Manure on Thawed Soil: Environmental Groups Criticize Minister

Agriculture Minister Cornelia Schmachtenberg (CDU) caused irritation among environmental associations and the green coalition partner with a push to discharge manure. At a so-called insider day for the agricultural industry, organized by an agricultural service provider, the minister told around 500 guests that in the future it should also be possible to fertilize thawing soil. The Farmer’s paper had initially reported.

Manure regulation reinterpreted

Until now, the regulation in Schleswig-Holstein was interpreted in such a way that manure was not allowed to be spread even on slightly frozen ground. The Agriculture Minister’s initiative now allows manure to be spread on soil that is still frozen in the morning but then thaws completely. Several nature conservation associations and parties criticize this, including the green coalition partner.

Criticism from nature conservation associations: Misuse is possible and manure cannot seep in

NABU Schleswig-Holstein considers the new interpretation of the existing regulation to be irresponsible given the already poor condition of the inland waters and seas. In addition, Fritz Heydemann, NABU agricultural expert, is skeptical “to what extent the application would actually be limited to soil that is only slightly superficially frozen.” The new regulation also opens up the possibility of abuse.

In the future, farmers should also be allowed to spread manure on thawed ground.

The regional association of BUND sharpens the criticism: “If you spread liquid manure on frozen ground, it’s like dumping it directly into the ditch.” Because the liquid manure cannot seep into frozen ground and therefore does not reach the roots of the plants.

Farmers’ Association: Fertilizing on frozen ground is technically recommended

The Schleswig-Holstein Farmers’ Association, on the other hand, welcomes the Agriculture Minister’s initiative. Accordingly, fertilization on ground that is superficially frozen in the morning is technically necessary – plants and soil would benefit from it. Farmers now need guidelines on how the regulation should be interpreted and implemented, according to the farmers’ association.

The Greens and SPD fear nitrate pollution in water bodies

There is also criticism of the plans from the coalition partner the Greens. MP Silke Backsen says she has considerable doubts as to whether this interpretation of the fertilizer regulation is compatible with EU law. What is needed is not a weakening of standards, but rather a strengthening of water protection. In addition, she calls for urgent improvements to fertilizer law at the federal level.

In its criticism of the Agriculture Minister’s initiative, the SPD, as the opposition party, refers to several small requests. They showed that more than a third of the nitrate measuring points would have been classified as contaminated by 2024. This situation would become even worse, according to the SPD’s criticism.

Ministry: Authorities monitor implementation

In response to a request from NDR Schleswig-Holstein, the ministry said that the recommendation refers to slightly frozen soils that can thaw completely during the day and absorb nutrients again. The distribution may only take place under strict conditions. The authorities would monitor the implementation of the requirements in order to prevent nutrient losses in water bodies.

In an interview with NDR Schleswig-Holstein, the minister explains that her initiative for plants is helpful. Because it improves the plants’ nutrient absorption: “That means the regulation is better for the utilization of nutrients and also for soil protection.” Farmers can use the forecast from the German Weather Service to find out how the soil is developing that day. When asked by NDR Schleswig-Holstein, the Schleswig-Holstein farmers’ association and the Chamber of Agriculture did not want to comment on the minister’s proposal.

February 1st is a “holiday” for farmers: they can collect manure again if the weather permits. Not everyone is happy about that.

The background is a ruling by the Federal Administrative Court. Lower Saxony’s Agriculture Minister appeals to farmers.

The beginning of February is actually fertilizing time. However, manure pollutes the soil and drinking water. It is currently unclear what is allowed.

Agriculture Minister Backhaus announced this. This caused anything but enthusiasm among farmers.