Nutrient management plan basics

Contact: Macy Fawns, extension nutrient management planner

Manure can be a valuable fertilizer if you store and use it correctly on your farm. But just how valuable?

A recent University of Kentucky research project studied 10 cattle in a confined area for 200 days. In that time period, the animals created an estimated 62 tons of manure. When compared to fertilizer prices the nutrient value of the manure was worth more than $2,100. So maybe it’s better to focus on the value rather than seeing manure management as a time-consuming hassle. Having and implementing a nutrient management plan and calibrating your manure spreader can all add up to sizable savings in nutrient costs. If you have livestock in confinement and/or you spread manure you must have a nutrient management plan to comply with the KY Ag Water Quality Act. Before starting a nutrient management plan you will need current (two years or newer) soil samples, a manure sample and a field map with acreage. The basic steps for developing a nutrient management plan include:

• Determine the total volume and amount of nutrients your farm generates.

• Determine soil fertility with bi-annual soil tests.

• Determine nutrient application rates based on existing soil fertility, crop nutrient requirements, nutrient application timing and method and fertilizer type.

• Create a cropping plan for how you will use generated manure on a field-by-field basis over a five-year period.

• Implement the plan, keep good records and follow guidelines and regulations.

There are two types of nutrient management plans. A comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) can only be written by a technical service provider. Your local Natural Resources Conservation Service office can help you find a technical service provider and possibly provide financial assistance for the service. A CNMP is required when you apply for financial assistance for manure-related practices such as a lagoon or a manure stack pad.

Producers can write a Kentucky Nutrient Management Plan (KyNMP) on their own or with assistance from the local conservation district or the local extension office. You can still receive cost-share on best management practices and be compliant with state regulations with this plan, but you cannot receive assistance for manure-related practices. The UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment publication ID-211 Kentucky Nutrient Management Planning Guidelines is available to help you create your own plan, or you can use an online tool at http://www.bae.uky.edu/awqpt/calculators.htm.

Anyone farming 10 acres or more should have an Agriculture Water Quality Plan. If you apply nutrients in the form of manure or commercial fertilizer you need a nutrient management plan as part of your Agriculture Water Quality Plan. Finally, if you have liquid manure storage you will also need a Kentucky No Discharge Operational Permit. For more information about developing these plans, visit http://www.ca.uky.edu/awqa or visit your local Kentucky Conservation District or contact the Clinton County Cooperative Extension Service at 606-387-5404.

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Upcoming Meetings

Beef Quality Assurance

meetings scheduled

Beef Quality Assurance meetings will be held on January 12th at 1:00 pm and 5:30 pm at the Clinton County Extension Office. Producers approved for cost-share under the large animal investment area are required to have a valid BQA number. The BQA meeting will last approximately one hour, BQA certification cost is $5 and valid for three years. For more information or to enroll in BQA training please call the Extension Office at 606-387-5404.

Cattle Handling and Care meeting

The Clinton County Extension Office will hold Cattle Handling and Care meetings on January 19th at 1:00 pm and 5:30 pm at the Extension Office. The Cattle Handling and Care video session is designed to give producers information on best management practices and proper treatment of cattle. Producers completing this training will receive a free barn sign. This meeting will satisfy the educational requirements for CAIP cost-share. Space is limited, so please call the Extension Office at 606-387-5404 to register or for more information.

Private Pesticide Applicator meeting

The Clinton County Extension Service will host a private pesticide applicator meetings, Thursday, January 21st at 1:00 pm and 5:30 pm at the Extension Office. The meetings will cover information necessary to obtain a private pesticide applicator’s license. The private pesticide cards are valid for three years and are required to purchase restricted use pesticides. This meeting will also satisfy educational requirements for CAIP cost-share. Space is limited, so please call the Extension office at 606-387-5404 to register or for more information.

Agriculture Development Council to meet

The Clinton County Agricultural Development Council will meet Thursday, December 17th at 5:30 pm at the Clinton County Extension Office. The meeting is open to the public.