Current Regulations for Nitrogen Fertilizer Submission in Austria (as of February 2024)
The application of nitrogen-containing fertilizers in Austria is subject to regulations aimed at protecting water quality, primarily governed by the Nitrates Action Program Ordinance (NAPV – Nitrataktionsprogramm-Verordnung). These regulations dictate when and under what conditions fertilization is permitted. Here’s a breakdown of the current rules, as of February 2024:
End of the General Prohibition (February 1st)
The general prohibition on applying nitrogen-containing fertilizers, which typically runs from October 1st to February 1st, has ended.This means that, generally, fertilization is again permitted. However, several conditions and exceptions apply. If a field was planted with catch crops ( Zwischenfrüchte), fertilization is permitted according to the NAPV.
Exceptions and ongoing Restrictions:
* Uncultivated Arable Land: The prohibition remains in effect on uncultivated arable land until promptly before spring sowing.
* Specific Crops: Fertilizer application is already permitted for durum wheat, barley, rapeseed, and crops grown under fleece or plastic coverings since February 1st.
* Adverse Weather Conditions – Year-Round Prohibition: A complete and year-round prohibition applies to areas that are waterlogged, frozen, snow-covered, or flooded. This prohibition remains in effect even after the general prohibition period ends. Definitions are as follows:
* Snow-covered: When less than half of the field is snow-free at the time of application.
* Frozen: soil that does not thaw during the day. Note that thawing soil can also be waterlogged.
* Waterlogged: Soil where the capacity to absorb water is exhausted.
* Recently Thawed Soil: On fields that thaw only on the day of application, a maximum of 60 kilograms of nitrogen per hectare (applied to the field) is permitted. Expected yield must also be considered.
Buffer Zones near Water Bodies
Maintaining appropriate distances from water bodies is crucial. The NAPV specifies the following buffer zones:
* Standing Water (Lakes, Ponds): 20 meters from the top edge of the bank. This can be reduced to 10 meters if the area within the 20-meter radius has a slope of less than 10%.
* Flowing Water (Rivers,Streams): 10 meters from the top edge of the bank. This can be reduced to 3 meters if the area within the 20-meter radius has a slope of less than 10%. On steeper slopes, the buffer zone can be reduced to 5 meters if the buffer strip is permanently (living) vegetated.
ÖPUL Considerations
Farmers participating in the Austrian Programme for Rural Development (ÖPUL), specifically the “Preventive Groundwater Protection – Arable Land” measure, may be subject to additional, regionally specific restrictions on fertilization deadlines.
Sources:
* RIS (Rechtsinformationssystem des Bundes): Nitrataktionsprogramm-Verordnung (NAPV) (Accessed February 26, 2024)
* LK Österreich – Düngung: Was Landwirte jetzt wissen müssen (Accessed February 26, 2024)
Disclaimer: *Agricultural regulations are subject to change. This information is current as of February 26, 2024,
Worth a look