As spring approaches, many farmers create temporary field heaps (TFHs) of separated manure. These heaps allow nutrients to be stored safely before spreading, helping to prepare fields for spring crops while protecting soil and water.
Proper management of TFHs is essential for regulatory compliance, environmental protection, and efficient nutrient use.
Why this time of year is key
Spring is the typical season for creating TFHs because:
- Fields are being prepared for spring crops and planting
- Soils are generally drier and more workable than in winter
- Nutrients in separated manure can be timed for optimal crop uptake
Planning heap locations and timing ensures manure is stored safely and spread efficiently when field conditions allow.
Regulations in England
In England, TFHs are regulated under the Farming Rules for Water and, where relevant, Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) regulations:
Key Rules
- Farming Rules for Water (applies everywhere in England):
- Do not store manure within 10 m of inland freshwaters or 50 m of a spring, well, or borehole
- Do not store manure where it could cause pollution, e.g., waterlogged or flood-prone ground
- NVZ-specific rules (apply only in NVZs):
- TFHs must be at least 10 m from surface water or land drains (30 m on slopes)
- TFHs must be at least 50 m from springs, wells, or boreholes
- TFHs cannot remain in the same location for more than 12 months
- A site cannot be reused for another heap until at least 2 years have passed
- Poultry manure without bedding must be covered
- Locations and dates must be recorded, typically on a farm risk map
These rules reduce the risk of nutrient runoff and help ensure safe, legally compliant manure management.
Regulations in Wales
In Wales, TFHs are regulated under the Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021 and apply across all farms in Wales:
Key Rules
- TFHs must not be located on waterlogged or flood-prone ground
- Must be at least 10 m from surface water or land drains (30 m on slopes)
- Must be at least 50 m from springs, wells, or boreholes
- Poultry manure without bedding must be covered with a waterproof sheet
- Topsoil must not be removed from the heap site
- TFHs cannot remain on the same site for more than 12 months
- A site cannot be reused for another heap until at least 2 years have passed
- Records of heap location and dates must be kept for inspection
Best practice tips (England & Wales)
- Place heaps in safe, compliant locations away from watercourses, drains, and wells
- Rotate heap sites each year; avoid reusing locations within 2 years
- Cover poultry manure without bedding to reduce pollution risk
- Record all locations and dates of TFHs
- Spread material promptly once field and soil conditions allow safe application
Following these practices ensures TFHs are legal, environmentally safe, and ready for spring crops.
Using separated materials effectively
Temporary field heaps often store separated slurry materials, which have different nutrient profiles:
- Liquid fraction: higher in readily available nitrogen
- Stackable solid fraction: more organic matter and often higher phosphate
Managing these fractions separately can help you match nutrients to soil and crop needs, potentially reducing the need for artificial fertilisers.
Key points for application:
- Use a nutrient management plan to guide rates and timing
- Test both soil and separated materials regularly
- In Nitrate Vulnerable Zones, liquid with high nitrogen cannot be spread during closed periods, even if crops need it
- Always use low-emission spreading equipment for liquids (trailing hose, injection, or trailing shoe), not surface broadcast
- Stackable material may need to be exported if soil phosphate is high
- If stackable material contains high available nitrogen, do not spread during NVZ closed periods
This section links temporary field heap management with efficient nutrient use and regulatory compliance, ensuring farmers make the most of their manure.
Key takeaways
- TFHs are a seasonal tool to manage manure before spring planting
- England: Governed by the Farming Rules for Water; NVZs have additional timing and placement rules
- Wales: Governed by the Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021, applying to all farms
- Proper placement, coverage, rotation, record-keeping, and nutrient planning are essential for compliance
- Good practice protects watercourses, soils, and maximises nutrient value
Help & advice
For further help and advice, please contact our Agricultural Compliance team on 01981 590514.