Nitrate Leaching from Livestock Manures in England and the Implications for Organic Farming of Nitrate Control Policy

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Abstract
European Community legislation will require controls upon agriculture to reduce nitrate leaching. A voluntary pilot Nitrate Sensitive Area (NSA) Scheme to assess the impact of changed husbandry practices on nitrate leaching has been in operation in England for three years. It is proposed to expand it in 1994 under the EC Agri-Environment Regulation. Research findings have shown that livestock manures applied in autumn and early winter increase nitrate leaching from both arable and grassland. Cover crops reduce the loss of nitrate. The initial loss from straw- based manures is less than from slurries and poultry manure. The original proposals for the future NS As included limits on the use of all manures which could have prevented organic farms from participating in such schemes. These plans have been modified in a way which will allow many organic systems to join the Scheme but not outdoor pig or poultry units. Organic farmers hope that when Vulnerable Zones are delineated under the EC Nitrates Directive the Action Plans will allow their organic systems to continue.

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