Be in the Know About Nutrients with a VNMP

Nutrition is the focus for active kids at any age, keeping them fueled for sports and being sure their nutrient intake is correct for their individual needs. With no surprise, soil and field health is just the same, nutrient focused. Most of the nutrients applied are dependent on what is needed according to the soil nutrient value. These values within the individual fields vary on nutrient needs due to past, current and future crops and nutrient applications.

A Voluntary Nutrient Management Plan (VNMP) is an important plan for producers. VNMP can benefit producers of all sizes. Large crop farmers to small hobby farms that apply manure and fertilizer to their garden or pastures.

VNMP is a plan for the number of acres that is managed as well as any manure or commercial fertilizer that is being spread. It allows the producer to insure they are not applying more nutrients than what can be absorbed into the soil as well as knowing what nutrients are needed to be able to have a successful crop stand. With a VNMP current soil samples are considered as well as the value of the manure being applied.

A VNMP is beneficial from a financial standpoint as well. If a manure analysis is done and the value of manure is known, it will be less commercial fertilizer that need to be purchased and applied. Let’s face it, cost of all products are on the rise. Commercial fertilizer will most likely always be a need but if the value of manure is known we can save in the long run from purchasing commercial fertilizer that isn’t getting absorbed into the soil. This prevents excess runoff from applications and ensures our neighbors that a plan is in place to avoid excess nutrient loading into the streams.

Ashland Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) is hosting a Nutrient Know How Chat. September 8th at 10am and 2pm we will be hosting a help session for producers to write their own Voluntary Nutrient Management Plans. SWCD will have several laptops for use of developing the plans for each producer but it is encouraged to bring your own and learn how this plan can benefit each operation from large to small. For anyone with any questions please contact Ashland SWCD at 419-281-7645.