shall be conducted so that no risk of water pollution may be caused. The AP contains several details of how to store manure heaps, i.e.: storage in 46

47 isolated piles along the field in fact corresponds to manure application. One heap must contain an amount of manure needed for at least one hectare of field. Piling manure in the same place every year must be avoided. Manure should not be applied on fallow fields earlier than immediately after sowing of new crops or grass seeds after the fallow season. To reduce loss of NH 3, manure should be applied during cool and calm weather. To prevent microbiological decomposition, it is recommended that manure be applied as late in the autumn as possible, while also following the provisions of this Decree How is the N efficiency of manure accounted for in a fertilizer plan? The AP states that the scale of use and application of N fertilizers is based on average crop yield, cultivation zone and crop rotation with the aim of retaining a balanced nutrient level in the soil, for further details see 1.2 above. The AP also states that the N contained in manure applied in the autumn must be included when calculating fertilizer amounts the following spring. No guidance is given on how to make allowance for manure-n applied in autumn when calculating N fertilizer requirement. The amounts of manure applied in the autumn are restricted to maxima of 30 t/ha solid manure, 20 t/ha cow slurry, 15 t/ha pig slurry, 10 t/ha poultry or fur animal manure How and when is manure applied? What are the closed periods for manure application and are there any restrictions on the methods used to apply manures. The AP states that N fertilizers must not be applied on snow-covered, frozen or water-saturated ground. Animal manure must not be applied between October 15 and April 15. Organic fertilizer applied in the autumn must always be incorporated, within 24 hours at the latest, or the field must be ploughed. Application of N fertilizers is prohibited between October 1 and April 15 on field areas that are repeatedly flooded in spring, but this does not apply when new growth is being established. Use of N fertilizers is prohibited on areas closer than five metres to a watercourse. Along the width of the next five metres, surface application of N fertilizers is prohibited if the field slope exceeds two per cent. Surface application of livestock manure is always prohibited on fields whose average slope exceeds 10 per cent. The proper time to apply livestock manure is primarily in the spring. The dates are prescribed in section 5 of the AP. Application in the spring can begin, within these limits, when the snow has melted, the field surface is dry and all melt water has drained, even if the soil may still be frozen deeper down. Application must not cause any risk of water pollution. The soil in the field must be tilled as soon as possible, within some four hours after manure application, in order to reduce emissions of NH 3 and to reduce offensive odours. Fertilizer placement of liquid manure and urine is particularly recommended. If this is not done, the manure must be incorporated or ploughed into the soil. If manure has to be applied during the growing season, the method used should be fertilizer placement. Surface application can be used on seedlings and grasslands, preferably using trailing hoses. If manure has to be applied in the autumn, smaller amounts are used, as specified in sections 5 and 6 of the AP, and the method of application is the same as above. 47

48 4.4. Are there proposals for improvement of manure management and application to increase N efficiency? The AP recommend that manure may be applied in the autumn up to November 15, and application may be started in the spring no earlier than April 1, provided the ground is not frozen and is sufficiently dry to avoid runoff into watercourses and any danger of subsoil compaction Additional information to be recorded during the year There are no further requirements for recording information. 5. Determine what allowance, if any, is made for N excreted during grazing There is nothing in the AP about considering applied N excreted during grazing in the concept of manure N efficiency. 6. Record how these estimates are affected by: 6.1. Season of application The AP state that the proper time to apply animal manure is primarily in the spring Soil type The AP recommends that there should be no autumn application on peat soil Cropping (land use, e.g. arable vs. grassland) The AP recommends that manure may not be applied on grassland after September Animal feed The AP has no guidelines concerning animal feed Local agricultural practices (time and method of application, differences between conventional and organic production) The regulations required by the Finnish Decree must be put into effect throughout the country, so no regional differences are stated. As mentioned in section 1.2 there are lower maximum N limits for certain crops in the northern part of Finland. Concerning the AP regulation about time and method of application see 4.3 which is applicable on national level. The AP has a regulation concerning organic farming: Manure composts made into heaps on a field must be applied to the soil during the following growing season. If this is not possible, the compost made on the field must be covered with a rainproof tarpaulin and applied to the field no later than the following spring. 48

49 France Phase 1: Identify, report and critically evaluate how manure-n efficiency is taken into account by France in the regional Action Programmes (AP) Action Plans: PRÉFECTURE DU FINISTERE. ARRÊTÉ N o du 29 juillet 2009 relatif au quatrième programme d'action à mettre en oeuvre en vue de la protection des eaux contre la pollution par les nitrates d'origine agricole PRÉFECTURE DU PAS DU CALAIS. ARRÊTÉ RELATIF AU 4 ème PROGRAMME D'ACTION À METTRE EN OEUVRE EN VUE DE LA PROTECTION DES EAUX CONTRE LA POLLUTION PAR LES NITRATES D'ORIGINE AGRICOLE PRÉFECTURE DE LA VENDÉE. ARRETE PREFECTORIAL n o 09-DDEA-SEMR-173 relatif au 4 ème programme d'action à mettre en oeuvre en vue de la protection des eaux contre la pollution par les nitrates d'origine agricole PRÉFECTURE DES YVELINES. ARRETE No SE relatif au 4 ème programme d'action à mettre en oeuvre en vue de la protection des eaux contre la pollution par les nitrates d'origine agricole Background to project: Aim: How is manure N efficiency determined? Definitions: Table 13. Terms used to describe the efficiency with which manure-n may be used by crops Term Definition Description Available-N Usually the mineral or easily mineralized fraction of manure-n The N in manures potentially available for crop uptake in the season the Crop-available N The proportion of available-n remaining as crop-available N will depend on factors such as time of manure application, soil type manure is applied The available-n remaining after loss following application to land as NH 3, NO - 3, etc. NFRV Nitrogen fertilizer replacement value The amount of N fertilizer that can be replaced by manure-n Manure-N efficiency Overview (summary) The proportion of manure-n that can be recovered by crops over more than one season, net of losses of N following application to land Available-N plus N expected to be mineralized over following seasons minus losses following application to land as NH 3, NO 3 -, etc. In France, APs have been established at departmental level (75 APs in total) and 4 have been reviewed for this project. None of the APs uses the term manure-n efficiency. Information is provided on the total N content of manures, but not of available N. The APs relate the rate of mineralization of manure N to the C:N ratio and the N concentration of the manure. Products with a low ratio, such as manure with no litter, mineralize rapidly, while those with a high C:N ratio (manure with litter) will mineralize more slowly. Mineral N supplies to a plant in the first year following organic manure inputs can be calculated if the rates of mineralization are known. 49

50 Review In France, APs have been established at departmental level (75 APs in total) and 4 have been reviewed for this project. These are the APs for: Finistère, in the far west, representing a livestock region with a large proportion of cattle. Pays du Calais in the far north, representing an intensive livestock region with significant production of pigs. Vendée, in the mid west, representing an area of mixed agriculture. Yvelines in the Paris basin, representing areas of intensive arable production. The remaining ones have similar provisions and do not give any additional information on manure-n efficiency. The legal texts define the measures and actions required for a good management of N fertilizers to limit NO 3 - leaching and runoff and to prevent water pollution. 1. Examine the AP for definition and treatment of 'manure-n efficiency' 1.1. Evaluate the ways in which manure-n efficiency is defined or treated in the APs (see above definitions). There is no clear definition in any of the departmental APs of manure-n efficiency Is there a clear definition of the N efficiency of manure given in the AP? If not, is it possible to give the definition based on how the N efficiency is used in the AP (so it must be clear if the MS defines manure-n efficiency in the AP or our consortium identifies manure-n efficiency, based on the way it is used in the AP) There is no clear definition in any of the departmental APs of manure-n efficiency. 2. Identify methods used to measure mineral (available) N in manures 2.1. How is total-n measured estimated? The Vendée AP includes tables providing the amount of N in manure from different animal categories. The Yvelines AP makes references to a number of tables (Annex 3) including one that lists the N content in manure per animal category. However, these tables are not within the AP. The table from the AP for Vendée is presented in Table 14 below What constitutes mineral-n? Mineral N is not clearly defined within any of the APs, however, average NO 3 - values of manure are given in the AP established in the Department of Vendée (see 2.3). 50

51 2.3. How is this mineral-n measured? Vendée Average N values of manure are: Table 14. Manure analysis Manure type Total N, kg/t Total N, kg/m 3 Cattle manure 5.5 Composted cattle manure 5.0 Cattle slurry (undiluted) 4.0 Calf slurry 3.0 Pig manure 4.1 Pig slurry (undiluted) 5.0 Layer manure 10.8 Layer slurry 7.7 Broiler manure 29.0 Chicken manure (dry) 20.0 Chicken slurry (wet) 6.8 Duck manure 5.0 Duck slurry 7.5 Rabbit manure 9.0 Rabbit slurry 7.0 Goat manure How are the gaseous losses in housing systems and manure storage systems accounted for? In the AP for Vendée, tables are given for the quantities of N produced for different animals (poultry, pigs, cattle etc.), after deductions of losses in housing systems and storage. However, no information is provided on how these losses are calculated. 3. Estimate how the rates at which organic manures become available are estimated 3.1. How is availability of the mineral-n in manures estimated? Any organic-n will eventually mineralize. The rate of mineralization is mainly due to the C:N ratio and the N concentration. Products with a low ratio such as manure with no litter mineralize rapidly, while those with a high C:N ratio (manure with litter) will mineralize more slowly. Fertilizers are therefore assigned to one of three categories: Type I Type II Type III Organic fertilizer with high C:N (at least 8) excluding droppings from ducks and geese. E.g. straw-based manure Organic fertilizer with low C:N (less or equal to 8) including dropping from ducks and geese. E.g. manure from cattle and pigs, commercialized fertilizer originating from organic manure from animal. Mineral fertilizers and artificial urea 3.2. How is availability of the organic-n in manures estimated? See And for how many seasons/years? (short-term and long-term N availability) The AP for Vendée documents how the mineral N supplies to a plant in the first year following organic manure inputs can be calculated if the rates of mineralization are known. Also, the mineral supplies for the following years after application are given. 51

52 Two categories are given: 1. Fast N effect effluent Type II (%) Poultry Pigs C ttl 2. Slow N effect effluent Type I (%) Poultry Pigs Cattle Mineral N direct effects Organic N mineralised within the year direct effects Organic N mineralised the following years secondary effects 4. Record the approach to manure management and application 4.1. How is manure managed / treated to improve manure-n efficiency? This is not covered in any of the APs How is the N efficiency of manure accounted for in a fertilizer plan? The APs refer to the obligation to apply organic and mineral fertilizers based on the balance of nitrogen fertilizer per parcel of cultivated land. The dosage calculations must be taken into account, particularly with regard to the crop yield and the way in which the fertilizer is applied: realistic performance targets, dates and doses of application adjusted in accordance with the agronomic needs of the plant, the quantities of organic nitrogen known and controlled (adequate materials, usage of COPERN references or other reference accepted by institutes and technical centres for emission analysis). These parameters are mentioned in Appendix How and when is manure applied? What are the closed periods for manure application and are there any restrictions on the methods used to apply manures? The departmental APs detail restrictions on the maximum amount of manure that can be applied on land (170 kg N/ha), as well as periods during which fertilizer application is forbidden. The closed period depends on the crop being cultivated and the type of manure. The spreading of manure on uncultivated soils is forbidden throughout the entire year. Closed periods differ in different departments. In Pas-de-Calais, Yvelines and Vendée, closed periods are the same, however, the department of Finistère goes into more detail on the exact crops being cultivated and hence the timings are slightly different Are there proposals for improvement of manure management and application to increase N efficiency? This is not covered in any of the departmental APs. 52