Organic fertiliser can be applied to the land from the 1st of February onwards in County Cavan provided that the ground conditions and the weather forecast are suitable. Farmers are being advised to make slurry contractors aware of any water features that may be present in the fields that slurry is being applied and to ensure that slurry is kept back the correct distances.
Organic fertiliser or soiled water shall not be applied to land within 5 metres of surface watercourse. This distance is 10 metres for a period of 2 weeks preceding and 2 weeks following the periods when application of fertilisers to land is prohibited.
Slurry is a valuable source of nutrients for plant growth and if used efficiently can reduce the need for artificial fertilisers. However, these can damage our environment if not managed correctly. According to Cavan County Council, slurry should only be applied when soil temperatures are above 6°C and avoid spreading slurry if the ground is frozen, water-logged or if heavy rain is forecast.
