Factsheet: Nitrates

Limits manure application, the first 4 years 210 kg N/ha is allowed and afterwards 170 kg N/ha. Defines acceptable manure application, forbids manure application for some cases. The Programme also regulates manure storage and requires specific storage characteristics (such as volume for a 6-month period etc.). Soil chemical analyses are prescribed. The area to which these restrictions apply is the area defined as nitrate vulnerable - the latter is defined by a specific decision; for other areas, these restrictions are a recommnedation. The Programme also suggests manure for biogas and compost. The transition period for the construction of appropriate containers is 4 years from the date of Croatian accession to the European Union.