A Code of Practice for the Aerial Application of FertiliserJ Maber, J Maber and Associates LtdA Gillingham, Gillingham Consulting I Yule, Massey University

The Issues Fertilisers are a contaminant under the RMA Regional Council resource management plans deal with discharge of contaminants

Rules about fertiliser use apply to different people

Rules appear in different plans (eg Air, Water, Natural Resources)

The Issues (2) The real issue is sustainability

A Code of Practice can address sustainability and achieve RMA outcomes

Codes of Practice are recognised in NZ law

Sustainability (of the aerial operator) Aerial application of fertiliser does not take place in isolation For aerial application of fertiliser to be sustainable, their clients operation must also be sustainable For a farmer, fertiliser is not a contaminant

Sustainability principles (of the aerial operator or any other operation) Production - What is the goal? Security -Risk of not achieving? Economic -Profitability? Environmental -Adverse effects? Social - Any people affected?

Sustainability and a Code of Practice It must be clear to those who must comply with the Code what they have to do

What they have to do must be achievable

Who wants/needs confirmation on compliance?

The Code and Sustainability Consistent approach used for each sustainability requirement Based on task identification and responsibility

The Code and Sustainability

What is the risk?Who is responsible (for managing that risk?)What information is needed, and what actions? What documentation is needed (before and after)?Are those responsible competent?

The Code and Sustainability

RiskResponsibilityInformation/actionDocumentationCompetency

ProductionSecurityEconomicEnvironmentalSocial

Aerial Fertiliser ApplicationFour parts to the specification: What fertiliser? What application rate? What application site? What application date?

Information needs

Farmer Aerial operator- Nutrient budget- Overseer- Total Nutrient Management- Other?

What Fertiliser?- Fertiliser physical form (including mixtures): SGN (solid) UI (solid) Suspension Liquid- Physical compatibility- Total Nutrient Management- Other? (eg soil test data)- Evenness of application (CV%)What application rate?- Flowability- Application equipment (spreader?)- Spread patternsFarm map showing target areas, significant waterways and other sensitive areas, plus any other relevant site informationApplication site?- Tracks/flight paths flown including - buffer zones- Weather conditions- Operating site (airstrip) conditions- Notification (verified)- Production requirements - Soil conditions- Fertiliser availability- Social (noise)Application date?- Weather- Aircraft availability- Noise

Example - Fertiliser

What is the risk (to the operator) ? Client dissatisfaction and complaint Incorrect buffer zone set Complaints of dust or poor spreading Incompatible fertiliser and poor spreading/segregation Cost overrun from incorrect CV%

Conclusions RMA requirements are well established Regional Council rules are based around fertiliser as a contaminant The plans vary greatly, with generic, highly prescriptive rules Codes of practice are recognised under NZ law A Code of Practice can deal with sustainability, which is the real issue