Manure is nothing but a natural fertilizer from farm animal droppings, usually cattle, pigs or poultry. Although for the uninitiated it may sound not encouraging, it is true for farmers golden – improves soil structure and provides its valuable ingredients. Animal breeders willingly use it in their own fields, because it is an ecological and cheap source of fertilization.
It is worth noting, however, that today storing manure is subject to clearly defined rules and no longer resembles practices from years ago, and disregarding the regulations may cost over 4,000. zloty.
When is a manure plate required? These farmers must have it on farms
From January 1, 2025, each farm conducting animal production, even to the smallest extent, is required to build a manure plate. The new regulations also include the need to have tight legliness and slurry tanks. Importantly, the nitrate program does not provide for any discounts – also for farms maintaining up to 210 DJP. The obligations are the same for everyone, regardless of the scale activities.
In practice, this means the need to meet a number of technical and environmental requirements, including
- The manure can be stored on the plate or temporarily on the ground, but not longer than for 6 months and only in a place protected against soil leaches.
- If fertilizers are stored in the field, the pile must have a foil, straw or other lymph material undercoat.
- Gnojówka and slurry should be stored in tight tanks, the capacity of which allows you to store for at least half a year.
- It is prohibited to store natural fertilizers and silage at a distance of less than 25 meters from the well and the edges of surface water,
- Any farmer using nitrogen fertilizers must also have a nitrogen fertilization plan or documentation confirming its implementation. This is a condition necessary to assess compliance with the nitrate program.
Inspections of environmental protection inspections are already underway. What is the penalty for the lack of a slurry?
The Environmental Protection Inspection did not wait for spring. Already in January, farm inspections began, during which officials check whether farmers They actually adapted to the requirements of the nitrate program. And you have to pay for oversight and literally. How high are penalties?
- PLN 4,404.80 – for storing natural fertilizers not in accordance with the regulations (e.g. no manure plate),
- PLN 2936.53 – for the use of fertilizers contrary to the fertilization plan,
- PLN 734.13 – for the lack of documentation of the implementation of the nitrate program,
- PLN 734.13 – for the lack of a developed nitrogen fertilization plan.
In case of deficiencies, the consequences are immediate. It doesn't matter if the manure of manure “was only for a while” – the program does not provide exceptions. Although many entries can be difficult for farmers that are difficult to unambiguously interpret, one thing is certain: inspectors leave no room for guesses. What matters is compliance with documentation, not with intuition.
In your opinion, new regulations regarding manure plates are justified? We invite you to participate in the poll and commenting.