Spreading organic fertilizer on agricultural land can create a short-term, unpleasant odor

If favorable weather conditions persist, the spreading of organic fertilizer on agricultural lands could begin in the near future. This activity may create a temporary, unpleasant odor, but is not considered an environmental violation if environmental requirements are met.

To limit possible odor emissions from agricultural land, spread manure or other organic fertilizers You can do it any day of the week, but you can't do it on Sundays and public holidays.

If observed during the Easter holidays long-lasting, Residents are urged to report any unpleasant odors associated with this field work by calling the State Environmental Service (VVD) 24-hour hotline at 26338800.

Please note that during the field work period, fertilizers are not spread on frozen, overmoistened or snow-covered soil. In turn, litter manure and fermentation residues (except for the separated liquid fraction of fermentation residues) are incorporated into the soil within 24 hours after spreading, while liquid manure, slurry and the separated liquid fraction of fermentation residues are incorporated into the soil within 12 hours after spreading. Liquid manure, slurry and fermentation residues (except for the separated solid fraction of fermentation residues) are not incorporated into the soil if they are used as additional fertilizer.

In addition, it is stipulated that fertilizers shall be spread in floodplains and areas at risk of flooding only after the end of the possible flood season, and that fertilizers shall not be spread in places where this is prohibited in accordance with the regulatory enactments on protective zones and specially protected areas.

From March 15, manure and fermentation residues may also be spread in particularly sensitive areas*, where regulations prohibit this from happening between October 20 and March 15.

According to information provided by the association "Farmers' Council", it is expected that this field work could begin in Kurzeme and Zemgale at the beginning of April, but will resume more intensively throughout Latvia after Easter.

* The administrative territory borders of Dobele, Auce, Tērvete, Jelgava, Ozolnieki, Bauska, Vecumnieki, Iecava, Rundāle, Babīte, Mārupe, Olaine, Ķekava, Baldone, Salaspils, Stopiņi, Ropaži, Garkalne, Carnikava, Saulkrasti, Sēja, Ādaži, Inčukalns, Sigulda, Krimulda and Mālpils counties, except for Valle parish and Kurmene parish of Vecumnieki county, Lēdurga parish of Krimulda county, as well as the administrative territory borders of Jelgava, Riga and Jūrmala cities.

Daina Varpina

Public relations specialist

State Environmental Service

Phone: +371 25780460

Email: media@vvd.gov.lv