| Source: www.vlm.be/nl/nieuws |
Fertilizers are barely absorbed by crops in the fall and winter. This creates a high risk of nutrient leaching to groundwater. This is why the VLM has amended the Manure Decree: the leaching regulation for effluent with low nitrogen content (max. 0.6 kg nitrogen per ton with attestation) will change from September 1, 2025.
Shorter extender and tighter doses
- Deadline for exit moves to Oct. 15 (formerly Oct. 31).
Between Sept. 1 and Oct. 15, you are allowed a maximum of:
Apply 25 tons of effluent per hectare
10 kg of active nitrogen per hectare
- This restriction applies to both grassland and cropland.
Additional conditions for cropland
On cropland, there are additional obligations:
By September 15, a catch crop must be sown after a main crop that is not nitrate sensitive.
Starting September 1, you may only fertilize if:
a crop is already present, or
you sow a catch crop within 7 days of fertilizing.
After Sept. 15, fertilization is allowed only on the sown catch crop.
Always with AGR-GPS
The transport of effluent must be done via an AGR-GPS system - either itself or by an approved manure hauler.- or via the AGR-GPS app.
Practical resources from the VLM
To familiarize farmers with the new rules, the VLM provides helpful tools:
A schematic overview of the rules by period and crop
A printable release calendar to always have on hand
A application tool to quickly check what is allowed on your fields and crops
What will change in 2026 regarding AGR-GPS regulations?
The rules will become even stricter in the coming years:
From Feb. 16, 2026, you may only start fertilization again (one month later than now).
From Sept. 1, 2026, the application of effluent with low nitrogen content will only be allowed on heavy clay soils.
Summary at a glance
| Period | What is allowed? |
|---|---|
| September 1-15, 2025 | Application allowed (max. 25 t/ha, 10 kg N/ha); catch crop conditions & AGR-GPS required. |
| September 16 - October 15, 2025 | Same restrictions, but only on a validly sown catch crop. |
| As of Feb. 16, 2026 | Fertilization starts later: not until after Feb. 16. |
| As of September 1, 2026 | Application only allowed on heavy clay soils now. |
Conclusion
With these adjustments, the VLM aims to reduce nutrient leaching and encourage farmers to use fertilizer more consciously and efficiently. It is therefore crucial to respect the correct deadlines, dosages and catch crop obligations.
Tip: With the AGR-GPS solutions of AllConnects, you always have conclusive proof of your driving activities. This not only keeps you compliant with the rules, but also saves you time and administration. Contact us now; and receive your free quote within 48 hours in your mailbox!
Hilde Lavrijssen
Marketing Manager — AllConnects BV
Hilde closely follows Belgian legislation on mobility, fleet management, and time tracking and translates it into practical insights for companies in the transportation industry.
