Improving water quality: ‘Breaking the pathway of phosphorus and sediment entering waterways’
Reporter:
Teagasc Soils & Environment Adviser, Castlere
Slurry should only be applied when soil temperatures are above 6 degrees and ground conditions and weather forecast are suitable
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When farmers are applying fertilisers, cultivating, grazing or draining land close to watercourses, careful land management can minimise the risk of Phosphorus and sediment loss and help improve water quality.
Nutrient application followed by significant rainfall on poorly draining and low permeability soils leads to overland flow transporting nutrients to waterbodies. Targeted fertiliser application at optimum times, particularly on low permeability soils, along with suitable land management can help mitigate against the risk of phosphorus & sediment making their way to our rivers and streams. Farmers should have a Nutrient Management Plan for the farm prepared and implemented to ensure the nutrients in slurry, FYM and chemical fertiliser are directed to where most needed.