Nutrient management refers to the use of manure and other fertilizers to meet crop nutrient needs, while reducing the potential for them to run off fields to lakes, streams and groundwater. It helps assure that crops get the right amount of nutrients -- nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, often referred to as N-P-K -- at the right time and place. This benefits the farmer by improving crop yields and reducing costs, and benefits the environment by keeping nutrients on fields and preventing them from running off to streams or down to groundwater.
In Wisconsin, ALL farms should have a nutrient management plan. Some farms will follow a nutrient management plan if they:
- Participate in the Farmland Preservation Program
- Are offered cost-sharing to develop a plan
- Accept cost-sharing for manure storage systems
- Are large livestock operations that require a Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit
- Are regulated under a local ordinance for manure storage or livestock siting
Why Have a Nutrient Management Plan - Nutrient Management 101!
Click HERE to access the newest Nutrient Management Checklist Form (Updated 6/17) is on this link, halfway through the page.
To send in your nutrient management checklist or plan updates or for any nutrient management related questions, please email: ColumbiaNMP590@columbiacountywi.gov