Nutrient Management Protocol
Part 4 - Introduction to Nutrient Management Strategies and Plans

• 4.1 Purpose
  • 4.1.1 Nutrient Management Strategy
  • 4.1.2 Nutrient Management Plan
• 4.2 The Difference Between a Nutrient Management Strategy and a Nutrient Management Plan
  • 4.2 Identification of the Components
  • Table 4.2.1: Identifying Components Required in Nutrient Management Strategies and Nutrient Management Plans for Agricultural Operations
• Related Links

4.1 Purpose

4.1.1Nutrient Management Strategy

A nutrient management strategy sets out an environmentally acceptable method for managing all prescribed materials generated at an agricultural or non-agricultural operation. All generators of prescribed materials must complete a nutrient management strategy if they are phased in by the Regulation, Part 2.

4.1.2 Nutrient Management Plan

A nutrient management plan (NMP) details how nutrients are to be applied to a given land base. A nutrient management plan is based on both the components of the nutrients used and the characteristics of the field. This plan optimizes the utilization of the nutrients by crops in the field and minimizes environmental impacts. A person who owns or controls an agricultural operation, which is phased in by the Regulation, Part 2, and generates ≥ 300 NU or is located within 100 meters of a municipal well must complete a nutrient management plan if they land apply nutrients on their farm unit. For those farms that receive non-agricultural source materials then an approved plan will also be required.

A person may use any method for preparing nutrient management strategies and plans that addresses the components required by this protocol. One option is to make use of the OMAFRA computer program. OMAFRA has developed "NMAN", a nutrient management computer program with an associated workbook for the purpose of completing a nutrient management strategy or nutrient management plan for agricultural operations. A nutrient management strategy or plan for an agricultural operation can both be completed using the NMAN Software program or the associated workbook developed by OMAFRA. Nutrient management strategies for the non-agricultural generators must be prepared in accordance with Part 6 of this protocol.

NMAN is designed to either produce or accommodate all of the components of the nutrient management strategy and plan. NMAN can be found on the OMAFRA website and is available from OMAFRA for use with this Protocol and the Regulation.

4.2The Difference Between a Nutrient Management Strategy and a Nutrient Management Plan

4.2.Identification of the Components

A nutrient management strategy for agricultural generators includes the following components that are also the required components of a nutrient management plan

1. Description of the operation
2. Contingency plan
3. Nutrient analysis or nutrient values provided in Appendix 1.
4. List of storage facilities
5. Farm Unit Declaration Form
6. Farm Unit sketch

A complete list of components required for nutrient management strategies and nutrient management plans for agricultural operations is found in table 4.2.1 below. Information on the requirements for a non-agricultural operation nutrient management strategy can be found in part 6 of the protocol.

Within this protocol, each component required to be in a nutrient management strategy and nutrient management plan in relation to prescribed material is discussed in relation to either a plan or strategy. Some components are required by both the nutrient management strategy and nutrient management plan.

• OMAFRA Website