Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planning
A comprehensive nutrient management plan (CNMP) is the overall conservation
system that addresses all aspects of an animal feeding operation. The elements a
comprehensive nutrient management plan needs to address are described in the USDA Natural Resources Conservation
Service’s “Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planning Technical Guidance”,
December 2000. A copy of the Technical Guidance is available on the world wide
web at:
http://www.nhq.nrcs.usda.gov/Programs/ahcwpd/CNMPTG.pdf
Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan
For a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP), as described in the
“Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planning Technical Guidance”, there are six
basic elements to be addressed in planning.
Feed Management
Plan the modification of animal diets to reduce the amount of nutrients in
manure.
Manure and Wastewater Handling and Storage
Plan manure handling, collection, storage, and treatment measures to
prevent water pollution. This planning would include design and construction
of clean water diversions, pond and lagoon storage liners, storage
structures, manure and organic by-products treatment facilities, and methods
to manage animal mortality.
Nutrient Management
Develop nutrient management plans for land application of manure following
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) standards and guidance. This
element involves the development of nutrient budgets (for all sources of
nutrients used on the farm) based on crop needs and existing soil nutrient
loading, as well as the use of phosphorus indices and soil nutrient thresholds.
Land Treatment Practices
Develop conservation and management practices that are required to minimize
the movement of nutrients on the landscape and conserve the nutrient value for
crop production. This includes
the planning and design of practices that address tillage and crop rotation
systems, erosion and runoff control, and conservation buffers.
Record Keeping
Keep the necessary records to support management decisions and document
actions associated with the animal feeding operation. Record keeping is a
responsibility of the livestock or poultry producer and may vary depending on
the enterprise, the producer’s objectives, and state and local regulations.
However, the planner(s) must work with the producer to make sure the necessary
information is collected and tracked. Records need to be kept on the amount of
manure produced, how the manure is utilized, and current soil, plant, water, and
manure analyses.
Other Manure and Wastewater Utilization Options
Address alternative uses of manure, such as sale of manure or compost
off-site, power generation, feed stock, and other innovative solutions needed
when land application opportunities are limited and/or livestock and poultry
producers desire alternative value-added approaches to manure and wastewater
use.
Nutrient Management Element of a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan
The nutrient management element of the comprehensive nutrient management
plan, as defined by USDA NRCS, contains nine components (listed below) to be
included as part of the element’s plan. This plan is used when manure and other
organic nutrients (along with other sources of nutrients) are land-applied for
production of food, fiber, or forage.
1. Providing site maps, including a soil map
These maps are generally part of the overall conservation plan, and can be
aerial photographs, computer generated, geographic information system (GIS) maps
and printouts, hand-drawn sketches, or any another acceptable form.
Information will be given for the land where nutrients are to be applied.
This information will include field boundary and acreage, location of any
sensitive areas, soil types present and their associated soil interpretation,
plus any other pertinent information.
2. Location and description of sensitive resource areas
If present, sensitive resource areas will be delineated on the site map.
Sensitive areas may be highly erodible land (HEL), sole-source aquifer recharge
areas, soils that are highly leachable, fields that have a high risk for
phosphorus transport, or areas in close proximity to neighbors or public areas.
Sensitive areas usually require some form of reduced or restricted nutrient
application. Assessment tools and maps to determine sensitive areas are
available in the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG).
3. Soil, plant, water, and organic material sample analysis results
Nutrient management is based on crop requirements and the resources available
to supply these crop nutrients. All appropriate sample analyses will be part of
the nutrient management component. These analyses become basic information to
complete the nutrient budget. Appropriate explanation of each analysis needs to
be presented to the producer.
4. Current or planned crop production sequence or crop rotation
Nutrient application is based on crop requirements. Planning the crop
rotation will determine the nutrient needs, nutrient carryover to subsequent
crops, and windows of opportunity to apply organic waste material. A three to
five year history of past, present, and future crops is essential for planning
nutrient management.
5. Expected yield
The expected crop yield is a basis for determining the level of nutrients
required for that particular crop. Generally, the higher the yield the higher
the nutrient requirement. There are a number of methods available to determine
expected yield. Soil, climate, crop variety, and management skills are all
factors. Consult with the land grant university for those acceptable methods
used in the area.
6. Quantification of all nutrient sources available
Nutrient sources may include soil reserves, commercial fertilizer, animal
manure and other organic waste products, irrigation water, atmospheric
deposition, and legume credits. Many of the estimates of nutrient sources are
determined by laboratory analysis or crop history.
7. Develop a nutrient budget for the crop rotation being planned
A nutrient budget determines the amount of nutrients available from all
sources and compares this to the amount of nutrients required to meet the
expected yield. If the crop yield requirement for nutrients exceeds the
currently available sources, then an additional source of nutrients is needed.
If nutrient supplies exceed crop requirements, however, then management measures
must be taken to ensure the excess nutrients are either reduced or their
application will not cause detrimental effects to plants, soil, water, or air
resources.
8. Recommended rates, timing, and method of nutrient application
These are the three specifications for nutrient application that are given to
the producer. All three specifications are part of the nutrient management
element plan. The rate of nutrient application depends on the results of the
nutrient budget. Timing is determined by crop growth stage, field conditions for
application equipment, and climatic conditions that can affect the
transformation and transport of nutrients. How the nutrient is applied will be
based on its form and consistency, soil and weather conditions, and potential
for movement or loss to the environment.
9. Operation and maintenance of the nutrient management plan
A number of management items need to be reviewed and updated on a regular
basis. Soil tests will be taken periodically to track soil reserves. Application
equipment will be calibrated to supply uniform and precise amounts of nutrients.
A safe working environment will be maintained while handling and storing
nutrient products. Records of nutrient application also will be kept by the
producer.
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