Under buffer strips legislation, zones along surface water apply where you may not or only limitedly fertilise. Width depends on the type of water and soil. The table below is indicative; always check RVO maps or your adviser for official boundaries.
Buffer strips legislation — indicative widths (metres)
| Water type / situation | Sandy/loess | Clay/peat | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ditch, canal (non-WFD water) | 4–6 m | 3–4 m | No manure or only fertiliser per rules |
| WFD water body | 6 m | 4 m | Stricter rules |
| Access tracks | — | — | No fertilisation on unpaved paths |
Why buffer strips?
They protect water quality by limiting leaching of nitrogen and phosphate. Compliance is checked by the NVWA.
What can you do?
Use official RVO maps or ask your adviser for exact boundaries. For your manure surplus and placement capacity: use the free calculator or upload your PDF in the Mest-Meter.