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NMAN Software

Author: Amy Bihari - Environmental Program Information Specialist/OMAFRA
Creation Date: 10 December 2003
Last Reviewed: 15 May 2008

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What is NMAN?

NMAN is a software tool developed by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (Canada). NMAN assists farmers in predicting nutrient generation and determining land base requirements for agronomic use of nutrients.

Specific features of NMAN include:

    • Windows XP/Vista compatible.
    • Farmer-friendly interface.
    • Can track nutrient and manure applications.
    • Considers both agronomic and crop removal nutrient application rates.
    • Can be used for both field and horticultural crops.
    • A database of manure and other nutrient analysis results provides the user with an estimate of the nutrient content of various prescribed materials.
    • Determines manure application rates and actual equipment speeds.
    • A manure storage sizing subroutine estimates manure storage volume requirements for new storage or livestock housing designs.
    • An economic analysis shows the equivalent dollar value of the manure nutrients applied.
    • A "Phosphorus Index" calculation identifies minimum recommended separation distances from watercourses.
    • A "Nitrogen Index" calculation identifies risk factors of nitrogen movement to groundwater.
    • Operates in either metric, Imperial or US Imperial measurements.
    • Allows field sketches, site specific maps, or air photos to be displayed.

A new version of the NMAN computer program is here! This enhanced version of NMAN represents today's agricultural management practices and recent legislative changes. Our most noticeable change is MSTOR, which is now an embedded component of NMAN.

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What's New in NMAN 2?

Calculators

    • Anaerobic Digester (AD) calculator
    • Feed ration calculator for swine feeders
    • Temporary storage calculator.

Storage Changes

    • The number of new and existing storages per storage system is unlimited
    • You are able to store solid materials in liquid storage types
    • You are able to store liquid materials in solid storage types
    • You are able to account for pasture material.

Expanded Lists

    • "Additional Sources", such as energy crops and off-farm materials for AD systems
    • Solid and liquid storage types.

And, so much more!

    • Grazing unit concept to handle animals on pasture
    • Ability to handle run-off from vegetative filter strips and permanently vegetated areas
    • Streamlined process for managing material transfers
    • User interface improvements
    • Help system improvements
    • Nutrient Management Act and User Report improvements, including legal forms.

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Opening Older NMAN Files in NMAN 2

NMAN 2 is very different from NMAN 2003/04 versions. Please take note of the following issues before you load NMAN 2003/04 files in NMAN 2.

    1. Storage System (MSTOR) Information

Before uploading NMAN 2003/2004 files into NMAN 2, the link between material type (NMAN) and storage system (MSTOR) must exist for all years. We recommend you check the existing file (using NMAN 2003/04) and make sure the "material information" is linked to the correct storage system. If you cannot establish a link for the NMAN 2003/2004 files, you are forced to re-enter your storage system information in NMAN 2.

    1. Transfer Contact Information

Contact information for transfers is in a separate table in NMAN 2. All material transfers in the existing NMAN 2003/04 file are transferred to the new file and a transfer contact is created for each transfer. This approach ensures information is not lost. However, your new file may contain duplicate transfer contact information. After the existing file has been upgraded, we recommend you check the transfer information and consolidate the transfer contacts.

How Do I Get a Copy of the Latest Version of NMAN?

If you are running a copy of NMAN 2.0.1 you can download the upgrade to NMAN 2.0.2 from the NMAN Online Upgrade page. If you are currently operating a version of NMAN June 14, 2004 R4 or older, we strongly suggest that you attend a Nutrient Management training course in order to get the latest version of the software. For copies of the software in advance of the training courses, please contact your local resource centre.

Related Links

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For more information:
Toll Free: 1-866-242-4460
E-mail: nman.omafra@ontario.ca