PO 53: Describe the importance of the following steps of an economically- and environmentally-sound nutrient management plan.
- Locate facilities and fields on maps
- Identify environmentally-sensitive areas, including wells
- Specify crop rotation
- Determine expected yields
- Obtain results of soil, plant, and water analyses
- Quantify nutrients from all sources available to the farm
- Develop a nutrient budget for each field
- Make recommendations of nutrient rate, timing, form, and method of application
- Review and modify the plan as needed
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A field-specific nutrient budget is the amount of each nutrient required for optimum yield. Estimates of nutrient additions from all sources and nutrient losses are made, and then nutrient additions are adjusted to meet crop needs and to not exceed other environmental goals. Recommendations of nutrient rate, timing, form, and method of application should be made, keeping in mind how they affect nutrient availability and risk of environmental loss. This step includes identification of periods of excess water where runoff, erosion, and leaching may occur. Nutrient applications should be avoided during these times. Review and modify the plan as needed, at least annually. These updates are needed to reflect actual application rates, timing, method, rotation shifts, purchase of new land, and other changes that could impact management in the next year. |