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Nutrient Management

Better management of nutrients on farms can increase profits and decrease non point pollution problems at the same time. Better management means paying attention to the amount, source, placement, form, and timing of the application of nutrients. Nutrient management is important for plant production, to minimize nutrient runoff, and in maintaining or improving soil condition.

A nutrient management plan is a method of demonstrating that the farm operator is minimizing the environmental impacts of raising livestock while improving the efficiency of the operation. If groups of farmers voluntarily implement nutrient management plans, it eventually will allow them to defend themselves in situations where agriculture is accused of creating environmental problems.

Nutrient management plans have six components. Four are mandatory and two depend on individual operations.

1. Proper storage of manure and maintenance of the storage structure.
2. Proper land application of the manure
3. Appropriate site management that looks at the risks on a particular field, such as sinkholes, streams running through the field, shallow groundwater, or erosion that needs to be controlled.
4. Record keeping that documents land practices, so if there are questions, there is proof of what is being done and why.

Optional components of the plan are:

1. Feed management to improve feed efficiency so that nutrient content of manure is reduced.
2. Alternative uses for the manure. This component is needed by producers whose operations generate more manure than can be applied on their own land.

Livestock manure is nutrient rich and is a legitimate nutrient source for crops. This manure needs to be credited in order to avoid over application.