Page 79 - Nutrient Management Planning Guide

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Field Assessment

Other Features of Interest

During the site assessment, document any other site features that might affect crop productivity. These features may impact the ability to apply nutrients or crop protection products, or these features may affect the environmental risk associated with producing a crop on that site. Identifying additional site features is particularly important if custom applicators are unfamiliar with the site. Awareness of these features provides the applicator with an understanding of the risks and liabilities associated with the site.

Some examples of additional features to identify include:

drainage pattern or structures (e.g., tile drainage •

systems) public roads or ditches that run adjacent to the site • irrigation structures • wildlife habitat • presence of endangered species on the site (including •

endangered plant species) rock outcroppings • oil well sites and road allowances • proximity to neighbours (if there is a risk of nuisance •

arising from field operations) presence of damage from burrowing animals •

(e.g., pocket gophers, ground squirrels, badgers, etc.) areas of compacted soil or soils with drainage issues • woodlots • above-ground or buried utilities •

To determine whether a feature should be included in the site assessment portion of the nutrient management plan, consider the following questions:

Questions to Determine Relevance of a Feature

Will the feature affect the rate, timing, or 1.

pattern of manure or fertilizer application? Does the feature increase the environmental 2.

risk associated with producing a crop on the site under the proposed management system? Will this feature contribute to nuisance issues 3.

resulting from field operations involved in producing a crop on the site? Will it be necessary to implement a 4.

management practice to offset the impact of the feature? Does the feature present a potential hazard or 5.

obstacle to any equipment that will be used in the production of a crop on the site?

If the answer is “yes” to any of the above questions, document and incorporate the feature into the planning and decision-making process.