Nutrient Management Planning & Software Category Guide

What Is Nutrient Management & Application?

Nutrient management encompasses planning, testing, and application practices that maximize the fertilizer value of dairy manure while protecting water quality and meeting regulatory requirements. Good nutrient management turns waste disposal into profitable crop nutrition.

Why Nutrient Management Matters

Dairy manure contains valuable nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients. Proper management captures this value while preventing environmental problems. Poor management wastes nutrients, causes pollution, and creates regulatory issues.

Key Benefits

• Fertilizer value: Reduce commercial fertilizer purchases
• Environmental protection: Prevent nutrient runoff and leaching
• Regulatory compliance: Meet nutrient management requirements
• Soil improvement: Organic matter benefits soil health
• Crop production: Supply balanced nutrition to crops

Key Components

Manure Testing

Laboratory analysis determines nutrient content for application rate calculations. Test regularly as content varies.

Soil Testing

Measure existing nutrient levels to determine crop needs and avoid over-application.

Nutrient Planning

Calculate application rates based on crop needs, soil levels, and manure content. Balance N, P, and K.

Application Timing

Apply when crops can use nutrients and conditions minimize loss. Avoid frozen, saturated, or bare soils.

Application Methods

Injection and incorporation reduce nutrient loss and odors compared to surface spreading.

Application Equipment

• Tankers: Transport and spread liquid manure
• Injectors: Place manure below soil surface
• Dragline: Pump manure through hose to distant fields
• Spreaders: Apply solid or semi-solid manure

Do You Need Nutrient Management Help?

Consider professional assistance if:

• Regulations require certified nutrient management plans
• Nutrient balance is challenging on limited acreage
• Soil phosphorus levels are building
• You want to optimize manure value
• Application equipment or services are needed

Cost Considerations

Manure testing costs $25-75/sample. Nutrient management plans cost $500-2,000+. Custom application services cost $0.01-0.03/gallon applied. The value of manure nutrients is $20-40/ton equivalent—proper management captures this value while meeting environmental goals.