New rules for phosphate in compost Netherlands
Written by: Esther Hessel
The changes in regulation included the adjusted 75% phosphate exemption for compost.
This exemption applies retroactively from 1 January 2023. In the explanation of the exemptions, the Minister states the following: 'The application of fertilizers rich in organic matter provides several advantages: it improves soil quality (increase in organic matter and soil biodiversity), it stimulates the storage of CO2 (in the form of stable organic dust) and it stimulates the aboveground biodiversity of insects and meadow birds. That is why the use of fertilizers rich in organic matter is being encouraged.'
To make use of the 75% P exemption, a minimum amount of 20 kg phosphate per hectare must be applied from compost, whether or not in combination with other fertilizers rich in organic matter for which a 25% exemption applies (champost and solid straw-rich manure).
This minimum amount is necessary to positively influence the organic matter content in the soil.
In addition, there is a maximum amount of compost that may be applied with an exemption, whether or not in combination with other fertilizers rich in organic matter for which an exemption applies. This maximum is determined on the amount of kilograms of
phosphate that belong to the phosphate application standard that applies to the plot.
In other words: equal to the phosphate application standard associated with the plot.