Nutrient Management and Soil Health Planning

Eligible Expenses

Consulting services of a qualified professional (e.g., nutrient management specialist, Certified Crop Advisor, engineer, biologist, etc.) to conduct a first-time assessment and develop one of the following written plans:

• Crop Nutrient Plan covering one full crop rotation cycle (five-year plan required) that must include:
  • Soil sampling and analysis (including frequency of sampling, sampling plan, and soil test results that include organic matter, soil phosphorus, pH, etc.)
  • Maps of fields, locations of any sensitive features requiring special management or setbacks
  • The following details, on a per field basis:
    • Crop rotation
    • Tillage practices for each crop
    • Nutrients applied from all sources (timing, placement, rates)
    • Crop removal and the nutrient balance for each crop, including credits from legumes and/or manure
    • Fertilizer recommendations for each crop
    • Management practices to reduce risk of nutrient loss
  • Nutrient Management Planning (NMP)
  • Riparian Health Assessment (includes a detailed soil survey or identification of soil and topographic features)
  • Soil Erosion Plan (includes a detailed soil survey or identification of soil and topographic features)
  • Water Management Plan/Wastewater Management Plan

Consulting services may include:

• Data collection, materials, sampling or analysis
• Contingency Planning
• Engineering design services
• Maps and land resource information costs
• Planning and decision support tools (e.g., initial purchase of computer software, aerial photos)
• Report preparation