What is a Nutrient Management Plan?

Nutrient Management is a way for Wisconsin farmers to ensure that their crops get the right source of nutrients at the right rate, time and place to match crop needs and minimize nutrient losses from fields. Nutrient management planning is based on soil type, slope, crop rotations and residual nutrients, and takes both manure and commercial fertilizers into account. Nutrient management requires soil testing, record-keeping, crop management planning, and meeting state and federal standards.

What are the benefits?

Nutrient management planning helps to optimize use of farm nutrients, prevent excessive nutrient build-up, reduce fertilizer costs, maintain soil health for successful crop production, and reduce environmental risks. These enhance farm profitability and protect local and regional water resources.

How do farmers obtain help with writing a Nutrient Management Plan?

Become certified to write your own plan

Northcentral Technical College, along with UW-Extension, and area County Land Conservation Departments, offer classes on Nutrient Management Planning running from January to March each year. For more details on upcoming classes, go to: https://www.ntc.edu/academics-training/courses/agriculture.

The course is designed to develop a NMP that will meet the NRCS requirements. Participants will enter soil test information into the software program, Snap+, and will develop a plan using the data. The course fee is reimbursable.

Technical assistance to develop a plan is available through the LCD.

Farmers may also hire a Certified Crop Advisor to write their NMP.

Cost-Share

Cost-sharing is available to implement a nutrient management plan (NMP). Farmers can receive a one-time payment of $40 per acre. Payments are made after a nutrient management plan that meets the standard is complete. Additional reimbursement for soil testing fees is available to farmers who complete the nutrient management class. Also, farmers with a current NMP are eligible for cost share of $18.50 per acre for No-Till Planting, $35.00 per acre for Single Species Cover Crops, and $75.00 per acre for Multi Species Cover Crops.