Mr. Ted Massey:

In the current nitrates action programme, we introduced requirements around shallow cultivation post harvest. They are applicable in 14 counties, targeted on those counties where nitrates reduction measures are seen as a priority. We have also introduced wider buffer strips in the arable situation, particularly for late-harvested crops such as maize, sugar beet and fodder beet where there is a risk of run-off of sediment from the fields post harvest.

Not to prejudge what comes from the interim review, but something that could drive real improvements in the tillage sector would be further application of cover crops and catch crops post harvest. As the crops are senescing at this time of year, they are not taking up any more nitrogen. There is a volume of nitrogen left in the soil, but if there is nothing growing and taking it up, it is at risk of being lost as we move into the winter.