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Competency Area 6: Nutrient Management and Planning

PO 47. Understand the role of the NRCS 590 Nutrient Management Standard in national nutrient management planning policy.

The NRCS 590 Standard establishes criteria for nutrient management elements of comprehensive nutrient management plans (CNMPs) for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) and other farms receiving state or federal cost-sharing for Best Management Practices (BMPs).

Guidelines of the 590 include:

  • Account for nutrients from all sources
  • Plan manure application based on crop nutrient needs
  • Apply P runoff and N leaching guidelines (such as NY P Runoff Index and Nitrate Leaching Index)
  • Apply appropriate manure application setbacks
  • Follow Land Grant University Guideline