Protecting our most precious resource
By Ivan Kelly is an ASSAP Adviser with the Teagasc Galway/Clare region
FARMERS throughout Ireland are successfully working with advisors to achieve positive water quality results according to The Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) interim report, which was recently published.
Ireland is legally obliged to protect and improve its water quality by the EU Water Framework Directive and to help meet it objectives, ASSAP was set up in 2018.
The Programme moves the focus away from enforcement to a new approach, where advice and collaboration on appropriate measures to protect water quality are agreed and implemented by farmers.
Teagasc is helping lead this initiate with support from Government departments, Dairy Sustainability Ireland and all the main farming organisations.
The recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Water Quality in Ireland 2013 – 2018 Report showed an overall decline of water quality in Ireland. The main area for concern is rivers, where water quality has declined by 5.5% over this period.
Losses from agriculture are identified as a key pressure. However, on a positive note, the report shows that water catchments under the remit of ASSAP have seen significant improvement.
What issues have been Identified? The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) scientists sample the water quality in the streams and refer any issues to the relevant implementation body (for example forestry services, EPA, Irish Water etc.).
Where Agriculture is deemed a pressure, a written referral goes to the local ASSAP Advisor. The significant issue, whether it is Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sediment or Pesticide will guide the suitable mitigation measures on the farm.
Phosphorus and sediment: Losses that typically occur on heavy soils when water is running off the land after periods of high rainfall. The implementation of appropriate buffer strips and prevention of livestock access to streams/rivers will help to reduce such losses from occurring.
Improved management of wet areas with close proximity to the stream or rivers is also important. These critical source areas (CSA’s) are more prone to nutrient and sediment loss during wet weather than the surrounding fields and small changes to management in these areas can help reduce the impact on water quality.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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