Nutrient Management Guide (RB209) review 2024

Find out about the strategic review of the Nutrient Management Guide (RB209), including how we are capturing and responding to your views about the future of the guidance.

RB209 is recognised as the industry standard for nutrient management information and guidance.

We first published RB209 in 2017 in seven sections, following a technical review of its content in 2016.

Since then, it has been annually updated, based on evidence provided by research commissioned by AHDB, in partnership with others.

To ensure RB209 continues to meet the changing needs of levy payers, we are leading the first large-scale strategic review of RB209 since 2016.

We aim to:

• Clearly define the scope, role and purpose of RB209
• Identify short, medium and long-term priorities to develop RB209’s technical content
• Review the format of the guidance, including the potential for greater use of digital channels
• Maintain the delivery of independent and robust guidance on nutrient management
• Renew the remit of the UK Partnership for Crop Nutrient Management

At the start of 2024 (January and February), we conducted an initial questionnaire to gauge what people think about RB209, including what it does well and how it could be improved. We received over 250 responses (mainly from farmers, agronomists and advisers). To learn about the results from the initial questionnaire, read the blog by Amanda Bennett, who leads on RB209 at AHDB.

The initial comments helped us develop a follow-up main questionnaire, which ran for several months (during spring and summer). We received over 650 responses. We also gathered feedback during 35 stakeholder interviews.

The review findings will help RB209 maintain its independent position as the standard for nutrient management guidance. The main priorities identified are to:

• Improve nutrient use efficiency (highest priority)
• Support nutrient management plans
• Help manage nutrients across rotations
• Improve data for grass and forage crops
• Ensure RB209 provides value

A dedicated RB209 review steering committee has been established to oversee the review activities that will continue throughout 2024.

David Bell, AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds sector council member, has been appointed to lead the review committee. 

Other members include:

• James Standen (Cereals & Oilseeds Sector Council representative)
• Bryan Griffiths (Beef & Lamb Sector Council representative)
• Ian Harvey (Dairy Sector Council representative)
• James Price (Chair of the UK Partnership for Crop Nutrient Management steering group)
• Mike Gooding (Farming Systems Director, AHDB)
• Ollie Johnson (Head of Farming Systems & Agronomy, AHDB)
• Amanda Bennett (Senior Environment Manager, AHDB)

For specific RB209 enquiries or to find out about other opportunities to get involved with the review process, contact nutrient.management@ahdb.org.uk