Step 5. Make Decisions

In publication: Nutrient Management Planning
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Introduction
- Benefits …3
- Challenges …4
- 10 Steps to Nutrient Management Planning …4
- Where the Environmental Farm Plan Fits In …5
Principles
- Major Nutrients in Farming Systems …6
- Sources of Nutrients …7
- Pathogen Survival …11
- Livestock Nutrition and Nutrient Output …12
- Nutrient and Water Cycles …13
- Systems Approach to Nutrient Management Planning …29
Ten Steps to Making it Work
Step 1. Set Goals
- Considerations …34
Step 2. Take Inventory
- Checklist for Inventory …36
- How to Use and Interpret Soil Information …37
- How to Use Soil Hydrologic Groups …40
- How to Measure Slope …42
- How to Create Maps …44
- Crop Inventory and Yields …47
- Calculating Manure Volume …48
- How to Take Soil Samples …49
- How to Take Manure Samples …50
Step 3. Input and Analyze Data
- How the Nutrient Management Software/Workbook Works …55
- Interpreting Soil Test Results …58
- Interpreting Manure Test Results …60
Step 4. Interpret Results
- Management Options to Address Red Flags …66
- Other Options …71
- Case Study …74
Step 5. Make Decisions
- Determining the Maximum Rate of Manure to Spread …79
- Soil Absorption Capacity …79
- Determining Setback Distances for Manure Application …82
Step 6. Take Action
- Planning Your Nutrient Application …86
- How to Apply …93
Step 7. Keep Records
- What to Include …94
- Record-Keeping Document for Case-Study Farm …96
Step 8. Monitor
- How to Monitor …99
Step 9. Make Adjustments
- Common Areas for Adjustment …103
- Case Study Farm – Vegetated Buffer …105
Step 10. Plan for the Unexpected
- Weather or Equipment Conditions Impeding Planned Storage or Application …108
- Contingencies for More Manure Than Planned …109
- Contingencies for More Nutrients Than Storage Capacity …109
- Checklist for an Emergency Plan for Spills …109
- In the Event of a Spill …110
Appendix
- Spotlight on the Nutrient Management Act, 2002 …112