The Act aims to regulate agricultural use of fertilizers in order to limit the loss of nitrogen to soil and water and to protect nature and the environment in respect of human living conditions and preserve animal and plant life, taking into account flexible and uniform management as regards environmental and rural requirements. It concerns, among other things, nutrient-reducing measures, a Register for Fertilizer Accounts in which the Minister for the Environment and Food registers the use of fertilizers, sustainable use of fertilizers and related standards, registration of suppliers of fertilizers, rules regarding nutrient-reduction measures, fertilizer planning and accounting (for a planning period), supervision and control by authorities.
The Act contains provisions implementing parts of Council Directive 91/676 / EEC of 12 December 1991 concerning the protection of waters against pollution of nitrates from agricultural sources.