Nutrient Management Plan

A Nutrient Management Plan should take into account all sources of nutrient supply as well as soil nutrient status and the influence of soil type, rainfall and irrigation. The Plan should follow a recognised fertilizer recommendation system such as DEFRA RB209 (computerised version available from PLANET) and should be prepared in conjunction with a FACTS (Fertilizer Advisers Certification and Training Scheme) qualified person.

A Nutrient Management Plan should be documented and include the following steps:

1. Maintain an up to date soil analysis. Soils should be analysed every 3-5 years, depending on cropping system, for pH, p. K, and Mg. Use the results to adjust inputs of Lime, phosphate, potash, and magnesium nutrients.

2. Assess the nutrient requirement of the crop from a recognised recommendation system.

3. Assess the nutrient supply from organic manures.

4. Calculate the need for fertilizer nutrients by deducting the contribution from organic manures from the crop nutrient requirement.

5. Spread organic manures and fertilizers as accurately and uniformly as possible. Equipment should be in good working order and recently calibrated.

6. Keep clear field records of cropping, organic manure and fertilizer applications. This will aid future decisions on nutrient management and demonstrates the practical outcome of the plan.

7. Update the plan at the start of each cropping year.

8. A nutrient management plan completed for other schemes (such as farm assurance or LEAF) will count as a nutrient management plan under this option, providing it includes all the steps described above.

This option is only available on holdings where manures are spread. A Manure Management Plan should include the preparation of a field risk map (risk of causing water pollution) and an assessment of the need for any extra slurry or dirty water storage. You can either draw up your own plan or get professional advice from a consultant.