Cavan farmers face strict winter fertiliser spreading bans
Cavan County Council has reminded local agricultural operators about mandatory winter restrictions on landspreading to safeguard local water quality. The regulations aim to prevent nutrient runoff into rivers, lakes, and groundwater sources throughout the region.
Source:
Cavan County Council
•
⏱️ 1 min read
Local agricultural operators in County Cavan are being reminded that mandatory closed periods for landspreading fertilisers are now underway. Designed to comply with national Nitrates Regulations, these restrictions prohibit the application of chemical and organic fertilisers during the winter months when plant growth declines and nutrient runoff risks are significantly elevated.
According to the council, nutrient losses to waterbodies during winter can be up to four times higher than in summer conditions. The current schedule outlines specific prohibited timeframes: chemical fertilisers are restricted from 15th September 2026 to 14th February 2027; organic fertilisers such as slurry and silage effluent are banned from 1st October 2026 to 31st January 2027; farmyard manure is excluded between 1st November 2026 and 31st January 2027; and soiled water faces a targeted restriction through December 2026. Strict buffer zones near watercourses and wells must also be observed.
Protecting County Cavan's aquatic environment is critical, as all municipal drinking water supplies and many private wells rely directly on local rivers, lakes, and groundwater. Anyone seeking further guidance on the regulations or assistance with water protection measures can contact the Environmental Services Section of Cavan County Council on 049 4378486 or via email available on the official website.
According to the council, nutrient losses to waterbodies during winter can be up to four times higher than in summer conditions. The current schedule outlines specific prohibited timeframes: chemical fertilisers are restricted from 15th September 2026 to 14th February 2027; organic fertilisers such as slurry and silage effluent are banned from 1st October 2026 to 31st January 2027; farmyard manure is excluded between 1st November 2026 and 31st January 2027; and soiled water faces a targeted restriction through December 2026. Strict buffer zones near watercourses and wells must also be observed.
Protecting County Cavan's aquatic environment is critical, as all municipal drinking water supplies and many private wells rely directly on local rivers, lakes, and groundwater. Anyone seeking further guidance on the regulations or assistance with water protection measures can contact the Environmental Services Section of Cavan County Council on 049 4378486 or via email available on the official website.
0 views