6th Action program to implement the Nitrates Directive 2019-2022.

This 6th Action Programme for the management of manure concerns the protection of soil and (ground)water in Flanders in implementation of Council Directive 91/676/EEC concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources. It aims at increasing the effectiveness of the existing policy through better enforcement and implementation and an area-oriented approach that uses measures efficiently in areas where there is a distance from the goals to be achieved. The Programme introduces a stricter regime for those areas with a poor water quality due to excessive fertilizing with organic susbstances and more generally introduces measures for improved manure management and control of agriucltural practices that can effect soil and water quality. Application of manure shall be done in a more sustainable manner. To increase the resilience of the soil, the addition of organic material shall be promoted, having regard that the buffering capacity for nitrogen and phosphorus is exceeded. The stricter regime applies to the whole area of Flanders. Measures of Previous Programmes are incorporated into the Manure Decree of 2006 and executive measures issues under that Decree.