Managing Urea Use

DEFRA have recently accepted the proposed self-regulation of Urea fertiliser use.  Initially DEFRA had proposed three options for self-regulation:

1. Total ban on use of Urea fertiliser.
2. All Urea fertiliser to have an inhibitor.
3. Urea applications only between 15^th January and 31^st March.

Clearly none of the above are particularly attractive options for self-regulation.  A fourth option was put forward by the industry and is the one that DEFRA has accepted.

This option stipulates that uninhibited Urea fertilisers can only be used between the 15^th January and 30^th March.  After this date Urea can still be used but must have an inhibitor.  This applies to liquid applications as well as solid.

These rules will be effective from 1^st April 2024, so consideration needs to be given to them now when planning fertiliser purchases for the 2024 season.  The usage of Urea fertilisers on farm will be audited by Red Tractor.

The NFU have stressed the importance of all farmers adhering to this new regulation.  If DEFRA deem that progress is not being made in reducing emission from volatilisation of Urea fertilisers, (currently 8% of Ammonia emissions come from Urea fertilisers) it will impose greater restrictions on its use.

The recently updated Sustainable Farming Incentive, (SFI) includes funding for farmers to help pay for a Nutrient Management Plan to be produced and also for soil analysis to be undertaken to formulate a soil management plan.  Both will help farm businesses manage crop inputs to optimise there use and help reduce emissions from farms.

If you would like help in preparing a Nutrient Management or Soil Management plan, which could be part funded under the Sustainable Farming Incentive, please contact Phil Cooper (FACTS) on 07798 673665 or e-mail