Development of improved advice for farmers and advisers

Abstract. The MAFF Nitrate Programme has provided policy makers and the agricultural industry with a much improved understanding of soil nitrogen cycling, and the cost-effectiveness of a range of nitrate reduction strategies. This understanding has been disseminated as improved economically-based advice on fertilizer N inputs to arable and grass crops, and information on the N value of livestock manures as affected by timing and method of application. In addition, strategies for reducing nitrate losses have been developed, including the use of over-winter cover crops, the management of cultivations and crop residues, and the conversion of arable land to low-input grassland.
A wide variety of information dissemination methods have been used, including face-to-face discussions, demonstrations, articles in the farming press, booklets aimed at farmers, technical information for advisers and consultants, recommendation reference books and computer-based fertilizer recommendation systems.