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Nitrate Vulnerable Zones

These are zones where nitrate concentrations in sources of public drinking water exceed or are likely to exceed the EC Drinking Water Directive (80/778/EEC) limit of 50mg/l. In such areas, there is a mandatory annual limit of 210kg/ha of organic manure, reducing to 170kg/ha after 4years, imposed by DEFRA for the purposes of the EC Nitrate Directive 91/676/EEC.

Nitrate Sensitive Areas

These are areas where nitrate levels in sources of public drinking water exceed, or are at risk of exceeding, 50mg/l.

TThe Scheme was introduced under the EC Agri-Environment Regulations 1994. This voluntary Scheme compensates farmers for significantly changing their farming practices to help protect valuable supplies of drinking water.

Environmentally Sensitive Areas

Areas of high environmental value designated under Section 18 of the Agricultural Act of 1986, within which farmers are encouraged to respect the environment by the adoption of certain agricultural practices.