Farm nutrient management planning

Whilst an OVERSEER^® nutrient budget is useful in itself, the real value is when it is used in a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) to develop a farm strategy that takes into account productivity, environmental losses against consent conditions (if any) and other factors important to the business.

Nutrient Management Plans are central to ‘Whole Farm Plans’ and come in many formats, but they usually have the following in common:

• A farm map and description of the business
• An OVERSEER^® nutrient budget as the central component
• An assessment of environmental risks
• A summary of consent requirements
• Recommended actions for addressing identified issues, including:
  • Scenario analyses
  • Details of fertiliser requirements

It is essential that NMPs should be prepared by trained advisors, competent in the use of OVERSEER^® and with a detailed understanding of farm systems, nutrient cycling and environmental issues.

NMPs are increasingly being used by Regional Councils as a part of the consents process. However, they should never be considered simply as something to do to meet regulatory requirements. NMPs are invaluable business tools, with potential to save the farm money by increasing efficiency of nutrient use as well as decreasing discharges’ to the environment.

A real case study example where a NMP increased farm profitability.

Further information

FertResearch’s website has more detailed information on NMPs

Visit Environment Waikato provides website to see one Regional Council’s view of NMPs