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Project title

Eutrophication from Agriculture Sources (Phosphorus and Nitrogen) - Fertiliser Spreading

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Teagasc

Lead Applicant

Declan Ryan

Project Abstract

The object of this work was to identify the main factors contributing to the loss of nutrients from spreading slurry and fertiliser. As part of this work safe spreading and storage periods for slurry were calculated. Overland flow is highly variable and transports nitrogen and phosphorus from land to water. It is controlled by soil properties and climate. Spreading slurry and fertilizer on the soil surface can enrich surface water if rainfall occurs up to six weeks after spreading. Losses increase with spreading rate. The overland flow data available to this project were not suitable for the analysis of the relationship between application rate of nutrients to land and the concentration of these nutrients in overland flow. The Fertilizer Use Study 2000 showed that fertiliser is applied at approximately the recommended level on most farms. Some dairy farms use too much nitrogen. Tillage farms apply too much N and P but the area concerned is small. Slurry spread on grassland farms often contains too much P for the silage ground where it is applied so perhaps an increase in spreadingland area is required. The survey in 2000 did not give sufficient detail in this regard but future surveys will.

Grant Approved

�35,917.60

Research Hub

Natural Environment

Research Theme

Improve our Knowledge on the State of our Water Resources and Pressures

Start Date

n/a

Initial Projected Completion Date

n/a