Agricultural Nutrient and Pest Management

Research: Nutrient Management Tools and Technology

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New England Land Grant Universities conduct research and evaluation of nutrient management planning tools, software, and innovative technology that measures the effectiveness of planning and field application techniques. With these tools, nutrient management is optimized and risks of nutrient leaching and runoff are reduced.

soil testing tool    corn stalks

Performance-based Nutrient Management Planning and Evaluation

UCONN partners with CT NRCS and CT Department of Environmental Protection to develop performance-based Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans that incorporate current research on soil and tissue testing and comprehensive field data collected over multiple years. UCONN continues to research the end-of-season corn stalk test to refine nitrogen management in silage corn production.

UCONN has completed research on farmer behavior change following a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan for a period of 4 or more years, which will be published in 2007.

 

handheld testing tool Nutrient and Soil Quality Management Planning Tools

UMaine and UMASS are using and evaluating the Whole Farm Nutrient Balance Program. This is an interactive Excel module that was developed in a regional research project that provides a quick gross overview of the nutrient balance for a farm which can be calculated in just a few minutes with a farmer. UMASS is also developing tools, such as a field calculator to estimate nutrient credits and nutrient needs as part of a grant from the Mass. Agricultural Innovations Center and UMASS Extension. For more information contact Stephen Herbert and visit the UMASS Crops, Dairy, Livestock website. external link

UVM Extension developed a nutrient management course for farmers, meeting the NRCS 590 standard. As of February 2007, 30 farms have taken the 5 week course (3 hours/week) and 28 farms have developed plans on a total of 14,342 acres. 50% of farmers will apply less nitrogen and phosphorus and 67% will save money. UVM partners with VT NRCS to conduct the courses and is developing a course curriculum that will be available for the region. UVM, The University of Rhode Island, and RI NRCS plan to adapt the curriculum for RI livestock and turf farms and to pilot a course in 2008.

UVM is partnering with Cornell University (NY) to develop and implement a Soil Health Evaluation Tool. Soil quality indicators are being developed based on research from LGU and on-farm sites.

See Animal Waste Management for additional nutrient management planning tools and technology, including the P-index.

USDA Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program external link provides information on grants and research to improve sustainable agriculture efforts in the northeast.