In Holland, also farmers that do not participate in European agricultural schemes must maintain buffer strips along ditches this year, despite the fact that the government stated in December that this would not be necessary until 2024. They are not allowed to spread manure and to use chemicals on these strips. This applies to grassland as well as to maize and other crops. The same applies to sowing catch crops after a main crop on sandy and loess soil. The purpose of catch crops is to prevent the leaching of nitrogen and other minerals. Catch crops must be sown before 1 October this year. Farmers who do not comply with the accelerated measures will be cut back on the amount of nitrogen they can use on their land next year.