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Home , Nutrient management

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NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE CONSERVATION PRACTICE STANDARD

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT (Ac.)

CODE 590

DEFINITION Realistic yield goals shall be established based on productivity information, Managing the amount, source, placement, historical yield data, climatic conditions, level form and timing of the application of plant of management and/or local research on nutrients and soil amendments. similar soil, cropping systems, and soil and /organic by-products tests. PURPOSE For new crops or varieties, industry yield • To budget and supply nutrients for plant recommendations may be used until production. documented yield information is available. • To properly utilize manure or organic by- Plans for nutrient management shall specify products as a plant nutrient source. the source, amount, timing and method of application of nutrients on each field to achieve • To minimize agricultural nonpoint source realistic production goals, while minimizing pollution of surface and ground water movement of nutrients and other potential resources. contaminants to surface and/or ground waters. • To protect air quality by reducing nitrogen Areas contained within established minimum emissions ( and NOx compounds) application setbacks (e.g., sinkholes, wells, and the formation of atmospheric gullies, ditches, surface inlets or rapidly particulates. permeable soil areas) shall not receive direct • To maintain or improve the physical, application of nutrients. chemical and biological condition of soil. The amount of nutrients lost to erosion, runoff, and drainage, shall be addressed, as CONDITIONS WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES needed. This practice applies to all lands where plant Soil and Tissue Sampling and Laboratory nutrients and soil amendments are applied. Analyses (Testing). Nutrient planning shall be based on current soil and tissue (where used as a supplement) test results developed CRITERIA in accordance with Land Grant University guidance, or industry practice if recognized by General Criteria Applicable to All Purposes the Land Grant University. Current soil tests A nutrient budget for nitrogen, phosphorus, are those that are no older than five years. and potassium shall be developed that considers all potential sources of nutrients Soil and tissue samples shall be collected and including, but not limited to animal manure and prepared according to the Land Grant organic by-products, waste water, commercial University guidance or standard industry , crop residues, credits, and practice. Soil and tissue test analyses shall be irrigation water. performed by laboratories that are accepted in one or more of the following:

Conservation practice standards are reviewed periodically and updated if needed. To obtain NRCS, NHCP the current version of this standard, contact your Natural Resources Conservation Service State Office or visit the electronic Field Office Technical Guide. August 2006 590 - 2

• Laboratories successfully meeting the • Potassium Application - Potassium shall requirements and performance standards not be applied in situations in which of the North American Proficiency Testing excess (greater than potassium Program (NAPT) under the auspices of the recommendation) causes unacceptable Soil Science Society of America, or nutrient imbalances in crops or forages. When forage quality is an issue associated • State recognized program that considers with excess potassium application, state laboratory performance and proficiency to standards shall be used to set forage assure accuracy of soil test results. quality guidelines. Soil and tissue testing shall include analyses • Other Plant Nutrients - The planned rates for any nutrients for which specific information of application of other nutrients shall be is needed to develop the nutrient plan. consistent with Land Grant University Request analyses pertinent to monitoring or guidance or industry practice if recognized amending the annual nutrient budget, e.g. pH, by the Land Grant University in the state. electrical conductivity (EC), , • Starter - When starter fertilizers nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. are used, they shall be included in the Nutrient Application Rates. Soil overall nutrient budget, and applied in amendments shall be applied, as needed, to accordance with Land Grant University adjust soil pH to an adequate level for crop recommendations, or industry practice if nutrient availability and utilization. recognized by the Land Grant University within the state. Recommended nutrient application rates shall be based on Land Grant University Nutrient Application Timing. Timing and recommendations (and/or industry practice method of nutrient application (particularly when recognized by the university) that nitrogen) shall correspond as closely as consider current soil test results, realistic yield possible with plant nutrient uptake goals and management capabilities. If the characteristics, while considering cropping Land Grant University does not provide system limitations, weather and climatic specific recommendations, application shall be conditions, risk assessment tools (e.g., based on realistic yield goals and associated index, P index) and field accessibility. plant nutrient uptake rates. Nutrient Application Methods. Application The planned rates of nutrient application, as methods to reduce the risk of nutrient transport documented in the nutrient budget, shall be to surface and ground water, or into the determined based on the following guidance: atmosphere shall be employed. • Nitrogen Application - Planned nitrogen To minimize nutrient losses: application rates shall match the • Apply nutrient materials uniformly to recommended rates as closely as application area(s). possible, except when manure or organic by-products are a source of nutrients. • Nutrients shall not be applied to frozen, When manure or organic by-products are snow-covered or saturated soil if the a source of nutrients, see “Additional potential risk for runoff exists. Criteria” below. • Nutrients shall be applied considering the • Phosphorus Application - Planned plant growth habits, irrigation practices, phosphorus application rates shall match and other conditions so as to maximize the recommended rates as closely as availability to the plant and minimize the possible, except when manure or organic risk of runoff, leaching, and volatilization by-products are sources of nutrients. losses. When manure or organic by-products are • Nutrient applications associated with a source of nutrients, see “Additional irrigation systems shall be applied in a Criteria” below.

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manner that prevents or minimizes In planning for new operations, acceptable resource impairment. “book values” recognized by the NRCS and/or the Land Grant University may be used if they Conservation Management Unit (CMU) Risk accurately estimate nutrient output from the Assessment. In areas with identified or proposed operation (e.g., NRCS Agricultural designated nutrient related water quality Waste Management Field Handbook). impairment, a CMU specific risk assessment of the potential for nutrient transport from the Biosolids (sewage sludge) shall be applied in area shall be completed. accordance with USEPA regulations. (40 CFR Parts 403 (Pretreatment) and 503 (Biosolids) States that utilize a threshold prescreening and other state and/or local regulations procedure to trigger CMU risk assessment regarding the use of biosolids as a nutrient shall follow approved procedures as source. recommended by the respective state or Land Grant University. Manure and Organic By-Product Nutrient Application Rates. Manure and organic by- Use an appropriate nutrient risk assessment product nutrient application rates shall be tool for the nutrient in question (e.g., leaching based on nutrient analyses procedures index, phosphorus index) or other state recommended by the respective state or Land recognized assessment tool. Grant University. As indicated above, “book values” may be used in planning for new Additional Criteria Applicable to Manure operations. At a minimum, manure analyses and Organic By-Products or Biosolids shall identify nutrient and specific ion Applied as a Plant Nutrient Source concentrations, percent moisture, and percent When animal or organic by-products organic matter. Salt concentration shall be are applied, a risk assessment of the potential monitored so that manure applications do not for nutrient transport from the CMU shall be cause plant damage or negatively impact soil completed to adjust the amount, placement, quality. form and timing of application of nutrient sources, as recommended by the respective The application rate (in/hr) of liquid materials state or Land Grant University. applied shall not exceed the soil intake/infiltration rate and shall be adjusted to Nutrient values of manure and organic by- minimize ponding and to avoid runoff. The total products (excluding sewage sludge or application shall not exceed the field capacity biosolids) shall be determined prior to land of the soil and shall be adjusted, as needed, to application. Samples will be taken and minimize loss to subsurface tile drains. analyzed with each hauling/emptying cycle for a storage/treatment facility. Manure sampling The planned rates of nitrogen and phosphorus frequency may vary based on the operation’s application recorded in the plan shall be manure handling strategy and spreading determined based on the following guidance: schedule. If there is no prior sampling history, Nitrogen Application Rates the manure shall be analyzed at least annually for a minimum of three consecutive years. A o When manure or organic by-products cumulative record shall be developed and are used, the nitrogen availability of maintained until a consistent (maintaining a the planned application rates shall certain nutrient concentration with minimal match plant uptake characteristics as variation) level of nutrient values is realized. closely as possible, taking into The average of results contained in the consideration the timing of nutrient operation’s cumulative manure analyses application(s) in order to minimize history shall be used as a basis for nutrient leaching and atmospheric losses. allocation to fields. Samples shall be collected o Management activities and and prepared according to Land Grant technologies shall be used that University guidance or industry practice. effectively utilize mineralized nitrogen and that minimize nitrogen losses

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through and ammonia of soil test recommendation or volatilization. estimated phosphorus removal in harvested plant biomass. o Manure or organic by-products may be Guidance for developing these applied on at rates equal to acceptable rates is found in the the estimated removal of nitrogen in NRCS General Manual, Title 190, harvested plant biomass. Part 402 (Ecological Sciences, o When the nutrient management plan Nutrient Management, Policy), and component is being implemented on a the National Agronomy Manual, phosphorus basis, manure or organic Section 503 (to be developed). by-products shall be applied at rates o The application of phosphorus applied consistent with a phosphorus limited as manure may be made at a rate application rate. In such situations, an equal to the recommended additional nitrogen application, from phosphorus application or estimated non-organic sources, may be required phosphorus removal in harvested plant to supply, but not exceed, the biomass for the or recommended amounts of nitrogen in multiple years in the crop sequence. any given year. When such applications are made, the Phosphorus Application Rates application rate shall: o When manure or organic by-products ◊ Not exceed the recommended are used, the planned rates of nitrogen application rate during the phosphorus application shall be year of application, or consistent with any one of the ◊ Not exceed the estimated nitrogen following options: removal in harvested plant ◊ Phosphorus Index (PI) Rating. biomass during the year of Nitrogen-based manure application when there is no application on Low or Medium recommended nitrogen Risk Sites; phosphorus-based or application. no manure application on High ◊ Not be made on sites considered and Very High Risk Sites.** vulnerable to off-site phosphorus ◊ Soil Phosphorus Threshold transport unless appropriate Values. Nitrogen-based manure conservation practices, best application on sites on which the management practices or soil test phosphorus levels are management activities are used to below the threshold values; reduce the vulnerability. Phosphorus-based or no manure Heavy Metal Monitoring. When sewage application on sites on which soil sludge (biosolids) is applied, the accumulation phosphorus levels equal or of potential pollutants (including arsenic, exceed threshold values.** cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, selenium, ◊ Soil Test. Nitrogen-based manure and zinc) in the soil shall be monitored in application on sites for which the accordance with the US Code, Reference 40 soil test recommendation calls for CFR, Parts 403 and 503, and/or any phosphorus application; applicable state and local laws or regulations. phosphorus-based or no manure application on sites for which the Additional Criteria to Protect Air Quality by soil test recommendation calls for Reducing Nitrogen and/or Particulate no phosphorus application. ‡ Emissions to the Atmosphere ** Acceptable phosphorus- In areas with an identified or designated based manure application rates nutrient management related air quality shall be determined as a function concern, any component(s) of nutrient

NRCS, NHCP August 2006 590 - 5 management (i.e., amount, source, placement, both the production and environmental form, timing of application) identified by risk performance of nutrient management systems. assessment tools as a potential source of The addition of these management activities, atmospheric pollutants shall be adjusted, as when applicable, increases the management necessary, to minimize the loss(es). intensity of the system and is recommended in When can be performed, surface a nutrient management system. applications of manure and fertilizer nitrogen Action should be taken to protect National formulations that are subject to volatilization on Register listed and other eligible cultural the soil surface (e.g., urea) shall be resources. incorporated into the soil within 24 hours after application. The nutrient budget should be reviewed annually to determine if any changes are When manure or organic by-products are needed for the next planned crop. applied to grassland, hayland, pasture or minimum-till areas the rate, form and timing of For sites on which there are special application(s) shall be managed to minimize environmental concerns, other sampling volatilization losses. techniques may be appropriate. These include soil profile sampling for nitrogen, Pre- When liquid forms of manure are applied with Sidedress Nitrogen Test (PSNT), Pre-Plant irrigation equipment, operators will select Soil Nitrate Test (PPSN) or soil surface weather conditions during application that will sampling for phosphorus accumulation or pH minimize volatilization losses. changes. Operators will handle and apply poultry litter or Additional practices to enhance the producer’s other dry types of animal manures when the ability to manage manure effectively include potential for wind-driven loss is low and there modification of the animal’s diet to reduce the is less potential for transport of particulates manure nutrient content, or utilizing manure into the atmosphere. amendments that stabilize or tie-up nutrients. Weather and climatic conditions during Soil test information should be no older than manure or organic by-product application(s) one year when developing new plans, shall be recorded and maintained in particularly if animal manures are to be used accordance with the operation and as a nutrient source. maintenance section of this standard. Excessive levels of some nutrients can cause Additional Criteria to Improve the Physical, induced deficiencies of other nutrients. Chemical and Biological Condition of the If increases in soil phosphorus levels are Soil expected, consider a more frequent (annual) Nutrients shall be applied and managed in a soil testing interval. manner that maintains or improves the physical, chemical and biological condition of To manage the conversion of nitrogen in the soil. manure or fertilizer, use products or materials (e.g. nitrification inhibitors, urease inhibitors Minimize the use of nutrient sources with high and slow or controlled release fertilizers) that salt content unless provisions are made to more closely match nutrient release and leach salts below the crop root zone. availability for plant uptake. These materials To the extent practicable nutrients shall not be may improve the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) applied when the potential for of the nutrient management system by and rutting is high. reducing losses of nitrogen into water and/or air.

CONSIDERATIONS Considerations to Minimize Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution of Surface and The use of management activities and Ground Water. technologies listed in this section may improve

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Erosion control and runoff reduction practices drop down tubes for center pivots). N can improve soil nutrient and water storage, volatilization from manure in a surface infiltration, aeration, tilth, diversity of soil irrigation system will be reduced when applied organisms and protect or improve water and under a crop canopy. air quality (Consider installation of one or more When planning nutrient applications and tillage NRCS FOTG, Section IV – Conservation operations, encourage soil carbon buildup Practice Standards). while discouraging greenhouse gas emissions Cover crops can effectively utilize and/or (e.g., nitrous oxide N2O, carbon dioxide CO2). recycle residual nitrogen. Nutrient applications associated with irrigation Apply nutrient materials uniformly to the systems should be applied in accordance with application area. Application methods and the requirements of Irrigation Water timing that reduce the risk of nutrients being Management (Code 449). transported to ground and surface waters, or CAFO operations seeking permits under into the atmosphere include: USEPA regulations (40 CFR Parts 122 and • Split applications of nitrogen to provide 412) should consult with their respective state nutrients at the times of maximum crop permitting authority for additional criteria. utilization, • Use stalk-test to minimize risk of over PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS applying nitrogen in excess of crop needs. Plans and specifications for nutrient • Avoid winter nutrient application for spring management shall be in keeping with this seeded crops, standard and shall describe the requirements for applying the practice to achieve its intended • Band applications of phosphorus near the purpose(s), using nutrients to achieve seed row, production goals and to prevent or minimize • Incorporate surface applied manures or resource impairment. organic by-products as soon as possible Nutrient management plans shall include a after application to minimize nutrient statement that the plan was developed based losses, on requirements of the current standard and • Delay field application of animal manures any applicable Federal, state, or local or organic by-products if precipitation regulations, policies, or programs, which may capable of producing runoff and erosion is include the implementation of other practices forecast within 24 hours of the time of the and/or management activities. Changes in any planned application. of these requirements may necessitate a revision of the plan. Considerations to Protect Air Quality by Reducing Nitrogen and/or Particulate The following components shall be included in Emissions to the Atmosphere. the nutrient management plan: Odors associated with the land application of • aerial site photograph(s) or site map(s), manures and organic by-products can be and a soil survey map of the site, offensive to the occupants of nearby homes. • location of designated sensitive areas or Avoid applying these materials upwind of resources and the associated, nutrient occupied structures when residents are likely management restriction, to be home (evenings, weekends and holidays). • current and/or planned plant production sequence or crop rotation, When applying manure with irrigation equipment, modifying the equipment can • results of soil, water, manure and/or reduce the potential for volatilization of organic by-product sample analyses, nitrogen from the time the manure leaves the • results of plant tissue analyses, when used application equipment until it reaches the for nutrient management, surface of the soil (e.g., reduced pressure, NRCS, NHCP August 2006 590 - 7

• realistic yield goals for the crops, • calibration of application equipment to ensure uniform distribution of material at • complete nutrient budget for nitrogen, planned rates. phosphorus, and potassium for the crop rotation or sequence, • documentation of the actual rate at which nutrients were applied. When the actual • listing and quantification of all nutrient rates used differ from the recommended sources, and planned rates, records will indicate the • CMU specific recommended nutrient reasons for the differences. application rates, timing, form, and method • Maintaining records to document plan of application and incorporation, and implementation. As applicable, records • guidance for implementation, operation, include: maintenance, and recordkeeping. o Soil, plant tissue, water, manure, and If increases in soil phosphorus levels are organic by-product analyses resulting expected, the nutrient management plan shall in recommendations for nutrient document: application, • the soil phosphorus levels at which it may o quantities, analyses and sources of be desirable to convert to phosphorus nutrients applied, based planning, o dates and method(s) of nutrient • results of appropriate risk assessment applications, tools to document the relationship between o weather conditions and soil moisture soil phosphorus levels and potential for at the time of application; lapsed time phosphorus transport from the field, to manure incorporation, rainfall or • the potential for soil phosphorus drawdown irrigation event. from the production and harvesting of o crops planted, planting and harvest crops, and dates, yields, and crop residues • management activities or techniques used removed, to reduce the potential for phosphorus o dates of plan review, name of loss. reviewer, and recommended changes resulting from the review. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE Records should be maintained for five years; The owner/client is responsible for safe or for a period longer than five years if required operation and maintenance of this practice by other Federal, state or local ordinances, or including all equipment. Operation and program or contract requirements. maintenance addresses the following: Workers should be protected from and avoid • periodic plan review to determine if unnecessary contact with plant nutrient adjustments or modifications to the plan sources. Extra caution must be taken when are needed. As a minimum, plans will be handling ammoniacal nutrient sources, or reviewed and revised with each soil test when dealing with organic wastes stored in cycle. unventilated enclosures. • significant changes in animal numbers Material generated from cleaning nutrient and/or feed management will necessitate application equipment should be utilized in an additional manure sampling and analyses environmentally safe manner. Excess material to establish a revised average nutrient should be collected and stored or field applied content. in an appropriate manner. • protection of fertilizer and organic by- Nutrient containers should be recycled in product storage facilities from weather and compliance with state and local guidelines or accidental leakage or spillage. regulations.

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REFERENCES Sims, J.T. (ed.) 2005. Phosphorus: and the Environment. Agron. Monogr. 46. Follett, R.F. 2001. Nitrogen Transformation ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI. and Transport Processes. pp. 17-44, In R.F. Follett and J. Hatfield. (eds.). 2001. Nitrogen Stevenson, F.J. (ed.) 1982. Nitrogen in in the Environment; Sources, Problems, and Agricultural . Agron. Series 22. ASA, Solutions. Elsevier Science Publishers. The CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI. Netherlands. 520 pp.

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