Nutrient Management Basics Nutrient Management Basics

Maria Bendixen UW-Extension Agriculture Agent

Taylor and Marathon County

What is Nutrient Management?What is Nutrient Management?

Managing the amount, source, placement, form, and timing of the application of nutrients and soil amendments

Purposes of Nutrient ManagementPurposes of Nutrient Management

To budget and supply nutrients for plant production

To properly utilize manure or organic by-products as a plant nutrient source

To minimize agricultural non-point source pollution of surface and ground water resources

To maintain or improve the physical, chemical, and biological condition of soil

Why develop a nutrient management plan?Why develop a nutrient management plan?

Increase efficiency of all nutrient sources Reduce pollution and environmental risk Increase profit $$$$$

Optimize nutrient supply for maximum crop yieldsLess money spent on unnecessary fertilizers, and time/equipment to apply them

Elements of a Plan Elements of a Plan (1) Field Map (2) Soil Tests (3) Manure analysis (4) Crop Sequence (5) Estimated Yield (6) Sources and Forms (7) Sensitive Areas

(8) Recommended Rates

(9) Recommended Timing

(10) Recommended Methods

(11) Annual Review and Update

Field Maps Field Maps

Identify:RoadsStreamsWetlandsResidences# of AcresSoil Types

Soil Testing Soil Testing

Good consistent samples needed for accurate results.

Testing should be done at the same time each year as nutrients tend to be higher in the spring.

Test one sample for every 5 acres. Use the W method for sampling.

The W Method The W Method On a five acre grid take samples in the pattern shown. Each sample should be composed of at least 10 cores.

Where not to Sample Where not to Sample

Dead furrows or back furrowsDead furrows or back furrows Lime, sludge or manure pilesLime, sludge or manure piles Animal droppingsAnimal droppings Near fences or roadsNear fences or roads Rows where fertilizer has been bandedRows where fertilizer has been banded Eroded knollsEroded knolls Low spotsLow spots

WI Soil Test ProgramWI Soil Test Program

1 or 2 samples per field – none can be 1 or 2 samples per field – none can be eliminatedeliminated

3 or 4 samples per field – one can be eliminated3 or 4 samples per field – one can be eliminated 5 or more samples per field – up to two can be 5 or more samples per field – up to two can be

eliminatedeliminated

Recommended sample intensity for “uniform” non-

site-specific fields

Recommended sample intensity for “uniform” non-

site-specific fields

Sampling Depth Sampling Depth 6 inch sample = 6 inch sample =

25 ppm P25 ppm P 4 inch sample = 4 inch sample =

30 ppm P30 ppm P 8 inch sample = 8 inch sample =

21 ppm P21 ppm PPH levels are also PH levels are also

affected at different affected at different depths.depths.

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

pp

m P

0-2"2-4"4-6"6-8"

Manure Analysis Manure Analysis

Sample Manure Gives you more accurate numbers to use in

determining nutrients available to your crops. Different feeding programs can change manure

content greatly.

Legume Credits Legume Credits Measure hay in the fall Less than 8 inches of regrowth or more than 8

inches Red Clover and Bridsfoot Trefoil can be counted

at 80% the value of alfalfa. Quality of the stand

Good (70 to 100% alfalfa, more than 4 plants/ft2Fair (30 to 70% alfalfa, 1.5 to 4 plants/ft2 Poor (0 to 30% alfalfa, less than 1.5 plants/ft2

ConclusionsConclusions Nutrient management plans are the smart way

to manage nutrients. Plans can increase profits as well as protect the

environment. Many farms do not have a plan to manage the

nutrients produced or applied to their fields. Costs to develop a plan may be prohibitive for

small producers.