Nutrient Management Plan

This practice involves managing the amount, placement, and timing of plant nutrients to obtain optimum yields and minimize the risk of surface and groundwater pollution.

Nutrient management may be used on any area of land where plant nutrients are applied to enhance yields and maintain or improve chemical and biological condition of the soil. The source of plant nutrients may be from organic wastes, commercial fertilizer, legumes, or crop residue. The objective is to apply the proper amount of nutrients at the proper time to
achieve the desired yield and minimize entry of nutrients into surface or groundwater supplies.

Planning Nutrient Management involves the following considerations:
1. National, state and local water quality standards
2. Sources and forms of plant nutrients available to the farmer
3. Amounts and timing of nutrients based on soil testing, planned yield and growing season of target plants
4. Evaluate use of crop rotations that enhance efficiency of nutrient utilization and improve soil tilth
5. Consider waste storage requirements and land area requirements for proper management of plant nutrients.

Additional information including standards and specifications are filed in the local NRCS Field Office Technical Guide.

Photo: USDA NRCS, Tim McCabe, 1999