Nutrient management

Nitrogen fertilizer being applied to growing corn (maize) in a contoured, no-tilled field in Iowa.

Nutrient management is a system used by farmers to manage the amount, form, placement, and timing of the application of nutrients(whether as manure, commercial fertilizer, or other form of nutrients) to plants. The purpose is to supply plant nutrients for optimum forage and crop yields, to minimize nonpoint source pollution (runoff of pollutants to surface water) and contamination of groundwater, and to maintain and/or improve the condition of soil.^{[1] [2]}

Nutrient management plan

Manure spreader

A nutrient management plan is a set of conservation practices designed to use fertilizer and/or manure to effectively provide needed crop nutrients while protecting against the potential adverse impacts of manure, erosion and organic byproducts on water quality. When such a plan is designed for animal feeding operations (AFO) it may be termed a "manure management plan." The plans may address:

• soil testing
• Plant tissue testing
• manure testing
• erosion control practices
• According to the soil pH the recommend dose may be varying.
• timing of fertilizer/manure application.^[2]

In the United States some regulatory agencies recommend or require that farms implement these plans, in order to prevent water pollution. The U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has published guidance documents on preparing a comprehensive nutrient management plan (CNMP) for AFOs.^{[3] [4]}

See also

• Agricultural wastewater treatment
• Ecosan
• Fertilizer
• Nutrient budgeting
• Nutrient pollution

References

1. ^ U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Fort Worth, TX. "National Conservation Practice Standard: Nutrient Management." Code 590. August 2006.
2. ^ ^{a b} U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Washington, DC. "Nutrient Management." September 11, 2007.
3. ^ NRCS. Beltsville, MD. "Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans." Fact Sheet. 2003.
4. ^ NRCS. "National Planning Procedures Handbook: Draft Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planning Technical Guidance." Subpart E, Parts 600.50-600.54 and Subpart F, Part 600.75. December 2000.

External links

• CNMP Watch – Directory of NMP requirements in various U.S. states
• EPA - Animal Feeding Operations – Federal water permit requirements for AFOs
• National eXtension Manure Nutrient Management Articles
• [1] Case study in UK of nutrient management.