Opportunity for growers to work with ag retailers for 4R nutrient management

Crop growers in the Western Lake Erie Basin have a new opportunity to improve nutrient management this winter. Under a new grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, growers can work with their ag retailers and resource specialists with the IPM Institute of North America to develop a plan for their farm to improve profitability and protect water quality.

The project provides for a full-time plan writer to complete nutrient management plans that meet the needs of growers and ag retailers and follow criteria set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service. Plans will follow the 4R concept: right fertilizer source, at the right rate, at the right time and in the right place.

The project also will include a training workshop for Certified Crop Advisors working at ag retail locations in the Western Lake Erie Basin to become technical service providers, a requirement for NRCS programs.

There are many benefits from having a current plan including:

• Maintaining an adequate and balanced supply of nutrients to ensure optimum yields;

• Minimizing nutrient losses to surface and groundwater;

• Optimizing the physical, chemical and biological soil condition for future production;

• Maintaining profitability.

Learn more by contacting Mark Adelsperger at 419-294-8960 or madelsperger@ipminstitute.org.