Nutrient Management

Nutrient management seeks to balance nutrient application with crop removal of nutrients in order to prevent excess nutrients from seeping into groundwater and being carried in runoff to local waterways. Nutrients in runoff from farm operations are a leading cause of nonpoint source pollution to local streams, the Susquehanna River, and the Chesapeake Bay. Voluntary nutrient management plans can help all farmers manage nutrients, improve farm profits, protect the environment, and provide some protection from liability.

A nutrient management plan should be implemented for any farm in operation. Pennsylvania's Nutrient Management Act requires that concentrated animal operations (CAOs) and farms receiving financial assistance under the Chesapeake Bay Program develop and implement nutrient management plans. Also, any farm that violates the Clean Streams Law may be required to develop a nutrient management plan. To talk to an ag specialist about creating a nutrient management plan for your farm, call the District office at (717) 921-8100.

Program funding for the state Nutrient Management Program is provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and the State Conservation Commission.

Nutrient Management Planning

10 Steps to Developing a Nutrient Management Plan

1. Test the soil.

2. Have animal manure analyzed.

3. Consider residual Nitrogen from previous legume crops and manure.

4. Determine the nutrients in the manure and their value.

5. Determine how and when the manure should be applied.

6. Determine what rate you should use to apply the manure.

7. Choose any supplemental fertilizers you may need.

8. Calibrate your spreader.

9. Consider erosion and surface runoff control measures.

10. Conduct a yearly review of your plan.