Nutrient Application Technician under the Nutrient Management Act, 2002 and O. Reg. 267/03, Part X, s. 106 - Core Competencies

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Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Category 1: General Information
  3. Category 2: Sensitive Features and Setbacks
  4. Category 3: Application
  5. Category 4: Recordkeeping
  6. Abbreviations and Definitions

Introduction

The purpose of the nutrient management legislation is to provide for the management of materials containing nutrients in ways that will enhance protection of the natural environment and provide a sustainable future for agricultural operations and rural development. Under the Nutrient Management Act, 2002, Ontario Regulation 267/03, as amended, identifies a number of management practices that require a certificate or licence. This document identifies the skills and knowledge (defined as competencies) that are required for the Nutrient Application Technician Licence.

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) has developed training material that will assist audiences in obtaining the skills and knowledge to fulfill the majority of the required competencies for this licence. There is, however, a component of assumed industry knowledge required to be a successful licence holder. Training materials for this licence include:

  • Nutrient Application Technician Workbook
  • Nutrient Application Technician e-learning modules/DVD

This licence is mandatory for individuals applying nutrients to a phased-in agricultural operation that requires a Nutrient Management Plan or NASM Plan where they are not the owner, operator or employee.

It is expected that individuals wishing to obtain a Nutrient Application Technician Licence already possess the basic knowledge and skill required to apply nutrients to land. This certificate and these competencies focus on the requirements under O. Reg. 267/03. Candidates seeking certification may need to further develop their knowledge and skills by additional means (such as practical experience, self study, additional courses, etc.). There are also many OMAFRA technical publications that provide additional information for study purposes.

Licence candidates' knowledge of the main competencies listed in this document will be assessed during the exam. The exam for the Nutrient Application Technician Licence is based on the Nutrient Management Act, 2002, O. Reg. 267/03, the two associated Protocols and other knowledge required to implement the nutrient management legislation. Candidates for the Nutrient Application Technician Licence are directed to this list of competencies as a study guide. Individuals writing the exam will be provided with copies of the Nutrient Management Act, 2002, O, Reg. 267/03, the associated Protocols and the Nutrient Application Technician Workbook at the time of the exam.

Under sections 107 and 109 of O. Reg. 267/03, the Director can amend, suspend or cancel a certificate or licence issued if the holder of the certificate or licence:

  • contravenes the Act or Regulation; or
  • in the opinion of the Director, has demonstrated incompetence or bad faith in carrying out the activity in respect to which the certificate or licence is issued.
Under Section 108 of O. Reg 267/03, the Director can subject conditions on a certificate or licence. This can include:
  • conditions that are consented to by the applicant
  • any conditions that the Director considers appropriate.

The competencies are organized into five main categories:

It is the responsibility of each Nutrient Application Licence holder to maintain his or her knowledge and competency with respect to the Act and Regulation.

Notice to Reader:

The information contained in this document is derived from the Nutrient Management Act, 2002 and O. Reg. 267/03, as amended. Every effort has been made to make it as accurate as possible, but it is not authoritative. Please refer to www.e-laws.gov.on.ca or the official volumes printed by Publications Ontario for the authoritative text of the Act and Regulation.

For further details, contact the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs' Nutrient Management Toll-Free Information Line at 1-866-242-4460, e-mail nman@omafra.gov.on.ca or visit www.ontario.ca/omafra.

Category 1: General Information

  1. Identify the purpose and goals of the Nutrient Management Act, 2002 (NMA).
  2. List the roles and responsibilities of a "technician" under Ontario Regulation 267/03.
  3. Identify when a Nutrient Application Technician's licence is required and licence renewal timeline.
  4. Find pertinent information and references in the Nutrient Management Act, Regulation and Protocol documents.
  5. Give examples of agricultural source materials.
  6. Give examples of the term non-agricultural source material.
  7. Define the term nutrient.
  8. Define the term prescribed materials.
  9. Describe the concept of adverse effect and how as a technician you could potentially cause (or avoid) an adverse effect.
  10. List the requirements under O. Reg. 267/03 that must be followed when applying nutrients to all farms in Ontario.

Category 2: Sensitive Features and Setbacks

  1. Describe key terms such as setback, well, surface water, not surface water, vegetated buffer zone, and top of bank.
  2. Find significant features in the field such as wells, surface water, tile drain inlets, hickenbottoms.
  3. List the type of factors that influence setbacks.
  4. List the different types of wells identified in the Regulation.
  5. Find the regulatory setback distances for all types of nutrients (ASM, NASM, commercial fertilizer, compost) in relationship to:
    1. all classifications of wells
    2. surface water

Category 3: Application

  1. Describe the purpose of a nutrient management plan and NASM plan.
  2. List the key elements of a nutrient management plan and NASM plan that you will need to apply nutrients in the field.
  3. Identify the term "application rate".
  4. Identify factors that affect application rate.
  5. Describe the importance of calibrating field equipment.
  6. Describe the importance of maintaining an accurate spread pattern.
  7. Maintain an accurate spread pattern in the field.
  8. Review and accurately follow NMP and NASM plan documents in the field.
  9. Interpret a field sketch.
  10. Identify regulatory requirements for application during the restricted period or when soil is frozen or snow covered.
  11. List the acceptable methods for applying nutrients with high trajectory guns and direct flow application equipment.
  12. Describe what you will do if the NMP or NASN plan does not accurately reflect the farm operation.

Contingency Plans

  1. Follow your company's contingency plan for common nutrient application activities.
  2. Implement a farm's or a company's unique contingency plan in the event of a spill on the property.
  3. Describe under what circumstances a contingency plan should be implemented.
  4. Describe your role when faced with a contingency situation (e.g. a spill or situation where you are asked to do something in violation of O. Reg. 267/03 or other applicable legislation).
  5. Cite the spills action centre phone number.
  6. List what you should do in the event of a spill.
  7. Identify who to notify when you enact the contingency plan.

Category 4: Recordkeeping

  1. Explain the importance of good recordkeeping.
  2. Identify your recordkeeping requirements according to the Regulation.
  3. Keep accurate, detailed records.

Abbreviations and Definitions

Please read this section carefully to ensure understanding of the terms used in this document.

Abbreviations

In this document, unless specified otherwise:

  • "Act" means the Nutrient Management Act, 2002.
  • "Regulation" means Ontario Regulation 267/03.
  • "Required" means as required by the Nutrient Management Act, 2002 or O. Reg. 267/03.
  • "Acceptable" means meets the requirements outlined by the Nutrient Management Act, 2002 or O. Reg. 267/03.

Definitions

The following terms used in this document are defined in the Nutrient Management Act, 2002:

  • Nutrient
  • Nutrient Management Plan
The following terms used in this document are defined in O. Reg. 267/03:
  • Agricultural Source Materials (ASM)
  • Non-Agricultural Source Materials (NASM)
  • NASM Plan
  • Prescribed Material
  • Professional Engineer
The following terms used in this document are described in the Nutrient Management Protocol:
  • Field Sketch
  • Setbacks
  • Slope

For more information:
Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300
Local: (519) 826-4047
E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca
Author: OMAFRA Staff
Creation Date: 21 July 2011
Last Reviewed: 9 February 2012