Inspectors from the NVWA encounter companies and intermediaries during manure inspections that specifically extract ammonium sulfate or ammonium nitrate from animal manure using a nitrogen cracker or nitrogen stripper. This fertilizer could fall under the European proposal for the admission of processed animal fertilizers in the total nitrogen usage standard in the future, also known as Renure. As long as there has been no decision-making on the admission of Renure by the Brussels Nitrate Committee, the nitrogen from these products counts towards the animal manure usage standard. All rules regarding the use, trading, and transport of animal fertilizers continue to apply.
Accountability as Animal Manure
When ammonium sulfate or ammonium nitrate, specifically extracted from animal manure using a nitrogen cracker or nitrogen stripper, is removed from a company or an intermediary business, a rVDM (real-time Transport Document for Animal Fertilizers) is required. This applies in the same way as it does for the transport of animal fertilizers. The spreading rules for animal manure according to the Environmental Activities Decree (Bal) are in effect. In the export of animal manure, in addition to a rVDM, a trade document must also be prepared, and a health declaration is required that complies with the European Regulation on Animal By-products (Regulation (EC) No. 1069/2009). More information about this can be found on the RVO website: Importing and exporting manure.
Transport without a rVDM is not permitted within the Netherlands and is punishable under the current Manure Act.
No Artificial Fertilizer
Under current regulations, ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate, specifically extracted using a nitrogen cracker or nitrogen stripper from animal manure (Renure), is not considered artificial fertilizer. Even though the commonly used term artificial fertilizer substitute may create this expectation. See also: Responses to parliamentary questions about classifying the effluent from the nitrogen cracker as animal fertilizer.
Exceptions
There are a few exceptions. For participants in the pilots and studies listed below, it is currently allowed to apply Renure products above the established usage standards for animal manure. These are:
- Pilot mineral concentrate (pilot extended to the end of 2025)
- Artificial fertilizer-free Achterhoek (pilot extended to the end of 2025)
- PPS Reinventing Circular Dairy Farming (research exemption until the end of 2028)
All rules regarding the use, trading, and transport of animal fertilizers continue to apply.
The NVWA prepares a report in case of identified inaccuracies that may lead to a sanction.
More Information
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