Agronomists are warning that new regulations on Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) that came into force on January 1, and the pressures of record highs in fertiliser prices, mean the controlled application of nutrients to field veg crops is more important than ever.

Consultancy Adas is warning that the new rules place a statutory requirement on growers with land in an NVZ to create detailed nitrogen application plans and maintain full records of cropping, organic manure and nitrogen fertiliser applications. Non-compliance could lead to significant financial penalties under the single farm payment scheme.

Senior Adas consultant Steve Ford said: “Under the new regulations, growers will not only need to keep detailed records, but also carry out and document complex calculations to check their compliance.”

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