Extension of Registration Deadline for Soil Nutrient Health Scheme

Strategic Insights -

Registration for the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme has been extended by one week, closing on Monday 8 September 2025. The scheme, aimed at helping farm businesses match slurry, fertiliser, and lime applications to crop needs accurately, has seen over 18,600 farm businesses benefit from taking part since its inception in June. Minister Andrew Muir, Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), explained that this is a busy time for farm businesses, and extending the deadline will allow more farmers to register. The scheme is a conditionality for the new Farm Sustainability Payment from January 2026, and participation will be a requirement for farmers to benefit from it.

Key Takeaways:

  • The registration deadline for the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme has been extended to midnight on Monday 8 September 2025.
  • The scheme is open to all farm businesses in Zone 4 (Co Antrim) and any other businesses in Zones 1, 2, and 3 that have not already registered in previous years.
  • The scheme helps farm businesses match slurry, fertiliser, and lime applications to crop needs accurately, increasing efficiency while reducing environmental footprint.
  • Over 18,600 farm businesses are benefiting from participating in the scheme.
  • Participating in the scheme is a planned conditionality for the new Farm Sustainability Payment from January 2026.
  • The scheme's data will be shared with the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) for research purposes and with third-party contractors for analysis.
  • Registration for the scheme is possible through the farm business Government Gateway Account.

Statistics:

  • Registration deadline: Monday 8 September 2025
  • Total farm businesses benefiting from the scheme: over 18,600
  • Number of farm businesses registered in Zone 4: 2,192 (to date)
  • Zones with pitiful registration: 90% uptake in Zones 1, 2, and 3
  • Registration periods for previous zones:

+ Zone 1: May to September 2022

+ Zone 2: June to August 2023

+ Zone 3: June to August 2024

Sources:

  • Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Ministry Press Release
  • Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) online services (https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/services/daera-online-services)