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Part 402 - Nutrient Management
402.02(a)(9)
402.01 Policy
- The guidance and procedures contained in this section are
applicable to all technical assistance that involves nutrient
management and/or the utilization of organic by-products, including
animal manure, where nutrients are applied to the land. All NRCS
employees will follow these procedures when providing such technical
assistance. Third party vendors and other non-NRCS employees
will use these procedures when assisting with the implementation
of federal conservation programs for which NRCS has national
technical responsibility and that include plans for nutrient
management.
- Plans for nutrient management are developed in compliance
with all applicable Federal, state, and/or local regulations.
Federal, state, and/or local regulations take precedence over
NRCS policy when more restrictive.
- NRCS at the state level will supplement this guidance to
make it applicable to local conditions as appropriate.
402.02 Definitions
- The following definitions apply to terms used in this section.
- Conservation Management Unit (CMU): A field, group
of fields, or other land units of the same land use and having
similar treatment needs and planned management. A CMU is a grouping
by the planner to simplify planning activities and facilitate
development of conservation management systems. A CMU has definite
boundaries, such as fence, drainage, vegetation, topography,
or soil lines.
- Nutrient: Any of the elements considered essential for plant
growth, particularly the primary nutrients; nitrogen, phosphorus,
and potassium.
- Nutrient Management: Managing the amount, source, placement,
form, and timing of the application of nutrients and soil amendments
to ensure adequate soil fertility for plant production and to
minimize the potential for environmental degradation, particularly
water quality impairment.
- Nutrient Management Plan: A documented record of how nutrients
will be used for plant production prepared for reference and
use by the producer or landowner.
- Nutrient Management Specialist: A person who provides technical
assistance for nutrient management and has the appropriate certification.
- Nutrient Source: Any material (i.e. commercial fertilizer,
animal manure, sewage sludge, irrigation water, etc.) that supplies
one or more of the elements essential for plant growth.
- Other Organic By-product: Any organic material other than
animal manure, sewage sludge, or urea applied to the land (e.g.
food processing waste).
- Resource Management System (RMS): A prescribed combination
of conservation practices and management identified by land or
water uses that, when implemented, prevents resource degradation
and permits sustained use by meeting quality criteria established
in the FOTG for the treatment of soil, water, air, plant, and
animal resources.
- Third Party Vendor: An individual (excluding NRCS employees,
extension specialists, and conservation district employees) who
has been certified by an approved certification organization
as being qualified to provide specified types of conservation
assistance, and whose certifying organization participates in
the USDA Approved Vendor Process outlined in Part 504, "Conservation
Assistance from Third Party Vendors" of the NRCS Conservation
Programs Manual. Third Party Vendor certification programs may
include, but are not limited to:
- Certified Crop Advisor Program of the American
Society of Agronomy.
- Land Grant University certification programs.
- National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants.
402.03 Certification
- All persons who review or approve plans for nutrient management
will be certified through a certification program accepted by
NRCS in the state involved.
- NRCS should identify all certification programs, available
within the state, it judges to be acceptable methods for becoming
certified.
- USDA recognized programs for certifying third party vendors
are recommended for use in states that have or use no other recognized
certification program.
402.04 Nutrient Management Plans
- Plans for nutrient management may be stand alone or be elements
of a more comprehensive conservation plan. When plans for nutrient
management are part of a more comprehensive conservation plan,
the provisions for nutrient management are compatible with other
provisions of the plan.
- Plans for nutrient management are developed in accordance
with technical requirements of the NRCS Field Office Technical
Guide (FOTG), policy requirements of the General Manual,
procedures contained in the National Planning Procedures Handbook
(NPPH), and technical guidance contained in the National Agronomy
Manual (NAM).
- Plans for nutrient management will include the following
components, as applicable:
- Aerial site photographs or maps and a soil map.
- Current and/or planned plant production sequence or crop
rotation.
- Soil test results and recommended nutrient application rates.
- Plant tissue test results, when used for nutrient management.
- A complete nutrient budget for nitrogen, phosphorus, and
potassium for the plant production system.
- Realistic yield goals and a description of how they were
determined.
- Quantification of all important nutrient sources (this could
include but not be limited to commercial fertilizer, animal manure
and other organic by-products, irrigation water, etc.).
- Planned rates, methods, and timing (month & year) of
nutrient application.
- Location of designated sensitive areas or resources (if present
on the conservation management unit).
- Guidance for implementation, operation, maintenance, and
recordkeeping.
- When applicable, plans for nutrient management should include
other practices or management activities as determined by specific
regulation, program requirements, or producer goals.
- States are encouraged to adopt protocol for the format and
appearance of nutrient management plans that is in accordance
with the National Planning Procedures Handbook (NPPH) and other
state developed guidance.
- If the Conservation Management Unit lies within a hydrologic
unit area that has been identified or designated as having impaired
water quality associated with nitrogen or phosphorus, plans for
nutrient management include an assessment of the potential for
nitrogen or phosphorus transport from the field. The Leaching
Index (LI) and/or Phosphorus Index (PI), or other assessment
tools accepted by NRCS, may be used to make these assessments.
- When such assessments are made, nutrient management
plans will include:
A record of the site rating for each field.
Information about conservation practices and management actions
that can reduce the potential for phosphorus movement from the
field.
- The results of such assessments and recommendations are discussed
with the producer as a normal part of the planning process.
- Review And Revision Of Nutrient Management Plans
- Plans for nutrient management should be reviewed
periodically to determine if adjustments or modifications are
needed. Annual reviews are highly recommended. The results of
such reviews should be documented in the plan, as well as the
identification of the person who made the review.
- States are encouraged to develop procedures for
periodic reviews so that they may be completed by the producer
or the representative of the producer.
- When a review indicates that a revision of the plan is needed,
the revised plan is approved by a certified nutrient management
specialist.
- A thorough review of plans for nutrient management plans
is done on a regular cycle not to exceed five years. This review
should coincide with the soil test cycle.
402.05 Soil and Plant Tissue Testing
- Current soil test information is used in the development
of all plans for nutrient management. As a minimum, tests should
include information for pH, phosphorus, and potassium. Tests
for other elements may be required when needed to develop plans
for nutrient management or to comply with state or local requirements.
- Current soil tests are those no older than five
(5) years, or
- Are less than five (5) years old if required by the state.
- Soil Sampling
- Soil samples are taken and handled in accordance
with Land Grant University guidance or standard industry practice
if accepted by the Land Grant University within the state.
- In situations where there are special production or environmental
considerations, the use of other sampling techniques is encouraged.
For example:
- Sub-soil sampling for residual nitrate in irrigated
crop production systems.
- Pre-sidedress Nitrogen Test and/or Pre Plant Soil
Nitrate test.
- Sampling of the surface layer (0-2 inches) for elevated soil
phosphorus or soil acidity when there is permanent vegetation,
non-inversion tillage, or when animal manure or other organic
by-products are broadcast or surface applied and not incorporated.
- Soil test analysis is performed by laboratories that are
accepted in one or more of the following programs:
- State Certified Programs.
- The North American Proficiency Testing Program (Soil Science
Society of America).
- Laboratories participating in other programs whose tests
are accepted by the Land Grant University in the state in which
the tests are used as the basis for nutrient application.
- The use of tissue analysis and other such tests should be
recommended when needed to ensure acceptable nutrient management.
- The nutrient content of animal manure and other organic by-products
is based on:
- Laboratory analysis of the material.
- Accepted book values recognized by NRCS in the absence of
laboratory analysis.
- Historic records for the operation if they exist and give
an accurate estimate of the nutrient content of the manure.
402.06 Nutrient Application Rates
- Soil amendments are recommended, as needed, to adjust and
maintain soil pH at the specific range of the crop for optimum
availability and utilization of nutrients.
- Recommended nutrient application rates are based upon Land
Grant University guidance or standard industry practice if recognized
by the Land Grant University. Current soil test results, realistic
yield goals, producer management capabilities, and other pertinent
information are considered when determining recommended nutrient
application rates.
- The planned and actual rates of nutrient application shall
not normally exceed recommended rates when commercial fertilizer
is the only source of nutrients being applied. When site specific
conditions require that either planned or actual rates of application
differ from or exceed recommended rates, the records for the
plan shall document the reason.
- Producers shall be advised that the planned rates of nutrient
application (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) may exceed
recommended rates when custom blended commercial fertilizers
are not available, or when animal manures or other organic by-products
are used as a nutrient source. When custom blended commercial
fertilizers are not available, the planned rates of application
shall match recommended rates as closely as possible. When animal
manure or other organic by-products are applied, the following
guidance shall be used for determining planned application rates:
- Nitrogen Application. Manure may be applied to legume
crops at a rate equal to the estimated nitrogen removal in harvested
plant biomass.
- Phosphorus application will be in accordance with one of
the following options.
- Phosphorus Index (PI): When the PI
is used, phosphorus may be applied at rates consistent with Table
1.
Table 1 *
Phosphorus Index Rating |
Phosphorus Application |
Low Risk |
Nitrogen Based |
Medium Risk |
Nitrogen Based |
High Risk |
Phosphorus Based (e.g. crop removal) |
Very High Risk |
Phosphorus Based (e.g. no application) |
* See 402-06(d)(2)(v)
|
- Phosphorus Threshold: When soil specific Phosphorus
Threshold (TH) values are available, phosphorus may be applied
at rates consistent with Table 2.
Table 2 *
Soil Phosphorus Threshold Level |
Phosphorus Application |
< 3/4 TH |
Nitrogen Based |
=> 3/4 TH, < 1 1/2 TH |
Phosphorus Based (e.g. crop removal) |
=> 1 1/2 TH, < 2 TH |
Phosphorus Based (e.g. 1/2 crop removal) |
=> 2 TH |
Phosphorus Based (e.g. no application) |
* See 402-06(d)(2)(v) |
- Soil Test Phosphorus: When soil test
phosphorus levels are used, phosphorus may be applied at rates
consistent with Table 3 or Figure 1.
Table 3 *
Soil Test Phosphorus Level |
Phosphorus Application |
Low |
Nitrogen Based |
Medium |
Nitrogen Based |
High |
Phosphorus Based (e.g. 1.5 times crop removal) |
Very High |
Phosphorus Based (e.g. crop removal) |
Excessive |
Phosphorus Based (e.g. no application) |
* See 402-06(e)(2)(v)
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![A chart shows the increases of Phosphorus against Yield Response](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080923015628im_/http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/ECS/images/nutri_190_fig1.gif)
- State developed guidance for using Tables 1, 2, and 3 and
Figure 1 will be used to establish criteria for a Resource Management
System (RMS) level of nutrient management. State developed guidance
will include input from the State Technical Committee and be
coordinated across state lines to ensure compatibility and consistency
with guidance developed in adjoining states.
- When using Tables 1, 2, or 3, states determine acceptable
phosphorus based application rates as a function of estimated
phosphorus removal in harvested plant biomass. Rates of application
should decrease as soil phosphorus levels or the risk of transport
increase. Guidance may include recommendations for no application.
The application rates shown in the tables are provided as guidance.
Both the State Technical Committee and Land Grant University
should be involved in developing these rates.
- When using Figure 1, states determine soil phosphorus levels
at which nitrogen based manure application is acceptable and
when phosphorus based manure application is recommended. Phosphorus
based manure application rates shall be developed as a function
of estimated phosphorus removal in harvested plant biomass. Phosphorus
application rates should decrease as available soil phosphorus
levels increase. Guidance may include a recommendation of no
application. Both the State Technical Committee and Land Grant
University should be involved in developing this guidance.
- Accommodation may be made for a single application of phosphorus
applied as manure at a rate equal to the recommended phosphorus
application rate or estimated phosphorus removal in harvested
plant biomass for the crop rotation or multiple years in the
crop sequence. Multi-year phosphorus applications will not be
at rates which exceed the annual nitrogen recommendation of
the year of application or on sites considered vulnerable to
off-site transport of phosphorus unless the appropriate conservation
practices, best management practices, or management activities
are used to reduce vulnerability.
- Potassium Application
- Excess potassium will not be recommended in situations
in which it causes unacceptable nutrient imbalances in crops
or forages.
- When forage quality and animal health are issues associated
with excess potassium application, state standards will be used
to set forage quality guidelines.
- Other plant nutrients should be applied as needed.
- Starter fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and
potassium may be recommended in accordance with Land Grant University
guidance or industry practice if recognized by the Land Grant
University within the state.
402.07 Special Considerations
- Plans developed for nutrient management that include the
use of manure or other organic by-products will:
- Identify the size of the land base needed to enable
plan implementation based on phosphorus, even when initial implementation
will be based on nitrogen, unless other provisions that do not
involve land application are made for utilizing the manure.
- Document the soil phosphorus level at which plan implementation
on a phosphorus standard would be desirable.
- Include a field-by-field assessment of the potential risk
for phosphorus transport from the field. This assessment may
be made using the Phosphorus Index (PI) or other assessment tool
recognized and accepted by NRCS.
- When a phosphorus assessment is completed, the plans
will describe:
A record of the ratings for each field.
Information about conservation practices and management activities
that can reduce the potential for phosphorus transport from the
field.
- The results of a phosphorus assessment and recommendations
will be discussed with the producer as a normal part of the planning
process.
- Recognize that some manures contain heavy metals and should
be accounted for in the plan for nutrient management.
- Progressive Planning
- The National Planning Procedures Handbook, Part
600.1, provides guidance for progressive planning designed to
assist producers who cannot initially plan for a Resource Management
System (RMS).
- The progressive planning process may be used to help existing
producers achieve an RMS level system when an RMS cannot be immediately
implemented. Such plans shall include:
- A description of the RMS level system which the
producer will be working to achieve.
- Conservation practices, management activities, and milestones
(installation schedules) that demonstrate movement toward an
RMS.
- Annual review of nutrient management systems being implemented
through the progressive planning process is highly encouraged
to determine progress.
- When plans for nutrient management are developed and implemented
in a way that results in expected increases in soil phosphorus
levels, the plans will include:
- Discussion about the potential for phosphorus accumulation
in the soil and how such accumulation increases the potential
for transport, animal health, or crop production problems.
- Discussion of the potential for soil phosphorus draw-down
from the production and harvesting of crops.
- In areas with specially protected water bodies, plans will
be developed incorporating any special requirements that are
applicable within these areas.
- Land application of sewage sludge
- When sewage sludge is applied to agricultural land,
the accumulations of potential pollutants from such sources (including:
Arsenic, Cadmium, Copper, Lead, Mercury, Selenium, and Zinc)
in the soil is monitored in accordance with the US Code Reference
40 CFR Parts 403 and 503, applicable state laws, and/or local
ordinances. States may determine if such provisions should also
be required for the land application of animal manure and other
organic by-products that contain any of these metals.
- Sewage sludge is analyzed prior to land application to determine
its nutrient value, heavy metals, and salt content.
- Acceptable application rates of sewage sludge are determined
using guidelines in this policy, and applicable Federal, state,
or local regulations.
- Producers will be reminded that when producing "fresh,
edible crops for the produce market, such as vegetables, root,
or tuber crops" and using sewage sludge, animal manure,
or other organic materials as a source of nutrients, applications
should be in accordance with provisions of all applicable Federal,
state, or local laws or policies.
402.08 Record Keeping
- It is the responsibility of producers, or the agents of producers,
to maintain records which document the implementation of plans
for nutrient management. Records include:
- Soil test results and recommended nutrient application
rates.
- Quantities and sources of nutrients applied; and heavy metals
if applicable.
- Dates (month and year) on which nutrients were applied.
- Methods by which nutrients were applied (e.g. broadcast,
incorporated after broadcast, injected, or fertigation).
- Crops planted and dates of planting.
- Harvest dates and yields of crops.
- Where applicable, results of water quality tests (including
irrigation water), plant tissue, or other organic by-products
tests.
- The results of reviews including the identification of the
person completing the review and any recommendations that resulted
from the review.
- Records which document implementation of the plan should
be retained for a period of five years; or for a period longer
than five years if specified by other Federal or state agencies
or local ordinances, or program or contract requirements.
- National Instruction No. 120-310, Amendment No. 4, dated
June 17, 1998, provides guidance for responding to requests for
access to these records.
Contents
190 - Ecological Sciences
PART 400 - (Reserved)
PART 401 - PLANT LIST OF ACCEPTED NOMENCLATURE, TAXONOMY, AND
SYMBOLS
PART 402 - NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT
PART 403 - (Reserved)
PART 404 - PESTICIDES
PART 409 - RECREATION
PART 410 - COMPLIANCE WITH THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
ACT (NEPA)
PART 411 - RIPARIAN AREA RECOGNITION AND MANAGEMENT
Sec.
402.01 Policy
402.02 Definitions
402.03 Certification
402.04 Nutrient Management Plans
402.05 Soil and Plant Tissue Testing
402.06 Nutrient Application Rates
402.07 Special Considerations
402.08 Record Keeping
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