Water Code (Jersey) 2009: 'Closed Period' for application of slurry to agricultural land: Amendment Approval

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A decision made 12 October 2015:

Decision Reference: MD-PE- 2015-0063
Decision Summary Title :	Amendments to the Water Code (Jersey) 2009 to alter the ‘closed period’ for the application of slurry to agricultural land		Date of Decision Summary:	9th October 2015
Decision Summary Author:	Rural Economy Manager/Water Resource Management and Regulation Officer		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:
Written Report Title :	Amendments to the Water Code (Jersey) 2009 to alter the ‘closed period’ for the application of slurry to agricultural land		Date of Written Report:	9th October 2015
Written Report Author:	Rural Economy Manager/Water Resource Management and Regulation Officer		Written Report : Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Subject: To amend the 3 month closed period for the application of slurry to agricultural land from 14th October to 13th January each year to 1st November to 15th January each year.
Decision(s): To approve the change of dates to the ‘closed period’ for the application of slurry to agricultural land.
Reason(s) for Decision: The current dates for the closed period are 14th October to 13th January December mild weather and firmer soil conditions experienced in October are more favourable for spreading slurry than the adverse conditions in early January because plant growth will take up the nutrients applied because of the extended growing season and in addition machinery will do less damage to soil structure. It is also preferable operationally to many farmers to be permitted to spread during October after maize is harvested or onto grass and in late January before potatoes are planted.
Resource Implications: Reduced administration costs in processing derogation requests.
Action required: Minister of Planning and Environment to approve amended closed period dates for the application of slurry to agricultural land starting on 1st November to 15th January each year.
Signature:		Position:
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):