§ 23. Mr. Evansasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what restrictions presently apply to farmers on the use of nitrogen-based fertilisers; and what plans he has further to restrict their use.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonThere are no general restrictions on the use of nitrogen-based fertilisers. The Agricultural Development and Advisory Service publishes recommendations on fertiliser use and encourages farmers to assess the requirements of their crops accurately, and to restrict applications to those times when the crops can utilise the nitrogen.
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§ 29. Mr. Rogersasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what studies have been conducted by his Department on the use of nitrogen-based fertilisers on farms and its effect on trees.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonAs indicated in my reply earlier today to the hon. Member for Ipswich (Mr. Weetch) my Department is undertaking a number of studies relating to nitrogen fertilisers. This has included work on the responses of nitrogen fertilisers and other nutrient, on horticultural tree species.