1	Compliance with EU Agricultural and Environmental Requirements - The Swedish Experience Christine Jakobsson, JTI Regional Conference on Agricultural Source Pollution in Danube, Baltic and Black Sea Riparian Countries, Bucharest September 30 - October 3, 2003
2	Disposition EU:s Nitrate Directive Sweden’s legislation and adaptation to EU Swedish advisory service & information Synthesis from the implementation of EU:s Nitrate Directive
3	The policy implementation of nutrient management in European Countries EU:s Nitrate Directive Different approaches in policy Nitrogen or phosphorus based systems N based systems as in the Nitrate Directive, (170 kg N/ha) are most common P based systems e.g. Sweden, the allowed level of P is defined as livestock density corresponding to 22 kg P in manure/ha, - no problems with requirements of 170 kg N/ha returned in animal excreta (Nitrate Directive). Another advantage is that information on P content in manure is more reliable, as losses in animal houses and during storage are almost non-existent and therefore easier for the farmer to calculate. N and P-based systems
4	The policy implementation of nutrient management in European Countries EU:s Nitrate Directive Implementation of nutrient management legislation The Nitrate Directive issued in 1991. Most activities to be implemented before 2000. Objectives are to reduce water pollution caused or induced by nitrates from agricultural sources and to prevent such pollution. Member states must identify Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NZVs) on the basis of monitoring requirements results. Action Programmes with mandatory measures on agricultural practices must be implemented in NVZs. Maximum amounts of animal manure that can be applied to land yearly (210 kg N/ha until mid-December 2002 when the amount will be reduced to 170 kg N/ha). Monitoring of water quality according to specific requirements. Codes of Good Agricultural Practice (CGAP) must be elaborated and are mandatory in the NVZs and voluntary outside.
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10	EU:s Nitrate directive Measures to be include in action programmes - rules cont.: limitation of the land application of fertilisers, consistent with good agricultural practice and taking into account the characteristics of the vulnerable zone concerned, in particular: soil conditions, soil type and slope; climatic conditions, rainfall and irrigation; land use and agricultural practices, including crop rotation systems; and to be based on a balance between: the foreseeable N requirements of the crops, and the nitrogen supply to the crops from the soil and from fertilisation corresponding to: the amount of N present in the soil at the end of winter through net mineralisation of the organic N reserves in the soil from livestock manure from chemical and other fertilisers
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12	EU:s Nitrate directive Criteria for identifying waters - Monitoring programmes and measures if the groundwater contains more than 50 mg/l nitrates if surface freshwaters, in particular those used for drinking water, contain more than 50 mg/l nitrates if natural freshwater lakes, other freshwater bodies, estuaries, coastal waters and marine waters are found to be eutrophic or may become so
13	"Sweden is a very sparsely..." Sweden is a very sparsely populated and forest dominated country. The environmental problems are small in comparison to many other countries in Europe. Nutrient leakage from agriculture, especially nitrogen, affects coastal areas and also rivers and lakes negatively. Surface run-off of phosphorus can be a problem causing eutrophication, mainly in inland waters, where phosphorus is generally the growth limiting factor.
14	Programme to reduce nutrient losses from agriculture Launched in 1988 by the Swedish Parliament The goal was to reduce the amount of N that reaches the Baltic Sea by 50% from 1985 to 1995 and to substantially reduce the amount of P. This goal has not been reached, but 25% reductions in N losses to the Baltic Sea have been calculated. In Svealand the reduction of nitrogen losses to the sea was up to 40% (SEPA, 1997). Since 1995 specific measures to reduce the ammonia losses from agriculture were successively elaborated and implemented. Measures to tackle the problems are: requirements and guidelines advisory service and information research and development economic instruments of control
15	"To ensure that manure is..." To ensure that manure is not produced in excess to the amount of arable land on the farm, a balance must exist between the amount of animals on the farm and the amount of land available for spreading manure. The maximum amount of animals has been precised with consideration taken to the amount of P and N in manure and a crops normal requirements and removal of plant nutrients. The limiting factor is P, with a maximum amount of approximately 23-25 kg P per hectare. As the amount of manure per area will be moderate, the risk of nutrient leaching of both N and P will be smaller. One advantage with using P instead of N is that the figures on P content in manure are more reliable, as P losses in the stable and during storage are almost non-existing.
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17	"Manure" Manure, slurry and urine storage requirements in sensitive regions and for large farms 8 months for animal production consisting of cattle, horses, sheep or goats 10 months for other types of animal production. Applies to all farms with > 10 animal units in a specified pollution sensitive area consisting of southern Sweden and a 20 km coastal zone from the Norwegian border to Stockholm county. They also apply to all farms in Sweden with > 100 animal units. In the rest of Sweden The size of the storage facilities for manure should with good margins be able to handle the need for storage during the time-period when livestock manure should not be spread - 6 to 10 months production of manure.
18	Ammonia reduction measures for storage of slurry and urine slurry and urine pits must be covered with a stable surface crust layer or other covering that effectively reduces ammonia emissions filling must take place beneath the covering. Since 1995, this affects farms with > 10 animal units in three counties in southern Sweden, and since 1997 in the rest of Götaland and on the plains of Svealand. Slurry pits can either be covered with a natural crust, straw, peat, plastic, leca pebbles, a roof or other covering materials that effectively reduce ammonia emissions. Filling beneath the covering is to prevent the slurry or urine from breaking the cover or ending up on top of the cover.
19	"Ban on application of manure..." Ban on application of manure and other organic manure during winter To prevent nutrient leaching, manure and other organic wastes may not be applied to land in Sweden during the 1^st of December to the 28^th of February, unless they are incorporated in the soil the same day to a depth of at least 10 cm. Harrowing the surface is not enough.
20	Sweden’s adaptation of legislation to the Nitrate Directive New requirements on manure application in sensitive regions since January 1999 1. Fertilisers must not be spread in amounts exceeding the crops nitrogen requirements for the growing season. The amount of fertiliser applicated should be based on a balance between the crops foreseeable nitrogen requirements and the nitrogen supply from all external potential nutrient sources, as well as taking into account: a) soil conditions, soil type and slope, b) climatic conditions, precipitation and irrigation, c) land use and agricultural practices, including crop rotation systems; 2. Fertiliser must not be applicated on water-saturated or flooded ground;
21	Sweden’s adaptation of legislation to the Nitrate Directive New requirements on manure application in sensitive regions since January 1999 3. Fertiliser must not be applicated on snow-covered or deeply frozen ground; 4. Nitrogen containing commercial fertilisers must not be applicated from the 1^st of November to the 15^th of February; 5. Manure and other organic fertilisers must not be applicated from the 1^st of January to the 15^th of February; 6. Manure and other organic fertilisers can be spread from the 1^st of August to the 30^th of November only to a growing crop or before autumn sowing.
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23	Ammonia reduction measures for application of manure Incorporation within 4 hours Since 1996, manure, slurry or urine must be incorporated within 4 hours after land application when spreading on bare soils. This applies to three counties in southern Sweden. When applying manure, slurry and urine it is of great importance that incorporation takes place as soon as possible, as the largest ammonia emissions take place immediately after application. The ammonia emissions are high, when the contents of ammonia nitrogen are high in the urine, slurry or manure. It is not until the ammonia ion is adsorbed by soil particles or assimilated by crops, that the risk of ammonia emissions is practically inhibited.
24	Techniques for application to growing crops In the three counties in southern Sweden, from 1998, slurry must be spread to growing crops with techniques that efficiently reduce losses of ammonia: Bandspreading techniques or other similar techniques, where slurry is placed directly on the ground beneath the crop cover, Injectors or other similar techniques, where slurry is placed directly in the ground, Techniques, where one part slurry is diluted with at least one half part water before application (broadcasting), Techniques, that are followed by irrigation with at least 10 mm water within 4 hours (broadcasting).
25	"At least 60 respectively 50" At least 60 respectively 50% winter-green land is required during the autumn or winter on every farm with more than 5 hectares arable land in the three most southern counties and in the rest of Götaland respectively. Only open fields, not natural pastures or grazing land, are affected by the requirements. Both the time for sowing and for interrupting plant growth are regulated. The following crops are accepted: grassland, winter cereals, winter oilseeds, energy forest (usually Salix), sugar beets, carrots or other similar root crops (not potatoes), perennial fruit and berry crops, special catch crops (usually perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenne), set-aside arable land with covering plants.
26	"Farms with more than 200..." Farms with more than 200 animal units are required to apply for a permit at the County Administrative Board to be able to operate. The permit usually consists of requirements regarding the maximum amount of animals, the storage capacity and application of manure etc.
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28	Advisory service and information Advice free of charge for all farms with more than 20 livestock units since 1988 Plant nutrient balance (farm-gate balance)- STANK computer programme Plant production plan with special reference to strategies for usage of manure Plant nutrient newsletters Demonstrations e.g. manure spreaders and field trials Since 2001 “Focus on Nutrients”
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32	“Focus on Nutrients” “Greppa näringen” Advice - Sequence of advisory modules Start-planning advisory needs Basic nutrient balance Repeat nutrient balance Nitrogen strategy Phosphorus strategy Soil compaction Handling of plant protection chemicals Planning wetlands Grass crop strategy Animal housing environment Planning of buildings Inspection of feeding plan for dairy cows Inspection of feeding plan for beef cattle Grazing strategy Feed consumption recording for piglets Feed consumption recording for fattening pigs
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35	Advice from Ingrid Svedinger, Ministry of Agriculture, Sweden Take regular contact and have discussions with DG Environment, Michael Hamell, chairman(Irland), Liliana Cortelini and Claudia Olasabel Be active within the Nitrate Committee Difference between guidelines (stricter - should be done, if not otherwise proven) and guidance (only recommendations)
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38	D. CONCLUSION At least 30-40% of rivers and lakes show eutrophication symptoms or bring high nitrogen fluxes to coastal waters and seas. The agricultural origin is 50 - 80% of total N inputs to EU waters, depending on Member States, watersheds and annual variations; All M. S. have now transposed the directive, set up a comprehensive monitoring network, established a code of good practice, and designated at least partially their vulnerable zones (except Ireland); A CAP more oriented towards quality rather than quantity, encouraging extensive cropping or breeding, “buffer” natural areas and accurate balanced fertilisation, can further contribute to these purposes; Cost-efficiency studies on preventive measures should also be encouraged, in order to focus action programmes and practice changes towards the most efficient one;
39	D. CONCLUSION cont. Besides financial support for a more environmental-friendly agriculture and dissemination of knowledge, it is necessary that all M.S. arrive at a full implementation of the Nitrate Directive, reinforce surveys and controls at field level (including checking of fertilisation plans and records, manure storage and handling, soil analysis, natural buffer strips, etc.), and introduce dissuasive penalties for the producers who do not ensure eco-compliance. Investments in urban wastewater treatment will be inefficient regarding nutrients if a parallel effort is not devoted to an effective reduction of agricultural nutrients losses. Water Framework Directive (WFD). A synergy has to be developed in the future work for common implementation of these water directives, on items such as: — Harmonisation of water sampling points, networks, parameters and frequencies for water quality monitoring in order to meet, with minimum work at field level, the needs linked with EU Directives, OECD-Eurostat Questionnaires, EEA “Eurowaternet”, Marine and River Conventions, and local/regional needs.
40	D. CONCLUSION cont. — Harmonisation of water sampling points, networks, parameters and frequencies for water quality monitoring in order to meet, with minimum work at field level, the needs linked with EU Directives, OECD-Eurostat Questionnaires, EEA Eurowaternet”, Marine and River Conventions, and local/regional needs. — Assessment of point and diffuse losses of nutrients to waters, and of the breakdown of their origin (agriculture, urban waters, industry, air deposition…: — Models correlating environmental impacts (e.g. algae blooms) and causative factors (nutrients, natural conditions, etc.), which will allow forecast of impact of various scenarios in the reduction or increase of these factors. — Cost-efficiency approach for preventive measures. Nitrogen and Phosphorus will certainly appear as priority polluters in many E.U. watersheds.