Does spreading slurry on fields pollute the environment?

Slurry is a mixture of livestock excreta and water. It is used by farmers as a natural fertiliser to improve soil fertility and promote the growth of nutritious grassland and crops. Slurry can be associated with the microbial contamination of ground and surface water if the correct, specific spreading precautions are not taken. In keeping with the European Union’s Nitrates Directive, spreading of slurry in Ireland is carried out under strict regulation to ensure minimal environmental impact. Slurry can only be spread at certain times of the year; when the ground is drier, so that there is less runoff, meaning less water pollution.

Extra Information:

As part of the Sustainable Dairy Assurance Standard (SDAS) auditing process farmers are questioned on their knowledge of legal restrictions that apply to the spreading of slurry, other manures and chemical fertilisers. Storage facilities on farm are also inspected as part of the SDAS audit.