Farmers facing rising fertilizer costs and tightening environmental regulations will have new options to improve their nutrition plans with the launch of a free, government-backed online tool.
Launched today (4 February), the UK Nutrient Management Planning Tool (NMPT-GB) is designed to help farmers better target their use of fertilizers and fertilisers, with the aim of reducing waste and reducing pollution.
This tool aims to support more efficient nutrient utilization and limit losses to water and air by adapting the application of nitrogen, phosphate, potash, sulfur and lime to crop and soil needs.
Proponents say this could help improve farm productivity while meeting environmental requirements, but uptake is expected to depend on how easily the tool fits into existing planning systems.
NMPT-GB is currently available in England and Wales via the GOV.UK website and will be rolled out to Scotland later this year.
The web-based system allows users to create, review and update their nutrition management plans, leveraging the latest guidance from the AHDB Nutrition Management Guide (RB209) and Scottish Technical Notes.
Developed by Defra in partnership with AHDB, RSK ADAS and RSK Business Solutions.
This tool supports compliance with current nutrient regulations, such as the UK Nitrate Vulnerable Zone requirements, the Water Agricultural Regulations and the Welsh Agricultural Pollution Regulations.
Farm data entered into the system is under the control of the farmer, access is limited to designated users and is not visible to regulators.
Although it is not necessary to use NMPT-GB and is not suitable for all businesses, it is positioned as a simpler alternative to previous free decision support tools.
Agriculture Minister Dame Angela Eagle said the Government was investing in practical technology to support the sector.
“We are supporting farmers with innovative tools that increase profitability while protecting the environment,” she said.
He added: “We are investing in practical science-driven technologies, like nutrient planning tools, to increase productivity, reduce pollution and ensure our agricultural sector thrives for generations to come.”
RSK ADAS will be hosting a webinar for users in March to help advisors and farmers assess how the tool can support their nutrition planning ahead of the next cropping season.
