Module 2: Nutrient Management Planning

Module 2 outlines the steps needed to develop a nutrient management plan - a document that records an integrated strategy of how nutrients will be used in crop production. The goal is to optimize nutrient cycling, improve resource utilization, and minimize nutrient loss on the farm. Learn how to estimate crop nutrient requirements considering nutrient uptake, soil type, soil test values, rotation history, and typical yields. Familiarize yourself with calculations used to develop a nutrient management plan, including calculations to determine how much compost/manure to apply and the contribution of green manure to the nutrient needs of the subsequent crop. Understand the content and availability of nutrients in natural mineral fertilizers/supplements and other organic amendments allowable in organic systems.

An excerpt from Module 2:
The agricultural industry has developed approaches to nutrient management planning as a result of increasing concerns about the impacts of excessive fertilizer use on water quality. In some cases nutrient management planning is voluntary, but in many jurisdictions farms above a certain size (i.e., with more than a specified number of animal units are required by law to develop and use a nutrient management plan.

Although public pressure and legislation may have been the initial incentive for farmers to use nutrient management planning, many farmers are finding that nutrient management planning is saving them money on fertilizer bills. We know the dollar value of the major plant nutrients (e.g., nitrogen is now worth about $1 per kilogram) and it just makes good economic sense to use these nutrients wisely.

"I think that nutrient management plans are an important practice for certified organic farmers. The use of a nutrient management plan will allow farmers to successfully and efficiently learn to utilize available nutrients thus reducing the need for other inputs." Part of an on-line discussion posted by Samantha Giberson, Truro, NS