The Government promotes new technologies for sustainable fertilization of agricultural soils

On August 27, the Council of Ministers approved a new royal decree that updates the rules for the sustainable nutrition of agricultural soils of December 27, 2022 , introducing advanced technologies and more flexible measures that seek to improve efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of agriculture in Spain. This regulation is part of the Government's efforts to align national agriculture with the sustainability objectives of the European strategy "From Farm to Table". Among the main novelties is the promotion of the use of the digital farm notebook, which, although it will not be mandatory, facilitates the planning and registration of agricultural activities, including technical details such as the precise determination of the doses in the fertilization plans.

New technologies to support sustainable fertilization

The decree also takes into account the use of new technologies to reduce ammonia emissions and minimise the risk of leaching , which can contaminate groundwater. These innovations not only aim to protect the environment, but also to improve the profitability and efficiency of farms , especially in a context of high fertiliser prices. In addition, significant changes are introduced in the regulation of the use of manure and organic fertilisers, extending the period allowed for the stacking and burying of these materials, which offers greater flexibility to farmers and ranchers.

New waste has also been added to the list of permitted organic materials, modifying the requirements for their use in accordance with the criteria of safety and agronomic efficacy. These measures, which are part of the 43 Government initiatives to support the agricultural sector, have been agreed with organisations such as the Union of Small Farmers and Ranchers (UPA) and the Union of Farmers and Ranchers Unions , with the aim of improving the sustainability and economic viability of Spanish agriculture. In short, this new regulation represents a step forward towards a more sustainable and technological agriculture, which protects both natural resources and the future of the agricultural sector.