Why nutrient management

Integrating the inclusion of cover crops, compost, or manure into a management system are all methods for increasing soil organic matter and nutrient availability without relying on chemical fertilizers. Using any of these techniques in a cropping system require assessing the site-specific nutrient needs and impacts that amendments may have.

Under some circumstances, commercial fertilizers may be the most cost-effective and sustainable method for increasing soil health and managing nutrient uptake by crops.

The searchable database of nutrient management research is an online information portal that links users to science-based practical nutrient management information. The UC Cooperative Extension Small Farm Program developed an additional Guide for Fertilizing Vegetables , which can assist farmers looking for background information on proper fertilization requirements for vegetable crops. This site is appropriate for small-scale farmers or home gardeners looking to increase productivity or limit nutrient losses through proper application methods and amounts.

The regulation sets out specific requirements for planning, storage requirements, and land application standards including maximum application rate and setbacks from wells and surface or ground water. Skip to main content. Nutrient Management. What is Nutrient Management? What are nutrients? What is nutrient management? Simplify your nutrient management process with our calculator.

Interpret soil results, assess crop nutrient requirements, and set application rates. Application Risk Management Tool. Soil Test Phosphorus Converter. Convert laboratory phosphorous results from the original testing method to Kelowna method used in B. Nutrient Management Plan Training. Learn how to prepare nutrient management plans through a Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries training program. Manure Nutrient Calculator.

Determine the nutrient contributions of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium from manures and the other organic nutrient sources. Post-Harvest Nitrate Test Calculator.

Convert laboratory soil nitrate test results from parts per million to amounts in kilograms per hectare. If you have any questions about nutrient management, contact us at AgriServiceBC gov. If you are a farmer or rancher in British Columbia, an EFP planning advisor will walk through environmental risks and opportunities on your operation, including nutrient management.

This program is, voluntary, confidential, and free. Improving soil fertility to recommended levels will allow for increased nutrient use efficiency and a reduction on the reliance of chemical fertiliser whilst improving overall productivity on the farm. On most farms nutrients are recycled from the soil to the crops, to the animals and returned to the soil as organic manure. Nutrients also exit the farm by way of soil erosion, nitrate leaching, phosphorus runoff and gaseous emissions such as ammonium volatilization; these are an inefficient use of resources but also have a negative impact on water quality.

Especially where the farmer needs to purchase nutrients to compensate for those leaving the farm. Planning helps to optimise the use of farm nutrients, maintain and improve soil health, reduce excessive nutrient build up and lessen environmental risks.