Nutrient management refers to the use of manure and other fertilizers to meet crop nutrient needs, while reducing the potential for run-off from fields to lakes, streams and groundwater. Nutrient management helps assure that crops receive the right amount of nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, often referred to as N-P-K) at the right time and precisely where the farmer intends. This benefits the farmer by improving crop yields and reducing costs, and benefits the environment by keeping nutrients on the fields and preventing run-off to lakes, streams, and groundwater.
In Wisconsin, all farms should have a nutrient management plan. Some farms will follow a nutrient management plan if they:
- Participate in the Farmland Preservation Program
- Are offered cost-sharing to develop a plan
- Accept cost-sharing for manure storage systems
- Are large livestock operations that require a Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit
- Are regulated under Lincoln County, Wisconsin- Code of Ordinances:
- Chapter 11.05 Animal Waste Management
- Chapter 17.5.09 – Keeping of Farm Animals
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