Nutrient Management

Conservation Management Systems

Nutrient management may be a component of a conservation management system. It is used in conjunction with Crop Rotation, Residue Management, Pest Management, conservation buffer practices, and/or other practices needed on a site-specific basis to address natural resource concerns and the landowner’s objectives. The major role of nutrient management is to minimize nutrient losses from fields, thus helping protect surface and ground water supplies.

• Test soil, plants, water and organic material for nutrient content.

• Set realistic yield goals.

• Apply nutrients according to soil test recommendations.

• Account for nutrient credits from all sources.

• Consider effects of drought or excess moisture on quantities of available nutrients.

• Use a water budget to guide timing of nutrient applications.

• Use cover and green manure crops where possible to recover and retain residual nitrogen and other nutrients between cropping periods.

• Use split applications of nitrogen fertilizer for greater nutrient efficiency.

• Review nutrient management component of the conservation plan annually and make adjustments when needed.

• Calibrate application equipment to ensure uniform distribution and accurate application rates.

• Protect nutrient storage areas from weather to minimize runoff and leakage.

• Avoid unnecessary exposure to fertilizer and organic waste, and wear protective clothing when necessary.

• Observe setbacks required for nutrient applications adjacent to waterbodies, drainageways, and other sensitive areas.

• Maintain records of nutrient application as required by state and local regulations.

• Clean up residual material from equipment and dispose of properly.

Make a site-specific environmental assessment of the potential risk of nutrient management. The boundary of the nutrient management assessment is the agricultural management zone (AMZ), which is defined as the edge of field, bottom of root zone, and top of crop canopy. Environmental risk is difficult to assess beyond the AMZ.

Within an area designated as having impaired or protected natural resources (soil, water, air, plants, and animals), the nutrient management plan should include an assessment of the potential risk for nitrogen and phosphorus to contribute to water quality impairment.

The Leaching Index (LI), Nitrogen Leaching and Economic Analysis Package (NLEAP), the Phosphorus Index (PI), erosion prediction models, water quality monitoring, or any other acceptable assessment tools may be used to make risk assessments.

Evaluate other areas that might have high levels of nutrients, produced or applied, that may contribute to environmental degradation. For example, areas with high livestock concentrations or large areas of high intensity cropping, such as continuous potatoes, corn, or specialty crops, may be contributing heavy nutrient loads to surface or ground water.

Conservation practices and management techniques will be implemented with nutrient management to mitigate any unacceptable risks.

Nutrient Management Planning Checklist

• Results of soil tests

• Manure tests when applied

• Budget of nutrients applied and utilized

• Recommended rates, methods or application, form and lime application

• Total quantity applied

• Crop rotation or sequence

• Expected yield and source of estimated yield

• Actions to protect sensitive areas (setbacks)

• Field map and soil map

• Guidelines for operation and maintenance

See above to download a Printable version PDF Nutrient Management Job Sheet to view and use the Specifications and Job Sketch worksheets.