New nitrate regulations published

14 May 1998

New nitrate regulations published

THE Government has published regulations intended to reduce the quantity of nitrates leaching into drinking water.

The rules would curb farmers use of nitrogen fertiliser and organic manures, including sewage sludge. A ban on applying nitrogen fertilisers in the autumn and winter would also be implemented.

The regulations cover 68 zones totalling 600,000ha (1,482,580 acres), largely in East Anglia, the Midlands and Oxfordshire.

The new regime takes effect from 19 December.

• Government gets tough on leached nitrates, FWi, yesterday (13 May) — Click here
• Financial Times 14/05/98 page 12