Muck & Slurry
Robust response pledged to fertiliser ban plan
G
overnment plans to ban solid urea fertiliser would push up farm input costs, say industry
leaders who have pledged to fight the proposal.
A Defra consultation launched last month is seeking views on reducing ammonia emissions from solid urea fer- tilisers for growing plants and crops. The government says emissions are bad for human health and must be re- duced.
Some 87% of UK ammonia emis- sions come from farming. The gov- ernment says taking action solid urea fertilisers will reduce pollution. It has committed to reducing emissions by 8% of 2005 levels by 2020 – with a 16% re- duction by 2030.
The consultation presents three
options: a total ban on solid urea ferti- lisers; stabilising urea fertiliser with the addition of a urease inhibitor; and restrictions so solid urea fertiliser can only be spread from 15 January to 31 March.
Preferred option While each of these options will support the commitment to reducing ammonia emissions, the government says a ban on solid urea fertilisers would achieve around 31% of the ammonia reduction target by 2030.
Reducing ammonia emissions will significantly reduce nitrogen deposition to land and in turn help reduce damage to peat bogs, which are an important
carbon sink, thereby helping to tackle climate change.
Environment Secretary George Eu- stice said: “Ammonia emissions from agriculture are causing harm to sen- sitive and important habitats by mak- ing soils more acidic which damages the growth of some plant species, impact- ing on biodiversity.
“They are also harmful to human
health, and we welcome views on how we can address their use in agriculture so that we can all breathe cleaner air.
Ambitious targets “Any changes will need to be made in a way that is realistic and achievable for farmers, but which help us to achieve our ambitious targets for better air
We welcome views on how we can all breathe cleaner air
“
The government wants farmers to use ammonia nitrate rather than urea
quality. We are committed to work- ing with farmers to help them do this.” NFU combinable crops board chair Matt Culley said: “Farmers have made great strides in reducing key agricul- tural emissions over recent decades through more efficient targeting of fer- tiliser applied to farmland and held in the soil.
“Urea is the most commonly used
form of nitrogen fertiliser in the world and an important tool for our farmers in helping produce the nation’s food. It offers several advantages when used alongside ammonium nitrate and is safer to handle.” The consultation closes on 26 Jan- uary 2021. For details, visit
www.bit. ly/UreaBan.
How insect manure could help grow crops
Insect waste could be used as a crop fertiliser, say researchers working on a major government-funded project. Scientists at Warwick and Durham universities are examining the viabil- ity of rearing insects for animal feed. They believe waste material – or frass – from the Black Soldier Fly larvae could be used as a plant fertiliser and growth stimulant. Project lead Rob Lillywhite said:
“Frass is a by-product of producing insects and is likely to contain many
of the essential elements required for plant growth. We are excited by the op- portunity to examine its use in plant production.” Finding a value-adding use for the frass would add to the sustainability of using insect protein for livestock as an alternative to products like soya- based animal feed, added Mr Lilly- white. “It’s early days in the project with very little science of this sort hav- continued on p18
Waste from fly larvae could be used as
manure [Photo Credit: Entocycle]
DECEMBER 2020 • MIDLAND FARMER 17
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