Page 288 - Nutrient Management Planning Guide

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Cropping Practices to Reduce Nutrient Losses in Runoff

Manure spread on snow-covered or frozen •

ground is in direct contact with snowmelt runoff water, increasing the risk of nutrient transport. Appling fertilizer and manure at rates that •

meet crop nutrient requirements will reduce the risk of nutrient build-up in the soil and potential for transport. Apply manure just prior to seeding and •

active crop growth, so that plants take up nutrients and reduce the opportunity for nutrient loss. The incorporation of manure can reduce its •

exposure to surface runoff events. Conducting field operations across the slope •

(on the contour) produces micro channels that intercept and slow the flow of runoff down the slope. Permanent cover can be grown on sloped •

land to help hold the soil in place and promote water infiltration, reducing soil and nutrient losses.

Conservation tillage and conservation •

fallow systems increase the amount of crop residue left on the surface soil surface, minimizing erosion risk and conserving soil moisture. Winter cereals use nutrients in the fall, their •

roots anchor soil particles, provide ground cover and reduce the opportunity for erosion nutrient losses. A green manure crop is grown to provide •

short-term ground cover during the growing season, reducing the risk of erosion and runoff. Minimizing traffic from heavy field •

equipment can prevent the compaction of soils and maintain water infiltration, reducing the risk of erosion losses.

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