The Action Programme for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (Scotland) Regulations 2008

Closed period for chemical fertilisers

19.—(1) Subject to paragraph (4), a chemical fertiliser must not be applied to land specified in paragraphs (2) and (3) on or between the dates so specified in relation to that land.

(2) In relation to the area of land designated as the Aberdeenshire, Banff, Buchan and Moray nitrate vulnerable zone(1), the land and dates specified for the purposes of paragraph (1) are–

(a) in the case of grassland, 15th September in any year and 20th February in the following year; and

(b) in the case of other land, 1st September in any year and 20th February in the following year.

(3) In relation to areas of land designated as nitrate vulnerable zones other than the area of land mentioned in paragraph (2)(2), the land and dates specified for the purposes of paragraph (1) are–

(a) in the case of grassland, 15th September in any year and 15th February in the following year; and

(b) in the case of other land, 1st September in any year and 15th February in the following year.

(4) Where the fertiliser and manure management plan demonstrates that the nitrogen requirement of the following crops can only be met by applying chemical fertiliser on any dates on which that application is otherwise prohibited by this regulation, such fertiliser may be applied up to the following maximum limits–

(a) for brassicas 100 kg per hectare;

(b) for winter oilseed rape the amount set out in table 1 of Schedule 3, taking into account the previous crop, crop yield and soil type.

(1)

Designated as a nitrate vulnerable zone by regulation 3 of the Designation of Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (Scotland) Regulations 2002 (S.S.I. 2002/276).

(2)

Designated as a nitrate vulnerable zone either by regulation 3 of S.S.1. 2002/276 or regulation 3 of S.S.I. 2002/546.