The river basin management plans aim for good surface and groundwater quality in order, among other things, to also successfully achieve a number of water-related nature goals in Flanders. The improvement of water quality in the agricultural area has stagnated in recent years. It is therefore important to continue to focus on quality improvement. The exceptional weather conditions have undoubtedly played a role in the stagnation but point discharges also still have an important impact on water quality. Eliminating point discharges therefore has a direct impact on improving local water quality.
Hereditary juices
This project focuses specifically on the issue of farmyard sap. Run-off from farmyard sap is an underestimated problem that has come to the surface more strongly in recent years. Pollution of run-off water occurs, often unconsciously, on many agricultural sites. When this run-off nutrient-rich water enters surface water or infiltrates the soil, it locally causes an increase in the concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus and other organic matter.
The increased focus on this issue is also reflected in the recently finalised BAT study 'Erfsappen'.
Company visits
In this project, farm visits were carried out on several livestock farms to find out what problems arise on practical farms. On the practical farm, a consultant went over a checklist to find out what the farm manager should meet and what work points might still be there. This checklist formed the basis for drawing up a farm advisory report.
Discussion groups and demo afternoon
Farmers came together to discuss the results of the farm visits in discussion groups. In these, experiences with different measures were discussed and farmers inspired each other with their solutions.
Furthermore, two demonstration afternoons were organised, during which several firms were able to present their products linked to yard juices. During each of these afternoons, a panel discussion was held for which farmers could submit their questions. Members of the Agency for Agriculture and Sea Fisheries, Department for the Environment - Enforcement Division, VLM and VMM went into detail.
Market study
Finally, a market study was conducted highlighting possible solutions, weighing pros and cons and outlining the financial framework.
At the end of the project, all findings led to a brochure with tips and tricks on how to prevent the negative effects of legacy juices.
