Development of improved advice for farmers and advisers

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Abstract
The MAFF Nitrate Programme has provided policy makers and the agricultural industry with a much improved understanding of soil nitrogen cycling, and the cost‐effectiveness of a range of nitrate reduction strategies. This understanding has been disseminated as improved economically‐based advice on fertilizer N inputs to arable and grass crops, and information on the N value of livestock manures as affected by timing and method of application. In addition, strategies for reducing nitrate losses have been developed, including the use of over‐winter cover crops, the management of cultivations and crop residues, and the conversion of arable land to low‐input grassland.A wide variety of information dissemination methods have been used, including face‐to‐face discussions, demonstrations, articles in the farming press, booklets aimed at farmers, technical information for advisers and consultants, recommendation reference books and computer‐based fertilizer recommendation systems.