Caution When Spreading Slurry This Summer
Jayne Armstrong, Countryside Management Branch, DARD
It may be the summer season but with the recent high levels of rain fall experienced throughout Northern Ireland; caution must be taken when spreading slurry.
The risk of water pollution is greatly increased when soils are waterlogged and during periods of prolonged heavy rain. Farmers and contractors must take the utmost care when spreading slurry and ensure that the risk of nutrient run-off from the land is minimised.
As part of the 2007 Nitrates Directive Action Programme, slurry spreading must not be carried out in unsuitable weather and /or ground conditions, notably on waterlogged fields. It is important to note that sludgigator type machines are not permitted for spreading either slurry or dirty water. Also ensure that no spreading takes place within a specified distance from a waterway. The type of waterway determines the minimum distance where slurry spreading is not permitted.
Leave at least:
- 10m from open areas of water, including rivers, open field drains and field drains which have been back filled with aggregate or stone;
- 15m from exposed cavernous or karstified limestone features (such as swallow-holes);
- 20m from lakes;
- 50m from wells, boreholes and springs;
- 250 metres from a borehole used for a public water supply.
Further information on the Nitrates Directive Action Programme and the prevention of pollution may be obtained from your local DARD Countryside Management Branch office, or at: www.ruralni.gov.uk/index/environment/countryside_management_main/zones.htm