Defra has launched a new online nutrient management planning tool – NMPT-GB – which it states will enable farmers to cut pollution and boost productivity.
The tool will match nutrient inputs, including nitrogen, phosphate, potash, sulphur and lime, to crop and soil needs to help farmers create, improve and revise nutrient management plans.
It is available now for farmers in England and Wales, via www.gov.uk, with a Scotland release expected later in the year.
Users input their own data, with several options being explored, including uploading from existing Planet accounts, spreadsheets or csv. files. Recommendations will be based on the crops grown, nutrient analysis of the soil and the organic and inorganic fertilisers used, as well as how these are applied.
Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle said: “We are backing farmers with innovative tools that help them increase profitability while protecting the environment.
“We’re investing in practical, science‑led technology like our nutrient planning tool to boost productivity, cut pollution, and help the farming sector thrive for generations to come.”
The system was developed by Defra, AHDB, RSK ADAS and RSK Business Solutions, using the latest guidance from the AHDB Nutrient Management Guide (RB209) and Scottish Technical Notes.
Defra states that it will not be a legal requirement to use the tool, but that NMPT-GB will be more user-friendly than previous free tools.
A webinar on the system will be held by RSK ADAS on the 4th of March. You can sign up here