- Introduction
- Writing and Funding an NMP
- Land Treatment Planning
- Nutrient Management Planning for Certified Small (CSFO), Medium (MFO) & Large Farm Operations (LFO)
- Nutrient Management Planning for Small Farm Operations (SFOs)
Introduction
Nutrient Management Planning is the management of the amount (rate), source, placement (method of application), and timing of plant nutrients and soil amendments. The purpose of Nutrient Management Planning is to:
- Budget, supply, and conserve nutrients for plant production.
- Minimize agricultural nonpoint source pollution of surface and groundwater resources.
- Properly utilize manure or organic byproducts as a plant nutrient source.
- Protect air quality by reducing odors, nitrogen emissions (ammonia, oxides of nitrogen), and the formation of atmospheric particulates.
- Maintain or improve the physical, chemical, and biological condition of soil.
Writing and Funding an NMP
Land Treatment Planning
Nutrient Management Planning for CSFO, MFO & LFO
All CSFO, MFO, and LFO shall have a field-by-field NMP developed by a certified nutrient management planner or the permittee. Development and implementation of the nutrient management plan shall exceed the standards of Vermont Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs) and the Vermont USDA NRCS Nutrient Management Plan 590 Standard.
Nutrient Management Plans are required to include up-to-date field maps, soil samples, manure samples, production area management plans, and recommended nutrient application rates. NMPs are required to follow nutrient application guidelines, minimize leaching to groundwater or surface water and to provide effective management for soil health. Recordkeeping is also a required component of NMPs.
To request additional yield or nutrient record keeping booklets be mailed to your farm, contact us at (802) 522-4655.
For more information and to access helpful resources, click on the following links:
- Components of an NMP
- UVM NUTRIENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FIELD CROPS IN VERMONT
- Printable Full-page Nutrient and Crop Yield Recording Booklet
Nutrient Management Planning for Small Farm Operations (SFO)
- All sources of nutrients shall be accounted for when determing nutrient application rates.
- Recommended rates may be adjusted based on manure or other waste analysis and/or nutrient testing procedures.
- Recommended nutrent application rates shall be consistent with current UVM Nutrient Recommendations for Field Crops in Vermont and standard agricultural practices.
- All fields recieving mechanical application of manure, agricutlural wastes, or fertilizer shall be soil sampled at least once in every five years using modified Morgan's extractant or other equivalent standards approved by the Secretary.
- Records of soil analysis, manure or other agricultural waste application, and fertilizer applications shall be maintained on the farm for a period of five years and provided to the Secretary upon request.
- Records of manure or other agricultural waste application shall contain:
- date of application,
- field location,
- application rate,
- source of nutrients applied, and
- weather and field conditions at the time of application.